1 Chronicles 21:25

So David paid Ornan six hundred shekels of gold for the site.

Study Bible

So David paid
This phrase marks a significant moment of accountability and responsibility. David, the king of Israel, acknowledges his need to make restitution. The Hebrew root for "paid" is "שָׁקַל" (shaqal), which means to weigh or to pay. This act of payment signifies David's recognition of the value and importance of the site, as well as his commitment to rectify his previous actions that led to God's displeasure. It is a moment of humility and obedience, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor God through tangible actions.

Araunah
Araunah, also known as Ornan in some translations, was a Jebusite, a group that originally inhabited Jerusalem. His willingness to offer his threshing floor to David for free (as seen in the surrounding verses) demonstrates a remarkable act of generosity and respect towards the king. The name "Araunah" itself is of Jebusite origin, and his interaction with David highlights the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between the Israelites and the remaining Jebusites in Jerusalem. This encounter underscores the theme of unity and reconciliation.

six hundred shekels of gold
The specific mention of "six hundred shekels of gold" emphasizes the substantial value of the transaction. In ancient times, a shekel was a unit of weight, and gold was a precious commodity. The Hebrew term "שֶׁקֶל" (shekel) indicates a standard measure, and the use of gold signifies the high worth of the site. This payment reflects David's understanding of the spiritual significance of the location, which would later become the site of Solomon's Temple. It also illustrates the principle of giving God our best, not what costs us nothing.

for the site
The "site" refers to the threshing floor of Araunah, which holds profound historical and spiritual significance. In the broader biblical narrative, this location is identified as Mount Moriah, where Abraham was tested with the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22). It is also the future site of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The Hebrew word "מָקוֹם" (maqom) means place or location, and in this context, it signifies a divinely appointed place for God's presence and worship. David's purchase of the site is an act of faith and foresight, acknowledging God's sovereignty and preparing for the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for the Lord among His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God, but also for his human failings. In this chapter, David is dealing with the consequences of his sin of conducting a census of Israel.

2. Araunah
A Jebusite who owned the threshing floor that David purchased. His willingness to give the site to David for free highlights his respect for the king and the God of Israel.

3. Threshing Floor
The site David purchased to build an altar to the Lord. It later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple, making it a significant place in Israel's history.

4. The Census
An event where David, against God's will, ordered a count of Israel's fighting men, leading to God's displeasure and a subsequent plague.

5. The Plague
A divine punishment for David's sin, which was halted when David built an altar and offered sacrifices on the threshing floor.

Teaching Points

Obedience and Repentance
David's willingness to pay for the site, despite Araunah's offer to give it for free, demonstrates the importance of obedience and genuine repentance. True repentance often requires a personal cost.

The Cost of Worship
Worship that costs us nothing is not true worship. David's insistence on paying for the site underscores the principle that our offerings to God should be meaningful and sacrificial.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite David's sin, God's mercy is evident in providing a way to stop the plague. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and His readiness to forgive when we turn back to Him.

The Significance of Place
The purchase of the threshing floor, which becomes the site of the Temple, shows how God can use our actions to fulfill His greater purposes. Our obedience can have far-reaching implications.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does David's insistence on paying for the threshing floor teach us about the nature of true repentance and worship?

2. How does the account of David's census and the resulting plague illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our own lives today?

4. How does the location of the threshing floor connect to other significant biblical events, and what does this teach us about God's plan?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy after a period of disobedience. How did this experience change your relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional details about the purchase of the threshing floor and the events surrounding the census.

Genesis 22
The location of the threshing floor is traditionally associated with Mount Moriah, where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting themes of sacrifice and obedience.

1 Kings 6
Solomon's construction of the Temple on this site fulfills the significance of David's purchase, showing God's long-term plan for this location.