Topical Encyclopedia Araunah, also known as Ornan, is a significant biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. He is best known for his interaction with King David during a pivotal moment in Israel's history.Background and Identity Araunah was a Jebusite, a member of the ancient Canaanite inhabitants of Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David. The Jebusites were known to have occupied the city of Jebus, which later became Jerusalem, and Araunah's presence there indicates his status as a prominent resident or landowner. Biblical Account The primary account of Araunah is found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. These passages describe a time when King David, incited by Satan, conducted a census of Israel and Judah, which was against God's will. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel as a punishment. To halt the plague, David was instructed by the prophet Gad to build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. The Threshing Floor The threshing floor of Araunah is a significant location, as it later became the site of Solomon's Temple. In 2 Samuel 24:18-25 (BSB), the narrative describes how David approached Araunah to purchase the threshing floor: "So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded. When Araunah looked down and saw the king and his servants coming toward him, he went out and bowed facedown before the king. 'Why has my lord the king come to his servant?' Araunah said. 'To buy your threshing floor,' David replied, 'so that I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be halted.'" Araunah offered the threshing floor to David for free, along with oxen for the burnt offering and threshing sledges for wood. However, David insisted on purchasing it, stating in 2 Samuel 24:24 (BSB), "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver, and he built an altar there, offering burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD answered his prayers, and the plague was halted. Ornan in 1 Chronicles In 1 Chronicles 21, Araunah is referred to as Ornan. The account is similar, with slight variations in detail. In 1 Chronicles 21:22-25 (BSB), David's insistence on paying for the threshing floor is emphasized, and the price is recorded as six hundred shekels of gold for the site. This discrepancy in the price between the two accounts is often discussed among scholars, with various explanations offered, including the possibility of different measures or additional purchases. Significance Araunah's interaction with David highlights themes of obedience, sacrifice, and the importance of offering to God that which is costly. The site of his threshing floor, purchased by David, became the location of the Temple in Jerusalem, making it a place of profound religious and historical significance for Israel. Araunah's willingness to give freely to the king and David's insistence on paying for the site underscore the principles of generosity and integrity in worship. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God with sincere and meaningful offerings. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 21:15-25And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now your hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Nave's Topical Index Library One Worker Preparing for Another Resources How many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Mount Moriah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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