1 Chronicles 21:20

Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.

Study Bible

Now Ornan was threshing wheat
Threshing wheat was a common agricultural activity in ancient Israel, typically done on a threshing floor, which was a flat, hard surface. This activity indicates a time of harvest, a period of labor and provision. Ornan, also known as Araunah in other biblical texts, owned a threshing floor on Mount Moriah, a significant location in biblical history. This site is traditionally associated with the place where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) and later became the location of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). The act of threshing wheat symbolizes separation and purification, themes that resonate throughout Scripture.

when he turned and saw the angel
The appearance of an angel signifies a divine intervention or message. In the context of 1 Chronicles 21, the angel is executing God's judgment due to David's sin of conducting a census. Angels often appear in the Bible as messengers or agents of God's will, such as in Genesis 19 with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The presence of the angel here underscores the seriousness of the situation and the direct involvement of God in the affairs of Israel. This moment of divine revelation is pivotal, as it leads to David's repentance and the eventual establishment of the temple site.

and his four sons who were with him hid themselves
The reaction of Ornan's sons reflects the natural human response to the divine and the supernatural. Fear and awe are common reactions to angelic appearances, as seen in other biblical accounts like the shepherds in Luke 2:9. The hiding of Ornan's sons can also be seen as a reflection of the holiness and power of God, which often causes humans to recognize their own frailty and sinfulness. This moment highlights the contrast between divine holiness and human fear, a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the need for reverence and humility before God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ornan (Araunah)
A Jebusite who owned the threshing floor where David was instructed to build an altar to the Lord. His willingness to give his property for God's purpose is significant.

2. The Angel of the Lord
A divine messenger sent by God, often associated with God's presence and judgment. In this context, the angel is executing judgment due to David's sin of conducting a census.

3. David
The King of Israel who, by ordering a census, sinned against God, leading to a plague upon Israel. His repentance and subsequent actions are central to this account.

4. Threshing Floor of Ornan
The location where David was instructed to build an altar to stop the plague. It later became the site of Solomon's Temple.

5. Ornan's Sons
They were present during this divine encounter and reacted with fear, highlighting the awe and reverence due to God's presence.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
David's census was an act of pride and lack of trust in God, leading to severe consequences. We must be aware of the impact of our actions and seek God's guidance.

God's Mercy and Provision
Despite the judgment, God provided a way for restoration through sacrifice. This points to His mercy and the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ as the final sacrifice.

Willingness to Serve God
Ornan's readiness to give his threshing floor for God's purpose is a model of generosity and submission to God's will. We should be willing to offer our resources for God's kingdom.

Reverence for God's Presence
The reaction of Ornan's sons reminds us of the importance of reverence and awe in the presence of God. We should approach God with humility and respect.

The Significance of Worship Sites
The transformation of Ornan's threshing floor into the temple site underscores the importance of places dedicated to worship and meeting with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from David's response to his sin, and how can we apply this to our own lives when we recognize our failures?

2. How does Ornan's willingness to give his threshing floor challenge us in our own generosity and service to God?

3. In what ways does the fear and reverence shown by Ornan's sons inform our understanding of how we should approach God today?

4. How does the transformation of the threshing floor into the temple site illustrate the concept of redemption and new beginnings in our lives?

5. What parallels can we draw between the sacrifices made by David and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this deepen our understanding of God's plan for salvation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 24
This parallel account provides additional details about David's sin, the resulting plague, and the purchase of Ornan's threshing floor.

Genesis 22
The concept of a significant sacrifice on a mountain, as Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, parallels David's sacrifice on Ornan's threshing floor.

Hebrews 12
The fear and reverence shown by Ornan's sons can be connected to the New Testament teaching on the reverence due to God, who is a consuming fire.