1 Chronicles 21:21

David came to Ornan, and when Ornan looked out and saw David, he left the threshing floor and bowed facedown before David.

Study Bible

David came to Ornan
David, the king of Israel, approaches Ornan, also known as Araunah, a Jebusite. This event occurs after David's census of Israel, which displeased God and led to a plague. The location is significant as it is the future site of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David conquered the city, indicating a peaceful coexistence at this point. This encounter highlights David's role as a leader who seeks to rectify his wrongs by building an altar to the Lord.

and when Ornan looked out and saw David
Ornan, engaged in his daily work, notices the approach of the king. This indicates Ornan's position as a landowner and a person of some standing, as he possesses a threshing floor. The threshing floor is a place where grain is separated from chaff, symbolizing judgment and purification, which is fitting given the context of David's repentance. Ornan's recognition of David suggests the king's prominence and respect among the people, even those of different ethnic backgrounds.

he left the threshing floor
Ornan's immediate response to leave his work signifies respect and urgency. The threshing floor, often located on elevated ground for wind exposure, is a place of economic activity and importance. Ornan's willingness to leave it unattended reflects his recognition of the significance of David's visit and possibly an understanding of the divine purpose behind it.

and bowed facedown before David
Bowing facedown is a gesture of deep respect and submission, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures when in the presence of royalty or someone of high status. This act demonstrates Ornan's acknowledgment of David's authority and possibly his awareness of the spiritual implications of the king's visit. The act of bowing also prefigures the reverence due to Christ, the ultimate King, and foreshadows the worship that will occur at the Temple, which will be built on this very site.

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 where David intended to build an altar to the Lord. His interaction with David is significant in the account of repentance and sacrifice.

3. Threshing Floor
A place where grain is separated from chaff, symbolically a place of separation and purification. It becomes the site for David's altar and later the location for Solomon's Temple.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, central to Israel's history and God's covenant with His people.

5. The Plague
A divine judgment sent upon Israel as a consequence of David's sin, which is halted at the threshing floor of Araunah.

Teaching Points

Repentance and Restoration
David's approach to Araunah's threshing floor is a step towards repentance. True repentance involves acknowledging sin and taking steps to make things right with God.

The Cost of Sacrifice
David insists on paying for the threshing floor, teaching us that genuine worship and repentance often require personal sacrifice.

God's Mercy
Despite David's sin, God provides a way to stop the plague, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to forgive when we turn back to Him.

The Significance of Place
The threshing floor becomes a sacred site, reminding us that God can transform places of judgment into places of worship and blessing.

Leadership and Accountability
As a leader, David's actions had consequences for the entire nation, highlighting the importance of responsible and godly leadership.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does David's interaction with Araunah teach us about the nature of true repentance and worship?

2. How does the concept of sacrifice in this passage connect to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of personal sacrifice in our own worship and relationship with God?

4. How does the transformation of the threshing floor into a place of worship encourage us in our own spiritual journeys?

5. What lessons can we learn from David's leadership, both in his failures and his steps towards restoration, that apply to our roles in our communities and families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Genesis 22
The concept of sacrifice and obedience is echoed in the account of Abraham and Isaac, highlighting themes of faith and God's provision.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Covenant.