1 Chronicles 21:22

Then David said to Ornan, "Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted."

Study Bible

Then David said to Ornan
This phrase introduces King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, known for his heart after God. The name "David" in Hebrew means "beloved," reflecting his special relationship with God. Ornan, also known as Araunah in 2 Samuel 24, was a Jebusite, indicating the diverse peoples within Israel's borders. This interaction highlights David's humility and respect for others, even those outside of Israel's covenant community.

Grant me the site of this threshing floor
The "threshing floor" was a place where grain was separated from chaff, symbolizing purification and judgment. In ancient Israel, threshing floors were often located on elevated ground, making them suitable for altars. The request to "grant" signifies David's desire for a willing transaction, respecting Ornan's ownership. This site would later become the location for Solomon's Temple, underscoring its spiritual significance.

that I may build an altar on it to the LORD
Building an "altar" was an act of worship and atonement, a place where sacrifices were made to God. The Hebrew word for altar, "mizbeach," comes from a root meaning "to slaughter," emphasizing the sacrificial system central to Israel's worship. David's intention to build an altar "to the LORD" reflects his desire to restore fellowship with God and seek His mercy.

Sell it to me at the full price
David's insistence on paying the "full price" demonstrates his integrity and understanding that true worship requires personal sacrifice. This principle is echoed in 2 Samuel 24:24, where David states he will not offer to God that which costs him nothing. The transaction underscores the value of sincere devotion and the costliness of atonement.

so the plague on the people may be halted
The "plague" was a divine judgment resulting from David's earlier sin of conducting a census, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:1-17. The Hebrew word for plague, "magephah," indicates a severe affliction or calamity. David's actions here are intercessory, seeking to "halt" the plague and spare the people. This reflects the role of a godly leader who takes responsibility and seeks God's mercy on behalf of others.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, who seeks to build an altar to the LORD to stop a plague.

2. Ornan (Araunah)
A Jebusite who owns the threshing floor that David wishes to purchase.

3. Threshing Floor
The site where David intends to build an altar; significant as a place of divine encounter.

4. Plague
A divine judgment upon Israel due to David's earlier sin of conducting a census.

5. Altar
A place of sacrifice and worship, intended to appease God's wrath and stop the plague.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Obedience
David insists on paying the full price, illustrating that true worship and repentance often require personal sacrifice.

The Role of Repentance
David's actions demonstrate the importance of repentance in restoring our relationship with God.

God's Mercy in Judgment
The account highlights God's willingness to relent from judgment when His people turn back to Him.

Significance of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting with God, where sin is atoned for and peace is restored.

Faith in Action
David's faith is demonstrated through his decisive action to rectify his wrongs and seek God's favor.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. How does the account of David and the plague illustrate the consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance?

3. In what ways does the concept of an altar in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice?

4. How can we apply David's example of taking responsibility for his actions in our own lives, especially when we face the consequences of our decisions?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy in your life. How did it change your relationship with Him, and how can you share that experience with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Genesis 22
The concept of sacrifice and obedience is echoed in Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac.

Hebrews 13:10
Discusses the altar as a place of spiritual significance, connecting to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, reflecting his heart posture in seeking God's mercy.

1 Corinthians 6:20
The principle of offering ourselves fully to God, as David offers to pay the full price for the threshing floor.