1 Chronicles 21:28

At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifices there.

Study Bible

At that time
This phrase indicates a specific moment in the narrative, following the events of David's census and the subsequent plague. It marks a turning point where David recognizes God's intervention and mercy.

when David saw that the LORD had answered him
David's realization that God had responded to his plea is significant. It highlights the importance of divine communication and the assurance of God's presence. This moment of answered prayer is a pivotal point in David's relationship with God, demonstrating God's willingness to forgive and restore.

at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite
The location is significant both geographically and theologically. The threshing floor, a place of separation and purification, becomes a site of divine encounter. Ornan, a Jebusite, indicates the inclusion of non-Israelites in God's plan. This site later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple, connecting it to future worship and sacrifice.

he offered sacrifices there
David's response to God's answer is to worship through sacrifice, a central act of devotion in the Old Testament. Sacrifices symbolize atonement and thanksgiving, reflecting David's repentance and gratitude. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system through His death and resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sinned by conducting a census of the people, leading to God's judgment. He is central to this passage as he seeks reconciliation with God.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel who responds to David's repentance and prayer, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to forgive.

3. Ornan the Jebusite
The owner of the threshing floor where David offers sacrifices. His land becomes the site of significant worship and later the location of the Temple.

4. Threshing Floor of Ornan
The specific location where David builds an altar to the LORD. This site is significant as it becomes a place of divine encounter and future worship.

5. Sacrifices
The offerings made by David as an act of repentance and worship, signifying his restored relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Repentance and Restoration
David's actions demonstrate the importance of genuine repentance in restoring one's relationship with God. When we sin, we must turn back to God with a contrite heart.

Divine Mercy
God's response to David's repentance shows His readiness to forgive. This encourages believers to approach God with confidence in His mercy.

Significance of Place in Worship
The threshing floor of Ornan becomes a sacred space, reminding us that God can transform ordinary places into sites of divine encounter.

Sacrificial Worship
David's offering of sacrifices highlights the importance of worship that costs us something, reflecting our devotion and gratitude to God.

Legacy of Faith
The site of David's altar becomes the location of the Temple, illustrating how acts of faith can have lasting impacts beyond our immediate circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to God's judgment in 1 Chronicles 21:28 inform our understanding of repentance and its role in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Ornan's threshing floor illustrate the concept of God using ordinary places for extraordinary purposes?

3. How can we apply the principle of sacrificial worship in our daily lives, and what might that look like practically?

4. What connections can we draw between David's sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

5. How does the transformation of Ornan's threshing floor into the site of the Temple encourage us to consider the legacy of our faith and actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Genesis 22
The concept of sacrifice and obedience is echoed in Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac, highlighting themes of faith and divine provision.

1 Kings 8
Solomon's dedication of the Temple on the same site underscores the lasting significance of this location for Israel's worship.

Hebrews 9
The New Testament discussion of Christ's ultimate sacrifice connects to the theme of atonement and reconciliation with God.