What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:22?

Then David said to Ornan

• The setting is a crisis: David’s unauthorized census has brought a deadly plague (1 Chronicles 21:7–14).

• God, through the angel, directs David to Ornan’s threshing floor (1 Chronicles 21:15–18).

• David personally takes responsibility, stepping forward as leader and intercessor (compare 2 Samuel 24:21).

---

Grant me the site of this threshing floor

• A threshing floor was a level, elevated spot—ideal for an altar and later the temple site (2 Chronicles 3:1).

• By asking for the “site,” David seeks permanent ownership, not a temporary favor; worship will become central there (Genesis 22:2 points to the same mountain region).

---

That I may build an altar to the LORD

• The prophet Gad had instructed David to “build an altar to the LORD” on that exact spot (1 Chronicles 21:18).

• Altars symbolized repentance and restored fellowship (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 17:11).

• David’s focus is obedience and atonement, not mere ceremony (Psalm 51:16–17).

---

Sell it to me for the full price

• David refuses a gift; true sacrifice must cost the giver (2 Samuel 24:24; Malachi 1:8).

• Paying “full price” underscores integrity, avoiding any hint of exploitation (Proverbs 11:1).

• Ownership ensures the site remains consecrated for God’s purposes (1 Kings 8:13).

---

So that the plague upon the people may be halted

• The goal is mercy for the nation; David acts as mediator (Numbers 16:46–48).

• God responds to faith-filled sacrifice: “The LORD answered him with fire from heaven… and the plague was halted” (1 Chronicles 21:26–27).

• The scene foreshadows the ultimate ending of judgment through a greater sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 9:26).

---

summary

David’s request reveals a heart that takes responsibility, values costly obedience, and seeks the nation’s healing through divinely appointed sacrifice. By purchasing Ornan’s threshing floor, building an altar, and offering what truly costs him, David becomes an instrument for halting judgment and sets the stage for the future temple—God’s chosen place to meet with His people.