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
David, the second king of Israel, is speaking to Ornan, also known as Araunah, a Jebusite. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David conquered the city. This interaction highlights David's role as a leader who seeks to rectify his previous actions that led to God's displeasure. The Jebusite's presence in the narrative underscores the peaceful coexistence and integration of different peoples within Israel under David's reign.

Grant me the site of this threshing floor
Threshing floors were open, flat areas used for separating grain from chaff, often located on elevated ground to take advantage of the wind. This particular threshing floor is significant because it is located on Mount Moriah, the future site of Solomon's Temple. The request to "grant" the site indicates David's intention to acquire it respectfully and legally, rather than by force, reflecting his desire to honor God through proper means.

that I may build an altar to the LORD
David's intention to build an altar signifies his desire to worship and seek atonement from God. Altars were central to Israelite worship, serving as places for sacrifices and offerings. This act of building an altar is a response to a divine command and a step towards reconciliation with God. It foreshadows the establishment of the Temple, where sacrifices would be made for the nation's sins.

Sell it to me for the full price
David insists on paying the full price for the threshing floor, demonstrating his commitment to offering something of value to God. This principle of not offering to God that which costs nothing is echoed in 2 Samuel 24:24. It reflects the biblical theme of sacrificial giving and the importance of sincerity in worship.

so that the plague upon the people may be halted
The context of this request is a divine plague sent as a consequence of David's census, which was taken against God's will. The plague represents God's judgment, and David's actions here are an attempt to intercede on behalf of the people. This narrative highlights the role of a king as an intercessor and points to the need for atonement to restore the relationship between God and His people. The halting of the plague upon the building of the altar prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would provide atonement for sin and reconciliation with God.

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.