Introduction:
Araunah, also known as Ornan in some biblical texts, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative concerning King David's purchase of a threshing floor. This site later becomes the location for Solomon's Temple. Araunah is a Jebusite, one of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before its conquest by the Israelites.

Biblical References:
The primary account of Araunah is found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. These passages describe a pivotal moment in Israel's history when King David, having sinned by conducting a census of the people, seeks to avert divine judgment through sacrifice.

2 Samuel 24:18-25 :
In this passage, the prophet Gad instructs David to build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah offers the site to David for free, along with oxen for the burnt offering and threshing sledges for wood. However, David insists on purchasing it, stating, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24). David buys the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver, and the plague on Israel is halted after he offers sacrifices.

1 Chronicles 21:18-30 :
This parallel account provides additional details, including the price of six hundred shekels of gold for the site, suggesting a broader transaction possibly including the surrounding area. The narrative emphasizes David's repentance and the importance of sacrificial worship in restoring the relationship between God and His people.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Araunah's threshing floor is traditionally identified with Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) and where Solomon later builds the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). This location becomes central to Israel's worship and national identity.

Theologically, the account of Araunah underscores themes of repentance, atonement, and the cost of true worship. David's insistence on paying for the threshing floor highlights the principle that genuine worship involves sacrifice and personal cost. This narrative also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, atones for the sins of humanity.

Cultural Context:
As a Jebusite, Araunah represents the non-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem. His interaction with David reflects the complex relationships between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan. Araunah's willingness to give his property to David may indicate a recognition of David's authority and the LORD's sovereignty.

Conclusion:
While Araunah himself is a relatively minor character, his role in the biblical narrative is crucial. The transaction between him and David sets the stage for the establishment of the Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.Arau'nah (6 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 24:16
And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented Him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people: 'It is enough; now stay thy hand.' And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 24:18
And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him: 'Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 24:20
And Araunah looked forth, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him; and Araunah went out, and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 24:21
And Araunah said: 'Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant?' And David said: 'To buy the threshing-floor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 24:23
All this did Araunah the king give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king: 'The LORD thy God accept thee.'
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2 Samuel 24:24
And the king said unto Araunah: 'Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the LORD my God which cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
(See RSV)

Arau'nah (6 Occurrences)
Arau'nah. Araunah, Arau'nah. Arba . Multi-Version Concordance Arau'nah
(6 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 24:16 And when the angel stretched ...
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Arba (9 Occurrences)

/a/arba.htm - 10k

Araunah (14 Occurrences)

/a/araunah.htm - 13k

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