Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ornan, also known as Araunah, is a significant biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of King David's reign. He is identified as a Jebusite, a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before it was conquered by the Israelites. Ornan's account is pivotal in the narrative of David's establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.Biblical Account The primary account of Ornan is found in 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24. The narrative begins with King David's decision to conduct a census of Israel, an act that was displeasing to God. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel as a form of judgment. In response to David's repentance and plea for mercy, God instructed the prophet Gad to tell David to build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 1 Chronicles 21:18-19 states: "Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. So David went up at the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the LORD." When David approached Ornan to purchase the threshing floor, Ornan offered it to David for free, along with oxen for the burnt offerings and threshing sledges for wood. However, David insisted on buying it at full price, emphasizing the importance of offering to God something that cost him personally. This transaction is recorded in 1 Chronicles 21:24-25 : "But King David replied to Ornan, 'No, I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.' So David paid Ornan six hundred shekels of gold for the site." Significance The site of Ornan's threshing floor holds profound significance in biblical history. It is traditionally identified as the location where Solomon later built the Temple, making it the focal point of Jewish worship and sacrifice. This site, Mount Moriah, is also associated with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, further deepening its spiritual importance. Ornan's willingness to give his property for the service of God and David's insistence on paying for it highlight themes of sacrifice, obedience, and the proper attitude toward worship. David's actions demonstrate the principle that true worship involves personal cost and dedication. Cultural and Historical Context As a Jebusite, Ornan represents the remnants of the Canaanite peoples who inhabited the land before the Israelite conquest. His interaction with David reflects the peaceful integration of some Canaanite elements into Israelite society. The Jebusites, having been conquered by David when he captured Jerusalem, were allowed to remain in the city, and Ornan's presence there underscores the complex social dynamics of the time. Theological Reflections Ornan's account is often used to illustrate the importance of genuine worship and the necessity of offering to God that which is valuable and meaningful. David's refusal to accept the threshing floor as a gift underscores the belief that worship should not be cheap or convenient but should reflect a heart fully devoted to God. The narrative also serves as a reminder of God's mercy and the power of repentance. Despite David's initial sin in conducting the census, God's provision of a means to atone for that sin through the establishment of an altar on Ornan's threshing floor demonstrates His willingness to forgive and restore. In summary, Ornan's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is crucial in the unfolding account of Israel's history and worship. His interaction with David sets the stage for the future construction of the Temple, a central element in the religious life of Israel. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary OrnanSmith's Bible Dictionary Ornan(active). (1 Chronicles 21:15; 2 Chronicles 3:1) [ARAUNAH] ATS Bible Dictionary OrnanSee ARAUNAH. Easton's Bible Dictionary 1 Chronicles 21:15. (see ARAUNAH.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ORNANor'-nan (1 Chronicles 21:15). Strong's Hebrew 771. Ornan -- a Jebusite... 770, 771. Ornan. 772 . a Jebusite. Transliteration: Ornan Phonetic Spelling: (or-nawn') Short Definition: Ornan. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/771.htm - 6k 728. Aravnah -- a Jebusite Library The Best of All, God is with Us One Worker Preparing for Another The Destruction of Jerusalem The Destruction of Jerusalem. Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... The Bible The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Thesaurus Ornan (10 Occurrences)... (see ARAUNAH.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ORNAN. or'-nan (1 Chronicles 21:15). See ARAUNAH. Multi-Version Concordance Ornan (10 Occurrences). ... /o/ornan.htm - 10k Araunah (14 Occurrences) Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Grain-floor (27 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) Jeb'usite (8 Occurrences) Threshing (57 Occurrences) Floor (69 Occurrences) Jebusite (39 Occurrences) Wheat (56 Occurrences) Resources Who was Araunah the Jebusite? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ornan (10 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 21:15 1 Chronicles 21:18 1 Chronicles 21:20 1 Chronicles 21:21 1 Chronicles 21:22 1 Chronicles 21:23 1 Chronicles 21:24 1 Chronicles 21:25 1 Chronicles 21:28 2 Chronicles 3:1 Subtopics Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) Threshing-instruments (1 Occurrence) Threshing-sledges (1 Occurrence) Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |