“And David said unto Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.”– 1 Chronicles 21:21 (KJV)
“David said to Ornan, ‘Give me the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the Lord there. I want to sacrifice it to the Lord. Your price is nothing. I will pay you what it is worth.’ So the plague on the people was stopped.”– 1 Chronicles 21:21 (NLT)
“David said to Ornan, ‘Give me the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to God. I want to sacrifice it to God, so the plague will be stopped. Give it to me at the full price.'”– 1 Chronicles 21:21 (MSG)
What Does 1 Chronicles 21:21 Mean?
This verse captures a significant moment in the life of King David, where he pleads for a place to build an altar to the Lord. This plea comes amidst a grim situation marked by a plague that has begun to harm the people of Israel due to David’s earlier actions involving a census. This census, although originally initiated to assess military strength, was viewed as a lack of trust in God, leading to divine displeasure and the death of many. Here, David’s desire to build an altar signifies a turning point. He recognizes the need for atonement and a relationship with God to escape the consequences of his prior choices. In this moment, David is demonstrating humility and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of his people, showcasing a powerful example of leadership and responsibility.
David approaches Ornan, who owned the threshing floor, and asks for the location to build this altar. Interestingly, selflessness is exhibited in David’s desire to build the altar at his own cost, emphasizing the principle that true sacrifice involves giving of oneself for the benefit of others. David wants to prevent further suffering in the community, illustrating his care and concern for the welfare of his people. This verse encapsulates the importance of repentance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of reconciliation with God – elements that foster our relationships with Him today.
1 Chronicles 21:21 Explanation and Commentary
In analyzing 1 Chronicles 21:21, we can appreciate how David’s actions reflect both his heart for God and his deep concern for those entrusted to his leadership. Throughout the Scriptures, we find repeated themes of sacrifice and atonement, particularly in how individuals respond to God’s correction and seek to right their wrongs. When David approaches Ornan, he is not merely asking for property; he seeks to establish a connection with God through an altar, which would symbolize a point of contact between the divine and humanity.
Ornan’s threshing floor is significant because, in ancient Israel, threshing floors were places of separation and purity, reliably set aside for essential tasks in agricultural practices. The request then takes on a deeper meaning, elevating the consolidation of spiritual and community needs. By establishing an altar at this site, David is physically laying the foundation for a relationship with God amidst the community, which is vital to building faith and restoring integrity between God and His people. Acknowledging our faults and openly pursuing reconciliation is key; David exemplifies this through his humility before Ornan and, ultimately, before God.
Additionally, David insists on purchasing the site at a fair price. This insistence highlights the importance of sacrifices made in sincere devotion, reinforcing the idea that we must take full ownership of our choices. The biblical reminder often shared in the Gospels, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21), resonates here—David’s request signifies his dedication and willingness to invest into the very relationship he believes can save his people.
This moment showcases the deep emotional burden David carried—his acknowledgment of the pain his earlier actions caused sets the stage for genuine repentance. We see a clear portrayal of David’s heart and leadership. Through his actions, we are invited to explore our own willingness to confront our wrongdoings and make amends, fostering healthy relationships in our own lives.
Context of 1 Chronicles 21:21
To fully grasp the importance of this verse, we must consider the larger context of King David’s life and reign over Israel. The background of this scripture is steeped in conflict and consequence resulting from decisions David made. The census he ordered, which led to the plague, serves as a sobering reminder of how our actions can have profound consequences for ourselves and those we lead.
This period in David’s life illustrates the tension between power and humility. It is a stark reminder that we must stay grounded in faith and remain mindful of how choices ripple outward. The plague, a direct consequence of David’s disobedience, highlights the seriousness of affronting God’s will. The narrative leading up to our focal verse underpins the fact that even in moments of despair, there remains a road to redemption—a journey beckoning us towards reconciliation through acts of humility and sacrifice.
Thus, the context sharpens our appreciation for David’s request—he is not just seeking a plot of land, but he is, in fact, striving towards a solution that would bring restoration to the people of Israel. We see how David transitions from a place of error and wrongdoing to a place of seeking atonement, shedding light on the transformative power of seeking forgiveness from God and others.
While recounting the construction of an altar, it is vital to recognize the ultimate significance of this act: it foreshadows the future sacrificial system that will become a central part of Israel’s worship practices and points ultimately to Christ’s sacrificial atonement for us. Understanding this context enriches our relationship with passages like this, inviting us to reflect on God’s heart and grace.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Chronicles 21:21
Let’s break down the elements in this verse that contribute to its powerful message. David’s request begins with an acknowledgment of Ornan’s ownership of the threshing floor, establishing the reality that we are accountable to one another in our communities. Each individual plays a role, and mutual respect is vital. David’s approach draws upon this sense of shared humanity, showing that our relationships must be anchored in kindness and acknowledgment of others’ rights.
The phrase “Give me the site of your threshing floor” denotes a deep longing not just for physical space but for a transformative spiritual experience. This act of building an altar signifies David’s commitment, inviting us as readers to consider how we can offer our lives as living sacrifices, much like David. The scripture urges us to willingly offer what we have—our time, talents, and resources—for the altar we establish in seeking God.
Furthermore, David’s insistence on paying the full price underscores a significant biblical principle related to ownership and sacrifice; he comprehends that nothing genuine comes without cost. Our spiritual journeys often entail the necessity of sacrifice—time spent in prayer, resources given to those in need, or our willingness to step outside our comfort zones. David’s desire is to build a meaningful connection with God and his people through acts that convey sincerity and commitment.
The conclusion of the verse, where David expresses his hope that “the plague may be stayed from the people,” serves as a compelling reminder that generational consequences affect communities. The interconnectedness of humanity means our flaws can yield widespread ramifications. When one among us falters, it holds the potential to impact many. Thus, David seeks a way forward, aspiring towards a covenant relationship with God that, in turn, fosters healing and restoration throughout his realm.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Chronicles 21:21
As we reflect on this verse, several key lessons emerge that we can apply in our daily lives. The importance of humility and acknowledgment of our mistakes is one pivotal lesson. David’s shift from pride to an awareness of consequence illustrates the transformative power of repentance. In our lives, we can ask ourselves: Are we quick to recognize our mistakes and take responsibility for them? How do we respond to the consequences of our choices?
Another lesson centers around the idea of building relationships with God and our community. David’s request for the threshing floor symbolizes faith that exemplifies a desire for restoration. Building relationships requires work and dedication—much like David’s commitment to construct an altar, we must be intentional about connecting with God and others. We can examine how we express our love for those around us and make a conscious effort to nurture our friendships, family ties, and church connections.
Furthermore, striving for reconciliation in our communities remains key. The quest for connection echoes throughout scriptures; God desires unity among His people. As believers, we are called to foster community, empathize with those in pain, and engage in acts of kindness. Our hearts should be attuned to the needs of others rather than focusing solely on our desires. David’s journey offers a blueprint for how we might extend compassion and understanding.
The need for sacrifices also arises from this narrative. Our time, resources, and dedication to God can manifest in various ways, from volunteering in our communities to sharing our faith with others. Sacrifice is not defined solely by monetary means; we can consider how our actions and attitudes reflect our commitment to Jesus Christ. How are we to build a life that is reflective of the love we profess to have for God?
Lastly, seeking guidance in our lives can be transformative. In our journey, it is vital to approach God earnestly, asking for His direction and wisdom as we navigate our challenges. Just as David sought to align himself with God’s will, we too can seek His presence in every hour. God is always willing to listen, guide, and ultimately grant us healing when we turn to Him in sincerity.
Final Thoughts
The insight gained from 1 Chronicles 21:21 remains impactful. David serves as a reminder that it is never too late to seek redemption, build relationships, and assure accountability as leaders and followers of Christ. His story invites each of us to reflect on our lives and how we can more meaningfully connect with God and one another, echoing the timeless truth that we are called to love, serve, and sacrifice. In our own lives, let’s strive to be individuals who recognize the profound implications our choices hold and work diligently to celebrate the blessings God gives. Seeking peace and reconciliation in our hearts and among our communities ties us to our greatest commission as believers. I invite you to explore more topics that can help grow our understanding together in faith.