“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 21:19 (KJV)
“David said to Ornan, ‘Give me the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the Lord there. I will pay you the full price for it. I want to stop this plague.'”– 1 Chronicles 21:19 (NLT)
“David spoke to Ornan, ‘Sell me your threshing floor so I can build an altar to God. I want to stop this plague.’ Ornan said, ‘Take it; it’s all yours. Just go ahead and do what you want.'”– 1 Chronicles 21:19 (MSG)
What Does 1 Chronicles 21:19 Mean?
This passage is a powerful reflection on faith, obedience, and sacrifice. In it, we see King David approaching Ornan, the owner of a threshing floor, and asking him for the land to build an altar to the Lord. At this moment, David is hoping to end a devastating plague that has struck Israel. This request for a location to build an altar demonstrates David’s deep understanding of the need for repentance and atonement. It is a moment where he recognizes the gravity of the situation and his responsibility as king to intercede for his people. God had sent a plague as a consequence of David’s earlier sin in numbering the people, confirming that sin has real, tangible consequences. Therefore, the building of an altar and making sacrifices there serves as an important symbol of turning back to God.
This moment also signifies a powerful act of faith. David does not simply ask for the land—he insists on paying the full price for it. This highlights the idea that worship and sacrifice should not come at minimal cost. David is willing to invest in his relationship with God, ensuring that the altar is built honorably and sincerely, rather than as a free offering. In doing so, he demonstrates the principle of giving to God what is rightfully His, and that true worship is not about convenience but rather involves a commitment that often requires personal sacrifice.
1 Chronicles 21:19 Explanation and Commentary
When we analyze this situation, we can see how King David’s request serves a dual purpose. His actions lead to a restoration of the broken relationship between the people of Israel and their God. But they also illustrate the importance of accountability in leadership. David, as king, understands that his decisions directly impact the nation. In ~1 Chronicles 21:10-12, we learn that God allowed David to face the consequences of his actions by sending a plague as a judgment. The heavy toll this sin took on the people drove David to earnestly seek God’s forgiveness through meaningful action—building an altar as a site for sacrifice.
David’s perseverance exemplifies the heartfelt repentance necessary for earning God’s favor. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed by the consequences of our own mistakes, yet this passage reminds us that sincere remorse and a desire to make things right can lead to healing. David’s willingness to build an altar instead of attempting to gloss over his wrongdoing is a vital lesson for us. We need not fear God’s discipline if we approach Him in genuine remorse and strive to restore our relationship with Him.
In this exchange with Ornan, David expresses the need to offer a sacrifice with a price tag. It is crucial to understand that worship should cost us something, as exemplified by David’s insistence on paying full price. This thoughtful action creates a foundation that reinforces the understanding that freely given things can sometimes be taken for granted. By making the purchase, David acknowledges the seriousness of his sin and aims to demonstrate that true worship has a sense of accountability.
This statement also aligns with the concept of worship as outlined in various parts of the Bible. In Romans 12:1, we are reminded to present our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.” Offering God our best, our time, our resources, and ourselves come back to the essence of worship—to be intentional and purposeful, dedicated to Him.
As we reflect upon David’s actions and God’s grace in response, we are encouraged to examine how we approach our own worship and sacrifices. When was the last time we took genuine effort to give back to God? Are we meeting Him from a place of convenience or expectation? Or are we willing to fully surrender ourselves in acts of kindness, love, and service to others? The transparency of David’s request invites us to rethink how we live, serve, and worship.
Context of 1 Chronicles 21:19
To truly appreciate the weight of 1 Chronicles 21:19, we must grasp the situation surrounding it. King David is at the point of crisis, as he is burdened by grave consequences resulting from his choices. After counting Israel’s warriors—a decision driven by pride and self-sufficiency—David inadvertently challenges God’s authority and sovereignty. As recounted earlier in the chapter, God’s response involved sending a prophet to confront David with a choice of three forms of punishment. When faced with overwhelming responsibility for his people, David returns to God in prayer, seeking mercy.
The consequent plague brings devastating losses to the nation, showcasing how collective sin leads to community suffering. It paints a clear picture that our choices—both personal and communal—may have real repercussions. As David reaches this critical moment, it becomes apparent that he must seek reconciliation through worship, ushering in a significant need for an altar.
Locating Ornan’s threshing floor becomes a significant historical event. This area will later host Solomon’s temple and become a central point of worship for generations to come. Not only does David acknowledge the need to worship right there and then, but the space itself will hold eternal significance in the entire history of the Israelites. Ornan, himself surprised by King David’s request, represents a reminder that God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
In this context, we also learn about the nature of God’s mercy, how deeply He desires restoration, and how He continually calls His people back to Himself. The message of repentance through sacrifice resonates throughout the entire Biblical narrative. Even today, God’s desire for us is to recognize our failures, turn back to Him, and be willing to act on our faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Chronicles 21:19
In this verse, we key in on several important components that enhance our understanding. David’s request displays his humility; he does not demand the threshing floor but rather asks. This humble approach reflects his submission to God’s authority, paralleling the expectation we have as believers to come before God with open hearts. The way David recognizes the holiness of the moment emphasizes the need for dedicated worship, mirroring themes seen throughout Scripture. In 2 Samuel 24:24, where David insists on paying full price for the sacrifice, we see this principle reiterated: nothing should be offered to God that does not require effort or cost from us.
His words also highlight the urgency of the situation. David perceives that prayer and worship must correspond to the need for intervention in the form of sacrifice to avert disaster. This teaches us about the weight of our prayers and actions. Jeremiah 29:12 suggests that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him, echoing the heartbeat of David during his request.
Ornan’s response offers encouragement. He willingly wants to give the land to the king without conditions. This highlights the beauty of volunteer offering—sometimes, it comes from those who, in the eyes of the world, are seen as less important or ordinary. It is a reminder of how God often utilizes humble service as a vehicle for His work and plans.
David’s emphasis on purchasing the site embodies accountability and intent. He was determined to honor God through this act, ensuring that there was a significant gesture accompanying his plea for mercy. David understood that genuine penitence requires tangible actions that align with our request for forgiveness.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Chronicles 21:19
In our journey of faith, we have ample opportunities to glean wisdom and insights from the experiences of others—David’s plea to Ornan is no exception. This narrative serves as an extraordinary reminder of a few key lessons that resonate with us on a personal level.
First, we recognize the necessity of humility. David approached Ornan with respect and did not assume he was entitled to the land. This embodies a clear sign of humility, an attitude that we ought to adopt as we come before God and others. We must remember that the path to healing often involves listening and being open to others, acknowledging our place within the wider community, and understanding the importance of restoring relationships.
Second, the concept of worshiping through sacrifice is paramount. David’s determination to pay for the land reinforces the essence of worship. Our worship should be an offering filled with commitment. Whether it is through our time, talents, or resources, we learn that worship is not meant to be a mere ritual; instead, it should spring from a heartfelt desire to honor God. In Hebrews 13:16, we are reminded to not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.
Another core lesson is the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. David openly acknowledges the consequences of his sin, recognizing the collective suffering of his people. We too must hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and how they affect those around us. It encourages us to think about how our own choices may carry weight within our communities and relations.
Lastly, we see the grace of God shining through as He hears the cries of His people. David’s act of building an altar can be seen as an expression of faith in God’s mercy. Just as David sought forgiveness, we are reminded that God is always waiting to extend His grace toward us, inviting us back into the fold when we turn toward Him. 1 John 1:9 encourages us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on 1 Chronicles 21:19, we discover a plethora of insights that resonate with our walking faith. We learn that we, too, are called to seek God earnestly, remaining humble and open to His leading in our lives. The willingness to sacrifice, whether through time, resources, or the energy we expend in repentance, underscores the relationship we are intended to build with Him. Our faith does not exist in a vacuum; it entwines with others, encouraging us to take responsibility for our actions and inspire those around us.
What a joy it is to recognize that true worship involves offering from the heart! We should always strive to give our best as a pleasing aroma to God. When we choose to come with hearts full of humility, acknowledging our missteps while receiving His abundant grace, we experience transformative healing. As we move forward, let us consider how our actions speak volumes about our relationship with God. This powerful biblical account is an invitation for each of us to deepen our understanding of sacrifice and worship.
If you find yourself wanting to further explore topics that deepen your faith, consider checking out other passages, such as 1 Chronicles 16:40 or even 1 Chronicles 16:29. There’s so much wisdom within the pages of the Bible just waiting to inspire us!