1 Chronicles 21:20
“And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.”
1 Chronicles 21:20 provides an account of an event that took place during the time of King David. To understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to examine the broader context. In the preceding verses, we learn that David had sinned by numbering the people of Israel, which was an act of pride and a departure from relying on God’s strength and provision. As a result, God sent a plague upon the nation, causing great suffering.
In response to the plague, David pleaded with God for mercy. In 1 Chronicles 21:18-19, we see that the prophet Gad instructed David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David obeyed and went to Ornan’s threshing floor to offer sacrifices and seek God’s forgiveness and intervention.
Now, let’s focus on verse 20 specifically. Ornan, the owner of the threshing floor, turned back and saw an angel. It is worth noting that the name Ornan is also referred to as Araunah in other biblical accounts, such as 2 Samuel 24:16. Ornan’s four sons hid themselves upon seeing the angel, indicating their fear and reverence for the divine presence.
The fact that Ornan was threshing wheat signifies that he was engaged in a mundane, everyday activity. This detail highlights the unexpected encounter with the angel and the divine intervention taking place in the midst of ordinary life. It emphasises that God can reveal Himself and bring about extraordinary encounters even in the most ordinary circumstances.
This verse demonstrates the intersection between the spiritual realm and the earthly realm. Ornan’s threshing floor becomes a sacred space where God’s presence is made known. Later in the chapter, we see that David purchased the threshing floor from Ornan and built an altar there, which eventually became the site of the future temple in Jerusalem.
1 Chronicles 21:20 serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to manifest Himself in unexpected ways. It also encourages us to be attentive to the divine presence, even in our daily routines and mundane activities. This verse invites us to seek God’s intervention and guidance, acknowledging that He can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters with Him.
Overall, this verse highlights the significance of the encounter between Ornan and the angel, showcasing God’s redemptive work and His desire to draw His people back into a right relationship with Him.
