1 Chronicles 21:22

Certainly! Let’s delve into a Bible study on 1 Chronicles 21:22, using the King James Version (KJV) translation:First, let’s set the historical context. This verse is part of a passage describing an event that occurred during the reign of King David. At this time, David had sinned by ordering a census of Israel, which was considered an act of pride and trust in military might rather than in God. As a result, God sent a plague upon the people, causing devastation and death.

• Historical Context:

The plague mentioned in this verse refers to the punishment sent by God as a consequence of David’s sin. The widespread suffering prompted David to seek God’s mercy and intervene to halt the plague. In his distress, David realizes the need to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God.

• The Plague:

David approaches Ornan and asks for the place of his threshingfloor to build an altar unto the Lord. A threshingfloor was an open space used for separating the grain from the chaff. Ornan’s threshingfloor was located on Mount Moriah, which is significant because it later became the site of the temple built by King Solomon (2 Chronicles 3:1).

• Ornan’s Threshingfloor:

David’s desire to build an altar reflects his deep faith and recognition of the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy. Altars were places of sacrifice, where offerings were made to God. By building an altar, David sought to demonstrate his repentance and seek God’s favor.

• Building an Altar:

David insists on purchasing the threshingfloor from Ornan for the full price, without any discount or gift. This demonstrates David’s commitment to honoring God properly and not taking advantage of others. He wanted to ensure that the offering made on this altar would be a true sacrifice, fully dedicated to the Lord.

• Paying the Full Price:

David’s ultimate intention in building the altar was to appease God and halt the devastating plague that afflicted the people. He understood that the calamity was a consequence of his own sin and believed that the act of building the altar and offering sacrifices would demonstrate his repentance and seek God’s mercy. God ultimately accepted David’s offering and stopped the plague (1 Chronicles 21:26).

• Staying the Plague: