1 Chronicles 21:23

And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.

1 Chronicles 21:23 (KJV)

Context

David had sinned by ordering a census of Israel, and God sent a plague as judgment. As the destroying angel reached Jerusalem, God stopped the destruction and told David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. In this verse, Ornan responds to David’s request to buy the site.

Meaning

Ornan offers far more than the land. He gives the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering. His words, “Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes,” show deep respect for David’s authority and a joyful willingness to support the worship of God. He does not hold back anything. This generous offer reflects Ornan’s recognition of the king’s authority and his desire to help stop the plague through sacrifice.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 2 Samuel 24:22-23 confirms the same event, with Araunah offering similar provisions. This threshing floor becomes a place of divine meeting and mercy, where sacrifice stops the judgment. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who atoned for sin once for all. The seriousness of sin and the need for atonement are clear, as David’s census brought judgment, and the altar was built to offer sacrifices.

Application

Ornan’s generosity teaches believers to give freely for God’s work, recognizing that all we have belongs to Him. True worship often requires personal cost and offering our best resources. The passage also reminds us that God’s judgment is tempered with mercy, and He provides a way of atonement and restoration. For the believer, this encourages a willing spirit in supporting God’s purposes.

Reflection

Consider your own attitude toward giving. Do you offer God your best, or only what is convenient? Ornan’s example challenges us to be humble before authority, generous in supporting God’s work, and confident in His willingness to forgive when we repent.