1 Chronicles 21:23

And Ornan saide vnto Dauid, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes. Loe, I giue thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meate offering, I giue it all. 1 Chronicles 21:23 (KJV)

In this passage Ornan (also called Araunah) offers David everything needed for the altar: the threshing floor, the oxen for burnt offerings, the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering. The generous offer is expressed in the words, “Take it, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes,” showing Ornan’s humility and deference toward the king’s authority. A variant of the quotation adds, “Take it, and eat, and let thine heart be merry,” and promises the same gifts, emphasizing a spirit of joy in giving.

The surrounding narrative records David’s earlier pride in ordering a census against God’s will, which brought a devastating plague on Israel. When the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, God halted the judgment. David’s repentance and intercession moved the Lord to spare the city, and He instructed David to build an altar on Ornan’s threshing floor. Ornan’s willingness to give all the necessary materials demonstrates a heart ready to support the work of God and to aid the nation’s restoration.

From this account we draw three key lessons. First, pride and disobedience have serious consequences, as seen in the plague that followed David’s census. Second, generosity like Ornan’s—offering one’s possessions for God’s purposes—models the sacrificial giving believers are called to practice. Third, sincere repentance can invoke God’s mercy, allowing restoration after sin. The passage therefore invites readers to examine their own hearts, to remain humble before God, to give generously for His kingdom, and to trust in His willingness to forgive when true contrition is offered.