1 Chronicles 21:18

Then the Angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to Dauid, that Dauid should goe vp and set vp an Altar vnto the Lord, in the threshing floore of Ornan the Iebusite. 1 Chronicles 21:18 (KJV)

Context: In this passage, David, the king of Israel, had sinned by ordering a census of the people against God’s command. As a result, God sent a pestilence upon the land, causing great destruction. David repented and pleaded with God for mercy. God instructed the angel Gad to relay a message to David regarding the means of appeasing His anger.

The angel of the LORD: The passage begins with the appearance of the angel of the LORD, who delivers God’s command to Gad, the prophet. The angel serves as a divine messenger, relaying God’s instructions to His people. Throughout the Bible, the angel of the LORD often represents a manifestation of God’s presence and authority.

David’s response: Upon hearing God’s command, David immediately takes action. He goes up to the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where he plans to set up an altar to the LORD. David demonstrates his willingness to obey God’s instructions and seek His forgiveness.

The significance of the threshing floor: Threshing floors were commonly used in ancient times for separating the grain from the chaff. The threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite held symbolic significance as the site where God’s judgment was halted. David’s act of building an altar on this site represents the establishment of a place of worship and seeking God’s mercy.

Ornan the Jebusite: Ornan (also known as Araunah) was a Jebusite, a member of the tribe inhabiting Jerusalem before it became the capital of Israel. He owned the threshing floor where David erected the altar. The fact that David purchased the land and built an altar on it demonstrates his commitment to seeking reconciliation with God and honoring Him with an offering.