1 Chronicles 21:21 meaning

In a significant moment of accountability, King David approaches Ornan (also called Araunah) to purchase a specific place for an altar, marked by divine intervention during a time of national crisis. Prior to this, David committed a grave sin by conducting a census of Israel, which led to dire consequences including a plague that struck down tens of thousands. This event underlines the grave interpersonal and communal ramifications of personal sin, emphasizing David's role as a shepherd of his people. His heartfelt plea, questioning, "These sheep, what have they done?" reveals deep remorse and concern for those who suffered due to his transgression.

In 1 Chronicles 21:21, David's query to Ornan becomes pivotal as it foreshadows the future significance of this location. It is here that David insists on paying the full price for the threshing floor, asserting that offerings to God should come at a personal cost—echoing the principle that true sacrifice involves sacrifice. This moment lays the foundation for the eventual construction of the temple, symbolizing the importance of repentance and reconciliation with God, a theme that resonates throughout scripture.