1 Chronicles 21:22

KJV

Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of [this] threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} said {H559} to Ornan {H771}, Grant {H5414} me the place {H4725} of this threshingfloor {H1637}, that I may build {H1129} an altar {H4196} therein unto the LORD {H3068}: thou shalt grant {H5414} it me for the full {H4392} price {H3701}: that the plague {H4046} may be stayed {H6113} from the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said to Ornan, "Let me have the parcel with this threshing-floor, so that I can build on it an altar to ADONAI - I will pay you its full value - so that the plague will be lifted from the people."

Berean Standard Bible

Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.”

American Standard Version

Then David said to Ornan, Give me the place of this threshing-floor, that I may build thereon an altar unto Jehovah: for the full price shalt thou give it me, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 21:22 captures King David's urgent and pivotal request to Ornan the Jebusite for the purchase of his threshingfloor. This plea, made in the immediate aftermath of David's unauthorized census and the ensuing divine plague, was driven by a direct divine command to build an altar to the LORD. David's insistence on acquiring the site for the "full price" underscores his profound commitment to genuine atonement and a costly act of worship, seeking to halt the devastating judgment that had afflicted the people of Israel as a consequence of his sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the dramatic climax of a national crisis and divine judgment. The preceding narrative details David's sin of taking a census, an act rooted in pride and a reliance on human strength rather than divine providence, which provoked the LORD's wrath. A devastating plague ensued, claiming 70,000 lives across Israel. At the critical moment when the angel of the LORD extended his hand to destroy Jerusalem, he stopped at Ornan's threshingfloor. It was then that the prophet Gad delivered God's explicit instruction to David: build an altar on that very spot. David's request in this verse is his immediate, obedient, and decisive response to this divine directive, setting the stage for the purchase of the land, the offering of sacrifices, and the subsequent cessation of the plague, as meticulously recounted in the concluding verses of [1 Chronicles 21](/1_chronicles/21 "1 Chronicles 21 - David's Census and the Plague").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during David's reign, a period marked by the consolidation of the Israelite kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its capital. Threshingfloors were typically open-air, elevated spaces, often located on hilltops, which facilitated the winnowing process by utilizing wind to separate grain from chaff. Such locations, while practical for agriculture, also held symbolic significance, sometimes associated with judgment or divine encounter. Ornan (identified as Araunah in the parallel account in [2 Samuel 24](/2_samuel/24 "2 Samuel 24 - David's Census and the Plague")) was a Jebusite, one of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, likely a prominent and respected figure. The act of building an altar and offering sacrifices was central to Israelite worship and the divinely ordained means by which atonement was sought for sin, as prescribed within the Mosaic Law. The concept of a widespread plague as a direct consequence of divine judgment for national sin was a well-understood and deeply feared reality within the ancient Near Eastern and Israelite worldview.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 21:22](/1_chronicles/21-22 "1 Chronicles 21:22 - David's Request for the Threshingfloor") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's theology. Firstly, it highlights **Repentance and Obedience**, as David, confronted with the devastating consequences of his sin, immediately obeys God's command to build an altar, demonstrating profound contrition and a turning back to the LORD. Secondly, it introduces the crucial theme of the **Cost of True Sacrifice and Worship**. David's unwavering insistence on paying the "full price" for the threshingfloor, despite Ornan's generous offer to give it freely, underscores the theological principle that genuine worship and atonement require personal cost and sincerity, not cheap or convenient offerings, a principle explicitly affirmed in [1 Chronicles 21:24](/1_chronicles/21-24 "1 Chronicles 21:24 - David's Refusal of a Free Gift"). Thirdly, the verse points to **Divine Mercy and Atonement**, showcasing God's sovereign power to halt judgment and His gracious provision of a means for reconciliation through the prescribed act of sacrifice, even in the midst of severe wrath. Finally, the narrative powerfully foreshadows the **Significance of the Location**, as this very threshingfloor, consecrated by David's act of atonement, would later become the sacred site for the construction of Solomon's Temple, establishing it as the enduring central place of worship for Israel, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Location of Solomon's Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, _gôren'_):** A primitive word referring to a flat, open area, often elevated, used for threshing grain. As a place made even for separating grain from chaff, it often carried symbolic associations with judgment and separation. In this context, it undergoes a profound transformation from a mundane agricultural site to a consecrated space for divine encounter, atonement, and worship, illustrating God's capacity to redeem and sanctify ordinary places for extraordinary purposes.
* **Full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This adjective signifies completeness, abundance, or an undiminished state. When applied to "price," it emphasizes that David was committed to paying the entire, fair, and unreduced value for the land and the sacrificial animals. This highlights his understanding that an offering to God, especially one for atonement, must be wholehearted and involve a genuine personal cost, reflecting the gravity of the sin and the sincerity of his repentance, rather than a token gesture.
* **Stayed (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** A primitive root meaning to enclose, hold back, restrain, or stop. This verb denotes an active, deliberate cessation of the plague by divine intervention. It signifies that the devastating judgment was not merely running its course but was definitively halted by God's sovereign command in direct response to David's obedient act of atonement. It powerfully underscores God's authority over life and death, and His merciful willingness to withdraw His hand of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of [this] threshingfloor":** This opening clause immediately establishes the direct, urgent, and authoritative nature of David's communication with Ornan. David's specific request for "the place" of the threshingfloor indicates his precise obedience to the divine command given through the prophet Gad, demonstrating his immediate alignment with God's will for the designated location of the altar.
* **"that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD":** This clause explicitly states the sacred purpose behind David's acquisition. Building an altar was the divinely prescribed means for making atonement, seeking reconciliation, and offering propitiation to God following the grievous sin of the census. It signifies David's intention to engage in a solemn act of worship and an appeal for divine mercy.
* **"thou shalt grant it me for the full price":** This crucial phrase reveals David's profound theological conviction regarding the nature of true sacrifice. Despite Ornan's generous offer to provide the land and animals freely, David resolutely insists on paying the complete, undiminished cost. This demonstrates his understanding that a genuine offering to God must involve personal sacrifice and cannot be something acquired without effort or expense, thereby reflecting the immense value he placed on seeking God's favor and the sincerity of his repentance.
* **"that the plague may be stayed from the people":** This final clause articulates the immediate desired outcome and the urgent motivation for David's actions. The cessation of the devastating plague, which had already claimed 70,000 lives, was the tangible and desperately sought sign of God's acceptance of the atonement and the restoration of His favor upon the afflicted people. It underscores both the severity of the divine judgment and the profound urgency of David's obedient response.

#### Literary Devices
The text in [1 Chronicles 21:22](/1_chronicles/21-22 "1 Chronicles 21:22 - David's Request for the Threshingfloor") masterfully employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. **Dialogue** is central, as David's direct and urgent speech to Ornan powerfully conveys his resolve, his immediate obedience to God, and his deep theological conviction regarding the necessity of a costly sacrifice. This direct address draws the reader into the dramatic and pivotal exchange. The threshingfloor itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**; initially a mundane agricultural site, it is dramatically transformed into a place of divine judgment (where the angel of the LORD halted) and then consecrated as a holy site for atonement and worship. This transformation symbolizes God's redemptive power to consecrate and repurpose even ordinary spaces for sacred ends. Furthermore, the narrative contains clear **Foreshadowing**, as this very threshingfloor is explicitly identified later in the Chronicler's account as the future, permanent site for the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple in [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Location of Solomon's Temple"), imbuing David's purchase with profound long-term significance for the central worship life of Israel. Finally, there is a subtle yet significant **Contrast** between Ornan's generous offer to give the land and oxen freely, and David's resolute insistence on paying the "full price," which serves to highlight David's deep understanding of the true nature and integrity required for genuine sacrifice to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 21:22 encapsulates profound theological truths about the nature of sin, divine judgment, genuine repentance, and the essence of true worship. David's unwavering insistence on paying the "full price" for the threshingfloor and the sacrificial animals reveals a deep understanding that genuine atonement and acceptable offerings to God require personal cost and sincerity. This principle elevates sacrifice beyond a mere ritualistic act, emphasizing that true worship must emanate from a heart of devotion and a profound recognition of the immense value of divine favor and reconciliation. God's willingness to stay the devastating plague in direct response to David's obedient and costly sacrifice powerfully underscores His boundless mercy and His divine provision for reconciliation, even in the face of severe, deserved judgment. The narrative clearly highlights that while God is perfectly just in His judgment of sin, He is also abundant in mercy and grace when His people humble themselves, confess their transgressions, and seek Him according to His prescribed ways.

* [Genesis 22:1-14](/genesis/22-14 "The Sacrifice of Isaac and God's Provision")
* [Leviticus 1:3-4](/leviticus/1-4 "Requirements for the Burnt Offering")
* [2 Samuel 24:24](/2_samuel/24-24 "David's Refusal to Offer What Costs Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound account of David and Ornan's threshingfloor in 1 Chronicles 21:22 offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for believers today. When confronted with the painful consequences of our own sin, like David, we are called to genuine repentance—a sincere turning away from our self-reliance, pride, and disobedience, and a humble turning toward God in obedient submission. David's insistence on paying the "full price" challenges us to critically examine the nature of our own offerings to God. Do we offer Him only what is convenient, what costs us little, or what is merely leftover from our lives? Or do we, like David, truly understand that genuine worship, committed service, and sacrificial generosity require a personal cost, reflecting the immense value we place on our relationship with Him and His redemptive work in our lives? This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's mercy is profound and readily available; even in the midst of deserved judgment, He faithfully provides a way for atonement and reconciliation when we respond in faith, humility, and obedience. Our "threshingfloors"—those challenging places of personal struggle, consequence, or even past failure—can be transformed into sacred altars of worship and sites of profound divine encounter when we surrender them fully to God and offer Him our costly, heartfelt devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when confronted with the consequences of my sin, and what does genuine repentance truly look like in my life?**
* **What does "full price" mean in the context of my worship, my service, and my giving to God today? Am I offering Him what truly costs me something?**
* **How does David's experience of God's profound mercy, even in the midst of severe judgment, encourage and strengthen me in my own walk of faith?**
* **Are there "threshingfloors" in my life—areas of significant challenge, past failure, or personal consequence—that God might be calling me to transform into altars of worship and complete surrender?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census considered a sin, and how does 1 Chronicles 21:22 relate to it?**

Answer: David's census was considered a sin primarily because it represented a profound lack of trust in God and an inappropriate reliance on human strength and military numbers. While censuses were not inherently forbidden, this particular one was undertaken without divine command, likely motivated by pride or a desire to assess his own military might rather than depend solely on God's protection and provision. The Chronicler attributes the instigation to "Satan" ([1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David's Census")), while the parallel account in [2 Samuel 24:1](/2_samuel/24-1 "2 Samuel 24:1 - God's Anger and David's Census") indicates God's anger was kindled against Israel, implying David's action served as a catalyst for divine judgment. [1 Chronicles 21:22](/1_chronicles/21-22 "1 Chronicles 21:22 - David's Request for the Threshingfloor") is David's immediate and obedient response to the devastating plague that ensued from this sin, as he seeks to build an altar to make atonement and "stay the plague," directly addressing the dire consequence of his transgression.

**Who was Ornan, and why was his threshingfloor so significant?**

Answer: Ornan was a Jebusite, one of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David conquered the city and made it his capital. He is also known as Araunah in the parallel account in the book of Samuel ([2 Samuel 24:16](/2_samuel/24-16 "2 Samuel 24:16 - The Angel at Araunah's Threshingfloor")). His threshingfloor became supremely significant for several crucial reasons: it was the precise location where the angel of the LORD, sent to destroy Jerusalem, stopped his hand of judgment ([1 Chronicles 21:15](/1_chronicles/21-15 "1 Chronicles 21:15 - The Angel Stops at Ornan's Threshingfloor")); it was the divinely appointed spot for David to build an altar and offer sacrifices to end the devastating plague; and most importantly, this very site, purchased and consecrated by David, later became the permanent location for the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple, the central place of worship for Israel for centuries ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Location of Solomon's Temple")).

**What is the deeper meaning behind David's insistence on paying "full price" when Ornan offered the threshingfloor for free?**

Answer: David's unwavering insistence on paying the "full price" for the threshingfloor and the oxen, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 21:24](/1_chronicles/21-24 "1 Chronicles 21:24 - David's Refusal of a Free Gift"), reveals a profound and enduring theological principle: true sacrifice must genuinely cost the offerer. David understood that an offering that cost him nothing would not be a genuine expression of repentance, nor would it be a worthy or acceptable sacrifice to the holy God. Such an offering would lack sincerity, personal investment, and a true recognition of the gravity of the sin and the immense value of God's grace. This act powerfully demonstrates that worship and atonement are not cheap or convenient; they demand personal sacrifice, effort, and a deep appreciation for the magnitude of God's forgiveness and restoration. It underscores the integrity of David's heart in seeking genuine reconciliation with the LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 21:22, with its profound focus on a costly sacrifice offered at a specific location to avert devastating divine wrath, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's sin brought a plague of death upon Israel, and his costly sacrifice on Ornan's threshingfloor temporarily stayed that judgment, powerfully foreshadowing the far greater "plague" of sin that afflicts all humanity. Just as David paid the "full price" for the land and the animals for sacrifice, so too did Christ pay the ultimate, unquantifiable "full price" for our eternal redemption, not with perishable silver or gold, but with His own precious, sinless blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Christ's Blood")). The threshingfloor, a place initially associated with judgment and separation, was transformed into a sacred site of atonement and future worship. This transformation points directly to the cross of Christ, where the full judgment for our sins was perfectly and completely borne by Him, and through which we gain eternal access to true worship and profound reconciliation with God ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Cancellation of Debt through Christ")). Furthermore, the threshingfloor becoming the very site of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's manifest presence among His people, points to Christ Himself as the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect meeting place between a holy God and sinful humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as Temple")). Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, Christ has forever "stayed the plague" of eternal death and condemnation for all who believe, ushering in an era of boundless grace, forgiveness, and new, abundant life ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 16:48

And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

1 Kings 21:2

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it [is] near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; [or], if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.

2 Samuel 24:21

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

Numbers 25:8

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.