or (by transposition) אוֹרְנָה; or אַרְנִיָּהlemma אַנִיָּה missing resh, corrected to אַרְנִיָּה; all by orthographical variation for אׇרְנָן; Aravnah (or Arnijah or Ornah), a Jebusite; Araunah.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂravnâh**, represented by `{{H728}}`, identifies a specific individual: a **Jebusite** `{{H2983}}`. The word, which appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses**, is notable for its orthographical variations, including Ornah. Araunah's primary role in scripture is as the owner of a threshingfloor that becomes a site of immense theological importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative centers on an interaction between **ʼĂravnâh** `{{H728}}` and **King** `{{H4428}}` **David** `{{H1732}}`. An **angel** `{{H4397}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` was at Araunah's **threshingplace** `{{H1637}}` to **destroy** `{{H7843}}` **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}`, but the LORD **repented** `{{H5162}}` and stayed the angel's **hand** `{{H3027}}` [[2 Samuel 24:16]]. Prompted by the prophet **Gad** `{{H1410}}`, David went to **build** `{{H1129}}` an **altar** `{{H4196}}` on that spot to stop the **plague** `{{H4046}}` ([[2 Samuel 24:18]], [[2 Samuel 24:21]]). Araunah, showing deep reverence, **bowed** `{{H7812}}` to the king and generously offered to **give** `{{H5414}}` the threshingfloor, **oxen** `{{H1241}}` for the **burnt sacrifice** `{{H5930}}`, and **threshing instruments** `{{H4173}}` for **wood** `{{H6086}}` [[2 Samuel 24:20-22]]. However, David insisted on buying the property at a **price** `{{H4242}}`, famously stating he would not offer to **God** `{{H430}}` that which cost him **nothing** `{{H2600}}` [[2 Samuel 24:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Araunah's story:
* `{{H2983}}` **Yᵉbûwçîy** (Jebusite): This word, meaning "a Jebusite or inhabitant of Jebus," defines Araunah's identity as a non-Israelite whose land plays a key role in Israel's history [[2 Samuel 24:16]].
* `{{H1637}}` **gôren** (threshing-floor): Defined as "a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area," this term identifies the specific location where divine judgment was halted and a place of worship was established [[2 Samuel 24:18]].
* `{{H7069}}` **qânâh** (to buy, possess): Meaning "to procure, especially by purchase," this word is central to David's actions. His insistence to **buy** `{{H7069}}` the threshingfloor from Araunah underscores a foundational principle of sacrificial worship [[2 Samuel 24:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the encounter with `{{H728}}` is significant. It illustrates several core principles of faith and worship.
* **A Site of Mercy:** The threshingfloor of Araunah becomes the location where God's destructive judgment is stopped and divine mercy is displayed. The **plague** `{{H4046}}` is stayed from the **people** `{{H5971}}` at this very spot [[2 Samuel 24:21]].
* **The Cost of Worship:** King David's refusal to accept Araunah's generous gift establishes the principle that true worship and sacrifice must have a personal cost. He would not **offer** `{{H5927}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` what was given freely [[2 Samuel 24:24]].
* **A Place of Atonement:** David's purpose in acquiring the land was to **build** `{{H1129}}` an **altar** `{{H4196}}` to the LORD. This act transformed a common workspace into a consecrated place for making atonement and restoring relationship with God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H728}}` is far more than a name; it represents a pivotal moment in biblical history. The story of **ʼĂravnâh** the Jebusite and his threshingfloor provides the setting for a powerful lesson on divine mercy, reverence, and the nature of true sacrificial worship. The transaction between him and King David establishes a holy site where judgment ceased and a new place for approaching God was built.
TRV