And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.
1 CHRONICLES 21:23KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 21:23 mean?
1 Chronicles 21:23 shows Ornan offering King David everything needed for a sacrifice—his threshing floor, oxen, tools for wood, and wheat—freely and generously, without asking for payment. Ornan tells David to take it all and do what he thinks is right, showing complete willingness to help.
In this verse, Ornan (also called Araunah in other passages) is speaking to David during a crisis, when David needs a place to build an altar to stop a plague. Ornan’s response is remarkable because he offers not just the land, but also the animals and materials for the entire sacrifice, showing humility and generosity toward the king and God’s purpose.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 21:23
- "Take" (לָקַח, laqach): This word means to take or receive. Ornan is not just permitting David to use the property; he is urging David to accept it as a gift, emphasizing his eagerness to help.
- "Give" (נָתַן, natan): Ornan repeats this word, stressing that he is giving everything freely, not holding anything back. This highlights the completeness of his offer.
- "Burnt offerings" (עֹלוֹת, olot): This term refers to sacrifices that are entirely burned, symbolizing total dedication to God. Ornan’s gift includes what is needed for this specific kind of offering, underlining the seriousness of the moment.
- "Threshing instruments" (מוֹרֵג, moreg): These are the wooden tools used for threshing grain. By offering them for wood, Ornan is even willing to give up his means of livelihood for the sacrifice.
Why 1 Chronicles 21:23 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that Ornan was reluctant or forced to give; instead, he is shown as eager and generous, which contrasts with how property might usually be taken by a king.
- The verse emphasizes the completeness of Ornan’s offer—he gives not just the land, but every necessary part for the sacrifice, which shows deep respect for both David and God.
- This moment sets up the importance of the site, which later becomes the location for Solomon’s temple, connecting Ornan’s generosity to a much larger story in Israel’s history.