1 chronicles 21:23 - Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes. Behold, I give the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering. I give it all.”
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What does "1 chronicles 21:23" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 21:23 is about Ornan offering a gift to King David. Let's break down what it means:
Context: This verse is part of a larger narrative where David has sinned by taking a census of Israel, which displeased God. As a result, God sent a plague upon the land. An angel of the Lord was stationed at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, ready to destroy Jerusalem. David, guided by the prophet Gad, was instructed to build an altar to the Lord on Ornan's threshing floor to appease God and stop the plague.
Ornan's Generous Offer: Ornan, seeing David approaching, recognizes him and shows him respect ("my lord the king"). Knowing that David needs the threshing floor for a sacrifice, Ornan generously offers the entire property and everything on it:
"Take it for yourself...": He's offering the threshing floor itself, the land it's on, to David for free.
"...and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes.": This is a deferential statement expressing Ornan's willingness to comply with whatever David decides to do. He's trusting David's judgment and authority.
"Behold, I give the oxen for burnt offerings...": He's offering the oxen (cattle) which are valuable animals, to be sacrificed as burnt offerings. A burnt offering was a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, dedicated to God.
"...and the threshing instruments for wood...": He's offering the wooden threshing instruments (used for separating grain from stalks) to be used as fuel for the altar fire.
"...and the wheat for the meal offering.": He's offering the wheat (grain) to be used as a meal offering. A meal offering was a grain-based offering presented to God.
"I give it all.": He emphasizes that his offering is complete and total, including everything needed for the sacrifice.
Meaning and Significance:
Generosity and Sacrifice: Ornan's offer is a display of extraordinary generosity and willingness to sacrifice his valuable possessions for the sake of King David and, ultimately, the well-being of the people.
Respect for Authority: Ornan shows deference and respect for King David's position and authority.
Willingness to Avert Disaster: Ornan understands the severity of the situation (the plague) and is willing to do whatever he can to help avert further disaster.
David's Response (Important Context Not in This Verse): It is important to note that David refuses Ornan's free offer and insists on paying the full price for the threshing floor and the offerings. This is because David recognizes that a sacrifice made at no cost to himself would not be a true sacrifice and would not fully atone for his sin. (See 1 Chronicles 21:24).
In summary, 1 Chronicles 21:23 highlights Ornan's selfless offer of his property and possessions to King David so that David can make a sacrifice to God and stop a devastating plague. It showcases Ornan's generosity, respect for authority, and willingness to help in a time of crisis. However, the full meaning is best understood when considering David's subsequent refusal to accept a free gift, emphasizing the importance of genuine sacrifice.
1 chronicles 21:23 - Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes. Behold, I give the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering. I give it all.”
What does "1 chronicles 21:23" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 21:23 is about Ornan offering a gift to King David. Let's break down what it means:
Context: This verse is part of a larger narrative where David has sinned by taking a census of Israel, which displeased God. As a result, God sent a plague upon the land. An angel of the Lord was stationed at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, ready to destroy Jerusalem. David, guided by the prophet Gad, was instructed to build an altar to the Lord on Ornan's threshing floor to appease God and stop the plague.
Ornan's Generous Offer: Ornan, seeing David approaching, recognizes him and shows him respect ("my lord the king"). Knowing that David needs the threshing floor for a sacrifice, Ornan generously offers the entire property and everything on it:
"Take it for yourself...": He's offering the threshing floor itself, the land it's on, to David for free.
"...and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes.": This is a deferential statement expressing Ornan's willingness to comply with whatever David decides to do. He's trusting David's judgment and authority.
"Behold, I give the oxen for burnt offerings...": He's offering the oxen (cattle) which are valuable animals, to be sacrificed as burnt offerings. A burnt offering was a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, dedicated to God.
"...and the threshing instruments for wood...": He's offering the wooden threshing instruments (used for separating grain from stalks) to be used as fuel for the altar fire.
"...and the wheat for the meal offering.": He's offering the wheat (grain) to be used as a meal offering. A meal offering was a grain-based offering presented to God.
"I give it all.": He emphasizes that his offering is complete and total, including everything needed for the sacrifice.
Meaning and Significance:
Generosity and Sacrifice: Ornan's offer is a display of extraordinary generosity and willingness to sacrifice his valuable possessions for the sake of King David and, ultimately, the well-being of the people.
Respect for Authority: Ornan shows deference and respect for King David's position and authority.
Willingness to Avert Disaster: Ornan understands the severity of the situation (the plague) and is willing to do whatever he can to help avert further disaster.
David's Response (Important Context Not in This Verse): It is important to note that David refuses Ornan's free offer and insists on paying the full price for the threshing floor and the offerings. This is because David recognizes that a sacrifice made at no cost to himself would not be a true sacrifice and would not fully atone for his sin. (See 1 Chronicles 21:24).
In summary, 1 Chronicles 21:23 highlights Ornan's selfless offer of his property and possessions to King David so that David can make a sacrifice to God and stop a devastating plague. It showcases Ornan's generosity, respect for authority, and willingness to help in a time of crisis. However, the full meaning is best understood when considering David's subsequent refusal to accept a free gift, emphasizing the importance of genuine sacrifice.