1 chronicles 21:24 - King David said to Ornan, “No; but I will most certainly buy it for the full price. For I will not take that which is yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 21:24

What does "1 chronicles 21:24" mean?


This verse from 1 Chronicles 21:24 reveals King David's deep respect and understanding of true worship, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and genuine devotion to God. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

Context: The verse comes from a story where David wants to build an altar to appease God after a census that angered Him (a sin of pride). Ornan, a Jebusite, offers the threshing floor to David as a gift for the altar.

"King David said to Ornan, 'No; but I will most certainly buy it for the full price.'": David refuses to accept the threshing floor as a free gift. He insists on paying the full price for it.

"For I will not take that which is yours for Yahweh": David understands that giving a gift that already belongs to someone else doesn't truly express sacrifice or devotion to God.

"Nor offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing.": This is the core of the verse's meaning. David's point is that a genuine sacrifice must involve personal cost and commitment. A burnt offering given freely wouldn't be a true representation of repentance and devotion. It wouldn't be a sacrifice at all, but merely a symbolic gesture.

In essence, the verse highlights the principle that true worship requires sacrifice and investment from the worshiper. It emphasizes that what is offered to God should come at a personal cost, demonstrating sincerity and commitment to the divine.

Key takeaways:

Genuine sacrifice: True worship involves giving something of value, not simply offering what is readily available or costless.
Personal cost: The value of an offering is determined by the sacrifice and effort involved in obtaining it.
Sincerity: David's refusal to accept a free gift reflects his genuine desire to atone for his sin and express his devotion to God.
Motivation: The intention behind the offering matters. Giving something that doesn't require sacrifice doesn't demonstrate true commitment.

The principle expressed in this verse has broader applications:

Giving to charity: It's more meaningful to give sacrificially rather than just giving leftovers.
Serving others: Volunteering time and energy is more impactful than simply offering empty promises.
Spiritual discipline: Devoting time to prayer, study, and service requires sacrifice and commitment.

Ultimately, the verse teaches that true worship is not a matter of empty gestures but a heartfelt expression of devotion that involves genuine sacrifice and commitment. It's about giving our best to God, not just what's convenient or costless.

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