Who Was Ornan in the Bible?
Man Living at the Time of the United Monarchy
Ornan, also known as Araunah, was a Jebusite living during the time of the United Monarchy, mentioned in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Ornan’s story is pivotal in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning King David’s census and the subsequent establishment of the site for the future temple in Jerusalem.
Ornan the Jebusite
Ornan is introduced in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 as a Jebusite, a Canaanite tribe that inhabited Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David. Despite being a non-Israelite, Ornan’s interaction with David and his contribution to Israelite history are significant.
2 Samuel 24:16 (ESV)
“And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.’ And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”
The Context of King David’s Census
King David’s decision to take a census of Israel, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, was seen as a sinful act because it demonstrated pride and a lack of trust in God’s provision. As a consequence, God sent a plague upon Israel. When the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, David repented and sought God’s mercy. God then instructed David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
1 Chronicles 21:18 (ESV)
“Now the angel of the Lord had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”
Ornan’s Generosity
When David approached Ornan to purchase the threshing floor, Ornan offered to give it to David for free, including the oxen for burnt offerings and the wood for the fire. However, David insisted on paying for it, stating that he would not offer to God something that cost him nothing.
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV)
“But the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
Establishing the Temple Site
The location of Ornan’s threshing floor became the site of the future temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon, David’s son, later built the temple on this very spot, making it the central place of worship for the Israelites.
2 Chronicles 3:1 (ESV)
“Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Obedience and Repentance
David’s sin of taking the census highlights the importance of obedience to God. When David recognized his sin and repented, God provided a way for restoration through the sacrifice on Ornan’s threshing floor. This teaches modern Christians the significance of acknowledging our sins, repenting, and seeking God’s forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The Value of Sacrificial Worship
David’s insistence on paying for the threshing floor illustrates the principle that true worship involves sacrifice. Worship that costs us nothing lacks depth and sincerity. Christians are called to offer themselves fully to God, recognizing the value of sacrificial giving.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
The Role of Humility and Generosity
Ornan’s willingness to give his threshing floor and resources for David’s sacrifice demonstrates humility and generosity. Modern Christians are encouraged to adopt a similar attitude, using their resources to honor God and support His work.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Mercy and Provision
The story of Ornan and David showcases God’s mercy and provision. Despite David’s sin, God provided a means for atonement and restoration. This narrative reassures believers of God’s readiness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent.
Psalm 103:8-12 (ESV)
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Ornan’s threshing floor, which became the site of the temple, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as sacrifices were offered on Ornan’s threshing floor to atone for sin, Jesus offered Himself as the final and perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV)
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Jesus as the True Temple
The physical temple built on Ornan’s threshing floor points to Jesus Christ, who described Himself as the true temple. Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God, eliminating the need for a physical temple for worship.
John 2:19-21 (ESV)
“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking about the temple of his body.”
Conclusion
Ornan, also known as Araunah, played a crucial role in the biblical narrative by providing the site for David’s sacrifice and the future temple. His story highlights the themes of obedience, repentance, sacrificial worship, humility, and generosity. For modern Christians, Ornan’s story serves as a reminder of God’s mercy, the importance of true worship, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom believers have direct access to God. By reflecting on these lessons, believers are encouraged to live lives of obedience, generosity, and sacrificial worship, continually seeking to honor God in all that they do.