1 Chronicles 21:23 – “Araunah said to David, ‘Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Araunah (also known as Ornan) generously offers King David everything he needs to make a sacrifice to the Lord. He not only offers the land—the threshing floor where the altar would be built—but also provides oxen for the burnt offering, wood for the fire from the threshing sledges, and wheat for the grain offering. Araunah is willing to give it all for free, demonstrating a heart of generosity and reverence for both David and God.

This moment occurs after David had sinned by ordering a census of Israel’s fighting men, leading to a plague as a punishment from God. To stop the plague, God instructed David to build an altar and make sacrifices on Araunah’s land. Araunah’s offer to give everything needed for the sacrifice reflects his respect for David and his understanding of the importance of this act of atonement. He recognizes the gravity of the situation and is eager to help the king fulfill God’s command.

Historical Context

This event takes place toward the end of David’s reign as king. After ordering a census of Israel’s army, David came to realize that his actions were rooted in pride and a lack of trust in God. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel, killing many people. Through the prophet Gad, God instructed David to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor and offer sacrifices to stop the plague.

Threshing floors were often located on elevated ground and were used to separate wheat from chaff. Araunah’s threshing floor was located in Jerusalem and would later become the site of Solomon’s temple. This location is significant not only because of the altar David built but also because it became a central place of worship for Israel.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the theme of sacrificial giving. Araunah’s willingness to provide everything necessary for the sacrifice without asking for payment reflects a generous spirit and a heart attuned to God’s purposes. His actions teach us about the importance of giving freely to the Lord, especially when it comes to matters of worship and obedience.

However, while Araunah’s offer is generous, the following verses show that David refuses to accept the gift for free, insisting on paying full price. This demonstrates another important principle: genuine worship and sacrifice often come with personal cost. David understood that a sacrifice made to atone for sin should not come without any personal investment. True worship involves giving something valuable to God, reflecting our love and reverence for Him.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, this verse serves as a moment of contrast between Araunah’s generosity and David’s sense of responsibility. Araunah’s offer is selfless and reflects a heart willing to serve both God and king. His willingness to give everything without asking for compensation shows his respect for the gravity of the situation and his understanding of the importance of the sacrifice.

The dialogue is significant because it reveals two complementary attitudes: Araunah’s readiness to give freely and David’s determination to ensure that his offering is meaningful. The exchange between Araunah and David emphasizes the importance of both generosity and personal sacrifice in the context of worship and repentance.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Samuel 24:24: “But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.” This parallel passage emphasizes David’s understanding that true worship requires personal cost, even when generosity is offered.
• Exodus 25:2: “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.” Araunah’s heart is clearly prompted to give, showing that true generosity comes from a willing spirit.
• 1 Chronicles 29:14: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” This verse reflects the biblical understanding that all we have is ultimately from God, and giving back to Him is an act of gratitude and worship.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, this verse teaches us about the value of generosity and sacrificial giving. Araunah’s willingness to give freely shows a heart of obedience and reverence toward God. His example challenges us to consider how we can give our time, resources, and efforts to God’s work without expecting anything in return.

At the same time, David’s refusal to accept the offering for free (which we see in the following verse) reminds us that worship and sacrifice should cost us something. Whether it’s our time, our talents, or our resources, true worship involves giving to God what is valuable to us. This principle encourages us to examine our own lives and ask if we are offering God our best, or if we are only giving what is convenient.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in that He provides a way for His people to be restored to Him, even when they have sinned. Though the plague was a result of David’s disobedience, God, in His mercy, gave David clear instructions on how to stop it through sacrifice. Araunah’s willingness to provide the materials for the offering also reflects God’s provision through the hearts of others.

God’s love is seen in the way He desires to reconcile with His people. Despite the sin and judgment, God’s ultimate goal is restoration. The sacrifice that David was about to offer would not only stop the plague but also serve as a sign of God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who seek Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points to Jesus Christ in that it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make on our behalf. Just as David was instructed to offer sacrifices to stop the plague and bring reconciliation with God, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for the sins of all humanity.

• John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love is demonstrated in His willingness to give what was most precious—His own Son—as a sacrifice for our sins.
• Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Jesus’ sacrificial love reflects the heart of true worship and giving, which is seen in both Araunah’s willingness to give and David’s determination to offer something of personal value.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Araunah’s generosity challenge you to consider your own willingness to give freely to God and others?
2. In what ways can you ensure that your worship and service to God involve personal sacrifice, rather than simply offering what costs you nothing?
3. How does this verse remind you of the importance of obedience and generosity in your relationship with God?
4. What can you learn from David’s determination to offer a meaningful sacrifice, even when he was offered everything for free?
5. How does the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ deepen your understanding of the cost of true atonement and the love of God?

1 Chronicles 21:23 teaches us about the heart of generosity and the value of sacrificial worship. Araunah’s willingness to give freely reflects a heart that is devoted to God, while David’s insistence on paying the full price shows the importance of offering something meaningful to God. This verse also points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to atone for our sins, offering us reconciliation with God.