1 Chronicles 21:25 – “So David paid Araunah six hundred shekels of gold for the site.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King David completes the transaction for the threshing floor and the land that belonged to Araunah, paying six hundred shekels of gold for the site. This purchase was significant because it was the location where David was instructed by God to build an altar and offer sacrifices to stop the plague that had come upon Israel as a result of David’s sin. David’s payment of six hundred shekels shows his commitment to making an offering that came at a personal cost, refusing to offer to God something that cost him nothing, as stated in the previous verse.
The purchase of the land and the building of the altar were key steps in David’s repentance and in seeking restoration with God. This action demonstrates David’s understanding that true worship and atonement for sin must involve personal sacrifice. The fact that David paid such a large amount underscores his seriousness in making this offering and his desire to fully honor God.
Historical Context
This event occurred near the end of David’s reign as king. Earlier, David had ordered a census of Israel’s fighting men, an act that displeased God because it reflected a lack of trust in God’s protection and provision. As a result, God sent a devastating plague upon Israel. When David repented, God, through the prophet Gad, instructed him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah to offer sacrifices and stop the plague.
Threshing floors were important agricultural sites where grain was separated from chaff. Araunah’s threshing floor was located on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site that would later become the location of the temple built by Solomon. David’s purchase of the land marked an important moment in Israel’s history, as it would become the central place of worship for the nation.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the theological principle of sacrificial giving in worship. David’s willingness to pay a large sum for the land shows that true worship involves giving something of personal value. It wasn’t enough for David to receive the land and materials as a gift—he understood that his offering to God needed to reflect his repentance and devotion. This teaches us that worship is not about convenience or doing the bare minimum but about offering our best to God.
Additionally, this verse emphasizes the idea that restoration with God requires more than words—it requires action. David’s repentance was accompanied by obedience to God’s command to build an altar and offer sacrifices. His willingness to pay the full price for the land demonstrates his desire to make things right with God in a tangible way.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse represents the culmination of David’s efforts to stop the plague and restore his relationship with God. The mention of the exact amount of money David paid—six hundred shekels of gold—underscores the importance of this transaction and highlights the personal cost involved. This detail serves to emphasize David’s seriousness about making a genuine sacrifice.
The verse is brief but significant, marking the moment when David takes full ownership of the land where the altar will be built. This purchase is not just a financial transaction—it is a spiritual act of commitment and devotion. By paying the full price, David ensures that his offering will be meaningful and that the altar will stand as a symbol of repentance and restoration.
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 reinforces the idea that David’s offering needed to come at a personal cost to be genuine.
- 1 Kings 9:3: “The Lord said to him: ‘I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.'” This verse refers to the temple built on the site David purchased, showing the long-term significance of David’s act of obedience.
- Psalm 51:17: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” David’s willingness to pay the full price reflects the heart of true repentance and worship that God desires.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse challenges us to consider the cost of our worship and service to God. David’s refusal to offer a cheap sacrifice reminds us that our relationship with God should involve a willingness to give generously and sacrificially. Whether it’s our time, resources, or talents, God desires that we offer Him what is valuable to us, not what is convenient or easy.
This verse also encourages us to take our repentance seriously. When we recognize sin in our lives, it’s not enough to simply acknowledge it—we need to take concrete steps toward making things right with God, just as David did by building the altar and offering sacrifices. True repentance involves both heart and action.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in providing a way for reconciliation and restoration, even when judgment is deserved. Though the plague was a result of David’s sin, God gave David a clear path to stop it through the act of sacrifice. God’s love is seen in His willingness to forgive and restore when His people turn to Him with genuine repentance.
David’s purchase of the land for the altar shows that God values sincerity in worship and devotion. God desires a heart that is willing to make sacrifices for His sake, and He responds to those who seek Him with a humble and contrite spirit.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Just as David paid a significant price to build an altar and offer sacrifices to stop the plague, Jesus paid the ultimate price by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through Jesus, the need for continual sacrifices has been fulfilled, as His death on the cross brings eternal reconciliation between God and humanity.
- Hebrews 10:10: “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice was the final, once-for-all offering that brings forgiveness and restoration to all who believe in Him.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Just as David paid a high price for the land, Jesus paid an even greater price—His own life—to redeem us from sin.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does David’s willingness to pay the full price for the land challenge your own approach to worship and giving?
- What sacrifices are you offering to God, and are they coming from a place of genuine devotion and personal cost?
- How does this verse encourage you to take concrete steps toward repentance and restoration when you recognize sin in your life?
- How does Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross deepen your understanding of the cost of forgiveness and reconciliation with God?
- In what ways can you reflect the same commitment to worship and obedience that David demonstrated in this passage?
1 Chronicles 21:25 teaches us about the importance of sacrificial giving and genuine worship. David’s willingness to pay the full price for the land reflects a heart of true repentance and devotion to God. This verse also points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid the highest price to bring us forgiveness and restoration. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded to offer our best to God in worship, knowing that He has already given everything for us through His Son.