Old Testament
1 Chronicles 21:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
David said to Ornan, "Sell me this threshing floor so I can build an altar to the LORD here. Charge me the full price, so the plague against the people can be stopped."
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Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.
What 1 Chronicles 21:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King David approaches Ornan, who owns a threshing floor, and requests to buy it. David wants to build an altar to the LORD there, hoping to stop a devastating plague affecting his people. He insists on paying the full price, showing his commitment and respect for the land. This act signifies David's desire to take responsibility for the well-being of his nation. By building an altar, he aims to seek forgiveness and restoration from God. David understands that true worship requires sacrifice, and he is willing to make that sacrifice for the sake of his people. This story highlights the importance of taking action in times of crisis and the need for genuine repentance. It also illustrates how personal responsibility can lead to communal healing and restoration. David's request is not just about a piece of land; it represents a turning point for his relationship with God and his people, emphasizing the power of faith and action in difficult times. His determination to pay the full price reflects a heart that values what is sacred.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 21:22 to your life
When faced with challenges, consider how you can take responsibility for your actions and their impact on others. Like David, be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. Seek ways to restore relationships and foster healing in your community through genuine acts of faith and commitment. Your actions can inspire change and hope in difficult times. Remember, true worship often involves personal sacrifice and accountability.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (1 Chronicles 21:1–22:1)
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David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 21:22 mean?
In this verse, King David asks Ornan to sell him a threshing floor to build an altar to the LORD. He wants to stop a plague affecting his people and insists on paying the full price, showing his commitment to God and responsibility for his nation's well-being.
What is the significance of the threshing floor in 1 Chronicles 21:22?
The threshing floor represents a sacred space where David intends to build an altar for worship. It symbolizes his desire for repentance and restoration for his people during a time of crisis.
Why does David insist on paying the full price in 1 Chronicles 21:22?
David insists on paying the full price to demonstrate his respect for the land and the seriousness of his intentions. This act reflects his understanding that true worship and sacrifice require personal investment.
What is the context of 1 Chronicles 21:22?
This verse occurs during a time when a plague is affecting David's people, and he seeks to make amends with God. By purchasing the threshing floor, he aims to take responsibility and seek divine intervention through worship.
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