Understanding 1 Chronicles 21:23

This verse captures a crucial moment in the narrative of King David, emphasizing themes of faith, leadership, and the significance of offerings to God. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning of 1 Chronicles 21:23, drawing insights from renowned public domain commentaries by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Bible Verse Text

1 Chronicles 21:23: "And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all."

Verse Summary

This verse records Ornan's generous offer to David as he seeks to purchase the threshing floor on which to build an altar to God. Ornan’s willingness to give everything showcases his humility, while David's response will highlight the importance of rightful worship and sacrifice.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the selflessness of Ornan in this encounter. He reflects on the importance of true worship and sacrifice. In giving everything freely, Ornan exemplifies how one should approach God—not with reluctance or hesitation, but with a willing heart and generous spirit.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes the significance of the offerings in this verse. He elaborates on the typical Jewish practice of offering sacrifices as an essential part of worship. By offering these gifts, Ornan acknowledges the sovereignty of God and the necessity of atonement through offerings.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke points out the implications of David’s response to Ornan's generosity. He highlights the importance of buying the site rather than accepting it as a gift, suggesting that true worship requires a personal cost, thus maintaining the integrity of the sacrificial act.

Thematic Connections

This verse connects with several key themes in the Bible:

• Selflessness in Giving: Ornan's willingness to provide all required for the sacrifice emphasizes a biblical principle of generous giving.
• The Cost of Discipleship: David's decision to buy the land rather than receive it for free illustrates that worship may come with sacrifice.
• True Worship: This encounter signifies that worship leads to action, requiring both physical and spiritual commitments.

Cross-References

Related Bible Verses

• 2 Samuel 24:24: "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing."
• Exodus 34:20: "But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem..."
• 1 Peter 2:5: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
• Genesis 22:2: "And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."
• Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother..."
• Luke 21:1-4: "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites..."
• Malachi 1:14: "But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen."

Conclusion

The significance of 1 Chronicles 21:23 lies in its rich themes of sacrifice, offering, and the relationship between God and His people. Through the lenses of various commentaries, we can understand the depth of this passage better. Cross-referencing this verse with others can also provide a fuller understanding of the biblical principles surrounding worship and sacrifice.

Further Study Resources

For those looking to deepen their study, various tools for Bible cross-referencing are available, such as:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study methods
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials

These resources can aid in identifying connections between Bible verses, enhancing the study of scripture, and discovering inter-biblical dialogues that reveal God's overarching narrative throughout the Bible.