Who was Ornan in the Bible?
Man living at the time of United Monarchy
Ornan, also known as Araunah, was a man living during the time of the United Monarchy, as first mentioned in 2Samuel24:16. He is also referred to as Araunah in 2Samuel24:16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24. Ornan is a significant figure in biblical history, particularly in the context of King David’s census and the site of the future temple.
Ornan is described as a Jebusite, a people group living in Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David. The Jebusites were one of the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land of Israel before the Israelites took possession of it. Despite not being an Israelite, Ornan’s story is intertwined with the history of the Jewish people.
In 2Samuel24 and 1 Chronicles 21, King David sinned by taking a census of Israel, which was a sign of pride and a lack of trust in God’s provision. As a result of this sin, a plague was sent upon the land, causing devastation and death among the people. When the angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem, David pleaded for mercy, and God instructed him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Ornan offered to give David the threshing floor, the oxen for the burnt offering, and the wood for the fire freely, but David insisted on paying for it, saying, I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing (2Samuel24:24). David purchased the threshing floor and offered sacrifices there, and God responded by stopping the plague.
This site, where Ornan’s threshing floor was located, later became the site of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was on this very spot that King Solomon built the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Ornan’s willingness to offer his land for the worship of God played a crucial role in the establishment of the temple.
From a biblical perspective, Ornan’s story exemplifies the importance of obedience to God, humility before Him, and the significance of true worship. It also highlights the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and atonement. Ornan’s actions demonstrate a heart that is willing to honor God and make sacrifices for His glory.
In conclusion, Ornan, also known as Araunah, was a significant figure in biblical history, particularly during the time of King David and the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, worship, and humility before God.