1 Chronicles 21:25 (KJV) reads “So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.”

This verse is found in the Old Testament and is part of the narrative of King David conducting a census of the people of Israel. The context of this verse is important to understand its significance in the larger story of David's reign and God's judgement on Israel.

In this section of the Bible, King David sins by ordering a census of Israel's fighting men. This action was contrary to God's command and demonstrated a lack of trust in God's protection and provision. As a result of this disobedience, God sends a plague on Israel, which results in the deaths of 70,000 men. David is stricken with grief and pleads with God to stop the plague.

The specific verse, 1 Chronicles 21:25, occurs after David has been directed by God to build an altar and offer sacrifices to atone for his sin. David goes to a Jebusite landowner named Ornan and requests to purchase his threshing floor as the location for the offering. Ornan offers to give David the property for free, along with the necessary materials for the sacrifice. However, David insists on paying for it, refusing to offer up sacrifices to God that cost him nothing.

The payment of six hundred shekels of gold by weight demonstrates David's commitment to making a significant sacrifice for the Lord. It symbolizes David's recognition of the seriousness of his sin and his desire to atone for it in a tangible and meaningful way. This act of humility and repentance on David's part displays his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and his willingness to obey God's commandments, regardless of the cost.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of true worship and genuine repentance. David's refusal to offer sacrifices that cost him nothing challenges us to consider the sincerity of our own worship and repentance. Are we willing to make sacrifices for God, or do we offer Him only that which is convenient or comfortable for us?

Furthermore, the interaction between David and Ornan serves as a powerful example of grace and generosity. Ornan's willingness to give David the property and materials for the sacrifice at no cost reflects a spirit of generosity and kindness. Similarly, David's insistence on paying for the property, despite Ornan's offer, demonstrates integrity and a desire to honor God with a costly sacrifice.

The themes of obedience, repentance, sacrifice, and God's grace are all interwoven in this verse, offering valuable insights for believers. It is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of genuine repentance. It also speaks to the significance of making sacrifices for God and the generosity and grace that permeates genuine acts of worship.

In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 21:25 provides a profound and meaningful account of David's response to his sins and the grace and generosity exhibited by Ornan. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own worship and repentance, and it serves as a powerful example of obedience, sacrifice, and God's grace. This verse continues to offer spiritual insight and inspiration for believers today, emphasizing the importance of genuine and costly worship.