1 Chronicles 18:14-20:8; 2 Samuel 24; 1 Kings 1 – 2; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalms 4 and 5

Once again, David had sinned against God. In his arrogance he numbered the fighting men instead of trusting that Yahweh would fight and win for Israel. His people suffered mightily. His arrogance, however, was not his defining character trait. As with his adultery with Bathsheba, David’s spirit was broken and his heart contrite. It is ultimately not the sin – for we all sin – that matters, rather it is the response of the sinner to God. Godly sorrow leads to repentance. Sorrow for getting caught leads to frustration with God.

So now we find David ready, willing and able to offer the needed sacrifice to atone for his sin. All he needs is a place. The threshing floor of Araunah (Ornana) the Jebusite was the perfect spot. It was perfect because it was a flat rock, sure enough. Most importantly, it was perfect because God chose it long before.

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 Chronicles 3:1

You may recall that Mount Moriah was the place where Yahweh led Abraham for the offering of his son Isaac. Now David had come to the same spot on earth. His son, Solomon, would build the Temple on the same spot. Each instance is an unfolding message from God about atonement and sacrifice. Yahweh requires sacrifice for sin. Like with Isaac, God stepped in and offered a substitute – Himself. Like with David, sin leads to death and only sacrifice can remit sin. Finally, the blood of bulls and goats offered perpetually was insufficient to atone for the sins of mankind, and only the blood of the Son of God would be sufficient.

Even so, David understood a crucial point. If the property and animals were given to him, there would be no real sacrifice. There had to be a cost, and David needed to pay it. It never was about rams, bulls and sheep. It is about faithful obedience to a gracious God.

In that understanding lies one of the great paradoxes of salvation The gift of forgiveness by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus is absolutely free, yet should you choose to deny yourself and take up your cross to follow Him it will cost you everything – your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!