Then
David said, “Here shall be the house of the LORD God and here the altar of
burnt offering for Israel.”
1 Chron. 22.1
The threshing
floor of Ornan the Jebusite features prominently in the story of David and also
that of Israel.
It was here
that David saw the threatening angel of the Lord’s destruction standing between
earth and heaven ready to wreak vengeance on Jerusalem. This was when David
cried out in confession to God seeking punishment on himself and not on God’s
people because he was the sinner in this instance.
God then,
through the angel, commanded David to erect an altar on the same site. David
did so, and followed through with offerings there and not at the traditional
site of the tabernacle, for fear that he would displease God.
It was at the
threshing floor of Ornan that David received God’s forgiveness. And it was here
that he chose to perpetuate God’s forgiveness through the building of the temple.
David, of course, would not get to carry out the actual construction, but he
was blessed to choose the location.
The temple has
such an impact in the history of Israel, and I find it amazing to now realise
the truth of its origin. I can see how God chose the site. I see a divine
directing of David in the recorded story. God chose the place of meeting and
David was open to receive God’s revelation and to act upon it.
Oh that we
might all be more open to God’s leading!
Holy Father,
I believe that David was obedient to Your lead when he
settled upon the site for the temple. I pray for obedience among Your people.
May we be open at all times to hear what You would say and, even more, may we
be willing to follow Your way. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment