דברי הימים א, פרק כ״א, פסוק כ׳

A dramatic collision between ordinary daily labor and supernatural revelation unfolds at the threshing floor. Turning his face backward, Ornan catches sight of the destroying angel actively striking the people [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This shared vision indicates that the angel is not appearing merely to isolated individuals, but is clearly visible to everyone at the site [רלב״ג]. The location of this encounter is highly intentional. The threshing floor is specifically chosen to serve as the future focal point for healing and the ultimate end of the plague [מלבי״ם].

Struck by fear at the horrifying sight, Ornan's four sons immediately seek refuge and hide within the threshing floor [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their retreat is more than a natural human reaction to terror. It actively fulfills an ancient spiritual principle dictating that during times of wrath and plague, people must lock themselves away and remain hidden until the destruction passes [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

It appears that Ornan initially hides alongside his sons. However, while his sons remain concealed, Ornan eventually steps out of his hiding place, particularly as David approaches the area [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Once outside, Ornan resumes the routine agricultural task of threshing wheat. Highlighting this ordinary labor serves a specific narrative purpose. Because wheat will soon be required for a meal offering, establishing that Ornan is already processing it prevents any later confusion about where the grain suddenly comes from [רש״י].