דברי הימים א, פרק כ״א, פסוק כ״ד

King David’s interaction with Ornan highlights a fundamental rule regarding sacrifices. For an offering to be valid, it must be the complete property of the person bringing it. Because of this principle, David firmly insists on paying the full price for the location where he plans to build an altar.

The primary approach among commentators is that David makes a clear statement through his refusal. He is entirely unwilling to take property that belongs to Ornan just to give it to God. His motive is rooted in the understanding that an offering cannot come from a free gift. A person simply cannot offer a sacrifice to God using something that they do not rightfully and legally own.