“And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.”
Context:The verse is part of the account of King David’s sin in conducting a census of the people, which was against God’s will. As a result of his disobedience, God sent a plague upon Israel. In response to the plague, David sought forgiveness and sought to offer a sacrifice to God.
Gad the Prophet:Gad was a prophet and one of David’s trusted advisors. He played a significant role in guiding David in matters of faith and spiritual matters. In this verse, Gad came to David with a message from the Lord.
Building an Altar:Gad instructed David to go and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. The threshing floor was a place where grain was separated from the chaff. Building an altar was an act of worship and a means to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Araunah the Jebusite:Araunah was a Jebusite, a non-Israelite people who inhabited the land of Canaan. The Jebusites were one of the indigenous tribes in the region, and their land included Jerusalem, which was later captured by King David and became the capital of Israel. Araunah owned the threshing floor, and David’s
Seeking Forgiveness:The verse highlights David’s earnest desire to restore his relationship with God after the calamity that befell Israel.
Lessons:
- Obedience to God: David’s sin in conducting the census serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Even great leaders like David can make mistakes, but it is crucial to repent and seek forgiveness when we go astray.
- Humility and Repentance: David’s willingness to humble himself and acknowledge his sin is an important lesson for believers. When we realize we have done wrong, it is essential to approach God with a contrite heart and seek His forgiveness.
- Worship and Sacrifice: Building an altar and offering a sacrifice were acts of worship and seeking reconciliation with God. They demonstrate the significance of genuine worship in our relationship with God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices today, we can offer our hearts, praise, and obedience to God as our spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
- God’s Mercy and Restoration: Despite David’s sin, God showed mercy and provided a way for forgiveness and restoration. This account highlights God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent and seek Him.
In summary, 2 Samuel 24:18 teaches us about the importance of obedience, humility, worship, and seeking forgiveness from God. It shows how David responded to his sin by building an altar to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.
