“And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative that describes an event in the life of King David. In this passage, David is confronted with a severe plague that has afflicted the people of Israel as a consequence of his sin. Let’s explore the context and the significance of this verse.
Historical context:The events described in 2 Samuel 24 take place near the end of David’s reign as king. In the preceding verses, David had ordered a census of the people of Israel, which was a sinful act motivated by pride and a desire to boast in his military strength. As a result of David’s sin, God sent a devastating plague upon the nation.
Araunah’s interaction with David:Araunah, also known as Ornan in Chronicles, was a Jebusite and the owner of the threshing floor where this encounter occurs. When David approaches Araunah to purchase the threshing floor, Araunah is puzzled as to why the king would seek his humble servant. This exchange highlights the humility and righteousness of Araunah.
David’s purpose for buying the threshing floor:David reveals to Araunah that he intends to buy the threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. David recognizes that the plague is a consequence of his sin and understands that offering sacrifices to God on this site will help appease His anger and bring an end to the affliction.
Symbolism and spiritual significance:The threshing floor was a significant place in Israelite culture, often associated with agricultural abundance and harvest. By purchasing the threshing floor to build an altar, David demonstrates his repentance and desire to make amends with God. It also symbolizes his recognition of the need for sacrifice and atonement to restore the relationship between Israel and God.
Lessons we can learn:This passage teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of humility before God. David’s pride in ordering the census led to severe consequences for the entire nation. Secondly, it highlights the power of repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. Despite his sin, David takes responsibility and seeks to rectify the situation by offering sacrifices. Lastly, it emphasizes the significance of worship and sacrifice in our relationship with God. Building the altar on the threshing floor represents our need to approach God with contrition and reverence, acknowledging our dependence on His mercy and grace.
In summary, 2 Samuel 24:21 presents a pivotal moment in David’s life, showcasing his humility, repentance, and desire to restore his relationship with God. It also provides valuable lessons about the consequences of sin, the power of repentance, and the importance of worship and sacrifice in our spiritual lives.
