2 Samuel 24:24

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

2 Samuel 24:24 (KJV)

Context

This verse comes at the end of a troubling chapter in David’s reign. David had sinned by ordering a census of Israel, and God sent a plague as judgment. When the destroying angel reached Jerusalem, David pleaded for mercy, and the prophet Gad told him to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David went to Araunah, who offered him the site, the oxen, and the wood without charge, saying, “May the LORD your God accept you.“

Meaning

David’s reply is the heart of the verse: “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” He refused to give God something that had not cost him anything. For David, worship was not a matter of convenience or appearance; it was a genuine offering that involved personal sacrifice. He understood that a gift that costs nothing does not truly express love, devotion, or repentance. So he paid fifty shekels of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen, and then he built the altar and offered sacrifices to the Lord.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 21:24-25 records David’s same refusal and states that he paid six hundred shekels of gold for the site. Some understand the larger amount as the total value of the property, while the fifty shekels in 2 Samuel may refer specifically to the oxen and the immediate threshing floor. The narrative continues in 2 Samuel 24:25, where David offers burnt offerings and peace offerings, the Lord is entreated for the land, and the plague is stayed.

Application

David’s example challenges us to examine our own worship. Do we give God what is easy, leftover, or free, or do we offer Him what truly costs us? Genuine worship involves giving of ourselves—our time, our resources, our comfort, and our hearts. It is not about ritual or lip service, but about a heartfelt offering that reflects our love and gratitude. When we give to God, we acknowledge that He is worthy of our best, not our leftovers. This may mean giving sacrificially in our finances, our service, or our obedience, even when it is inconvenient.

Reflection

David’s words also reveal a repentant heart. He had sinned greatly, but he did not try to minimize his sin or offer a cheap remedy. He was willing to pay the price to restore his relationship with God. This reminds us that true repentance is not just feeling sorry; it is turning back to God with a sincere heart, willing to do what is right even when it costs us. God’s willingness to accept David’s offering and stop the plague shows His mercy and readiness to forgive those who humbly come to Him.