2 Samuel 24:18

And that day Gad came to David and said to him, "Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

Study Bible

That day
The phrase "that day" signifies a specific moment in time, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the divine instruction. In the Hebrew context, the word "yom" (day) often denotes not just a 24-hour period but a significant event or turning point. This was a pivotal moment for David, marking a transition from judgment to mercy.

Gad
Gad was a prophet during King David's reign, serving as a divine messenger. His role underscores the importance of prophetic guidance in the Old Testament. Prophets like Gad were instrumental in conveying God's will, and their presence was a testament to God's ongoing communication with His people.

came to David
The act of coming to David highlights the personal nature of God's communication. David, despite his status as king, was not beyond the reach of divine instruction. This phrase reminds us of the accessibility of God's guidance to those who seek Him, regardless of their earthly position.

and said to him
This phrase indicates direct communication, emphasizing the clarity and authority of the message. In the Hebrew tradition, spoken words carried significant weight, often seen as binding and powerful. The directness of Gad's message to David underscores the seriousness of the command.

Go up
The instruction to "go up" is both literal and symbolic. Literally, it refers to ascending to a higher physical location, the threshing floor. Symbolically, it represents a spiritual ascent, a call to draw nearer to God through obedience and worship. In biblical terms, going up often signifies moving towards a place of divine encounter.

and build an altar
Building an altar was a common practice in the Old Testament, serving as a place of sacrifice and worship. The Hebrew word for altar, "mizbeach," is derived from a root meaning "to slaughter," indicating its primary function for sacrifices. This act of building an altar was a means of atonement and reconciliation with God.

to the LORD
The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) denotes the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. This phrase highlights the purpose of the altar: to honor and worship the one true God, reaffirming David's commitment to the covenant.

on the threshing floor
Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain from chaff, symbolizing purification and judgment. In this context, the threshing floor becomes a place of divine encounter and mercy. Archaeologically, threshing floors were often located on elevated ground, making them suitable for altars.

of Araunah the Jebusite
Araunah, a Jebusite, represents the non-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. His inclusion in this narrative highlights the universality of God's plan and the integration of diverse peoples into His purposes. The Jebusites were known for their fortified city, which David had previously captured, and this act of building an altar on Araunah's land signifies the transformation of a former enemy's territory into a place of worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gad
A prophet during King David's reign, serving as a messenger of God's will. Gad plays a crucial role in guiding David to make amends with God.

2. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart for God but also for his human failings. In this context, David is seeking to atone for his sin of conducting a census of Israel.

3. Araunah the Jebusite
The owner of the threshing floor where David is instructed to build an altar. Araunah's willingness to offer his property for the altar demonstrates his reverence for God.

4. Threshing Floor
A place where grain is separated from chaff, symbolically representing a place of judgment and purification. It becomes a site of worship and sacrifice.

5. Altar
A structure for offering sacrifices to God, symbolizing repentance, worship, and reconciliation with God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
David's immediate response to Gad's message emphasizes the importance of obeying God's directives, even when they require personal sacrifice or humility.

Repentance and Reconciliation
Building the altar signifies David's repentance and desire to restore his relationship with God. True repentance involves tangible actions that reflect a change of heart.

The Cost of Worship
David insists on paying for the threshing floor, illustrating that genuine worship often requires personal cost and sacrifice.

God's Mercy and Justice
The context of this passage shows God's justice in response to sin but also His mercy in providing a way for reconciliation.

Symbolism of the Threshing Floor
The threshing floor as a place of separation and purification serves as a metaphor for spiritual refinement and the need for purity in worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to Gad's instruction demonstrate his heart for God, and what can we learn from his example about obedience?

2. In what ways does the concept of sacrifice in this passage connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. Why is it significant that David insists on paying for the threshing floor, and how does this principle apply to our own acts of worship and service?

4. How does the location of the threshing floor tie into the broader biblical account, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty and plan?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a personal sacrifice in your spiritual journey. How did it impact your relationship with God, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 21
This parallel account provides additional details about the events leading to David's purchase of the threshing floor and the building of the altar.

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham's altar on Mount Moriah, which is traditionally associated with the same location as Araunah's threshing floor, highlighting themes of obedience and sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:10
Discusses the altar as a place of spiritual significance, connecting the Old Testament practice of sacrifice to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.