2 samuel 24:18 - Gad came that day to David, and said to him, “Go up, build an altar to Yahweh on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 24:18

What does "2 samuel 24:18" mean?


This verse, 2 Samuel 24:18, is a pivotal point in the narrative of David's sin in numbering the people and the resulting plague that afflicted Israel. Let's break down its meaning:

"Gad came that day to David...": Gad was a prophet who often served as God's messenger to King David. The fact that he appears "that day" indicates the urgency and seriousness of the situation. David had recognized his sin in numbering the people and had pleaded for forgiveness.

"...and said to him, 'Go up, build an altar to Yahweh...'": Gad brings a specific command from God. The instructions are to build an altar, a place for offering sacrifices and worship, to Yahweh. Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing his personal relationship with Israel.

"...on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.'": This is the critical location.
Threshing Floor: A threshing floor was a flat, open area where grain was separated from the chaff. It was usually located on a high point to take advantage of the wind. This suggests a public, exposed location.
Araunah the Jebusite: Araunah was a Jebusite, a member of the people who originally inhabited Jerusalem before David conquered it. The fact that David is instructed to build an altar on a Jebusite's land is significant. It shows that God's grace and mercy are not limited to Israelites but extend to all people. It also hints at God's plan to eventually incorporate Gentiles into His kingdom. This location becomes extremely important later, as it becomes the site of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is:

God, through the prophet Gad, instructs King David to atone for his sin by building an altar to Yahweh (God) on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This act of building an altar serves multiple purposes:

Atonement and Reconciliation: It is a way for David to seek forgiveness and restore his relationship with God after the sin of numbering the people and the resulting plague.
Obedience to God's Command: David's willingness to follow Gad's instructions demonstrates his repentance and submission to God's authority.
God's Mercy and Grace: The choice of location, on a Jebusite's property, symbolizes God's willingness to extend his grace to all people, not just Israelites.
Foundation for the Future: This event ultimately leads to the establishment of the Temple, the center of Israelite worship, in Jerusalem. This location is thus very significant for later biblical history.

In short, this verse marks the beginning of David's process of repentance and the laying of a foundation for the future Temple in Jerusalem, demonstrating God's mercy and his plan for Israel.

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