This verse from 2 Samuel 24:20 describes the encounter between King David and Araunah (also called Ornan in 1 Chronicles), a Jebusite who owned the threshing floor that David was instructed to purchase. Let's break down the meaning:
"Araunah looked out, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him.": This establishes the scene. Araunah is aware of David's approach and that it's a formal visit, with the king accompanied by his retinue.
"Then Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.": This demonstrates Araunah's respect and submission to King David. Bowing with his face to the ground was a common gesture of deep reverence and humility towards a king or someone of high authority in that culture. It suggests Araunah recognized David's power and position.
In essence, the verse depicts:
Respect and Submission: Araunah acknowledged David's authority and showed him appropriate honor.
Formal Encounter: This was not a casual meeting but a deliberate and official visit from the king.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for the subsequent conversation where David will ask to purchase Araunah's threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. This altar was intended to stop the plague that was afflicting Israel as punishment for David's sin of taking a census.
The verse highlights the social dynamics of the time and emphasizes the respect and protocol expected when interacting with a king. It also contrasts with the fact that Araunah was not an Israelite, yet he recognized and honored David's kingship.
This verse from 2 Samuel 24:20 describes the encounter between King David and Araunah (also called Ornan in 1 Chronicles), a Jebusite who owned the threshing floor that David was instructed to purchase. Let's break down the meaning:
"Araunah looked out, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him.": This establishes the scene. Araunah is aware of David's approach and that it's a formal visit, with the king accompanied by his retinue.
"Then Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.": This demonstrates Araunah's respect and submission to King David. Bowing with his face to the ground was a common gesture of deep reverence and humility towards a king or someone of high authority in that culture. It suggests Araunah recognized David's power and position.
In essence, the verse depicts:
Respect and Submission: Araunah acknowledged David's authority and showed him appropriate honor.
Formal Encounter: This was not a casual meeting but a deliberate and official visit from the king.
Setting the Stage: This verse sets the stage for the subsequent conversation where David will ask to purchase Araunah's threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. This altar was intended to stop the plague that was afflicting Israel as punishment for David's sin of taking a census.
The verse highlights the social dynamics of the time and emphasizes the respect and protocol expected when interacting with a king. It also contrasts with the fact that Araunah was not an Israelite, yet he recognized and honored David's kingship.