2 samuel 24:22 - Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Behold, the cattle for the burnt offering, and the threshing instruments and the yokes of the oxen for the wood.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 24:22

What does "2 samuel 24:22" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 24:22 is part of the story where David is trying to atone for his sin of numbering the people (taking a census that God had not authorized). After a plague struck Israel, David sought guidance and was instructed to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

Here's a breakdown of what Araunah's statement means:

"Araunah said to David, 'Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him.'" This shows Araunah's respect for David as the king. He is being deferential and offering David the freedom to choose what he needs for the sacrifice.

"Behold, the cattle for the burnt offering..." Araunah is generously offering David the cattle needed for a burnt offering. A burnt offering was a sacrifice in which an animal was completely burned on the altar as a way of seeking atonement or expressing worship to God.

"...and the threshing instruments and the yokes of the oxen for the wood." Threshing instruments were used to separate grain from the straw. Yokes were used to harness oxen together for plowing. Araunah is offering these wooden items to be used as fuel for the fire of the burnt offering. This further demonstrates his generosity and willingness to provide whatever David needs to make the sacrifice.

In essence, Araunah is offering David everything he needs to make a suitable sacrifice to God. He's not just offering a little help, but a complete package of resources. This highlights Araunah's willingness to assist David in seeking forgiveness and ending the plague. It also speaks to Araunah's character; he is willing to freely give to the king, even though he is a Jebusite (a people group that had historically been at odds with Israel).

It's important to note that while Araunah offers these things as a gift, David refuses to accept them for free. David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the offerings because he believes he should not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). This further emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and a willingness to bear the cost of reconciliation with God.

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