2 samuel 24:25 - David built an altar to Yahweh there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So Yahweh was entreated for the land, and the plague was removed from Israel.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 24:25

What does "2 samuel 24:25" mean?


This verse, 2 Samuel 24:25, concludes the story of David's sin of taking a census and the subsequent plague that afflicted Israel. Let's break down what it means:

"David built an altar to Yahweh there": After being instructed by the prophet Gad to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, David obeyed. This act of building an altar signifies repentance and a desire to reconcile with God.

"and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings": These were specific types of sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses.

Burnt offerings (Olah) were wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement for sin.
Peace offerings (Shelamim) were partly burned, partly eaten by the priests, and partly eaten by the offerer and his family. They symbolized fellowship, peace, and reconciliation with God and with others.

The combination of these offerings indicates a thorough attempt to appease God's wrath and restore the relationship between God and Israel.

"So Yahweh was entreated for the land": The word "entreated" (sometimes translated as "had compassion" or "answered") means that God heard David's prayer and accepted the sacrifices. The act of offering sacrifices with a sincere heart, followed by prayer, was effective in moving God to respond.

"and the plague was removed from Israel": This is the direct consequence of God being entreated. The plague, which was a divine judgment for David's sin, was stopped. This signifies forgiveness and restoration.

In essence, the verse means:

David, recognizing his sin in ordering the census, built an altar on Araunah's threshing floor as God commanded. He then offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, signifying repentance, atonement, and a desire for reconciliation with God. God accepted these sacrifices and heard David's prayer, causing the devastating plague to cease, thereby restoring peace and well-being to Israel.

Key takeaways:

Repentance and Sacrifice: The passage highlights the importance of repentance and offering sacrifices (in the Old Testament context) as a means of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
God's Mercy: It demonstrates God's willingness to show mercy and compassion when people genuinely seek Him in repentance.
Consequences of Sin: It underscores that sin has consequences, but forgiveness is available through repentance and God's grace.
Atonement: The sacrifices prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of sin. While physical sacrifices are no longer required in Christianity, the principles of repentance, faith, and seeking God's forgiveness remain central.