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2 Samuel 24:21

2 Samuel 24:21 in Multiple Translations

“Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” Araunah said. “To buy your threshing floor,” David replied, “that I may build an altar to the LORD, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.”

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshing-floor of thee, to build an altar unto Jehovah, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

And Araunah said, Why has my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To give you a price for your grain-floor, so that I may put up an altar to the Lord, and the disease may be stopped among the people.

“Why has Your Majesty come to see me, your servant?” Araunah asked. “To buy your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the Lord in order that the plague on the people may be stopped.” David replied.

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the King come to his seruant? Then Dauid answered, To bye the threshing floore of thee for to builde an altar vnto the Lord, that the plague may cease from the people.

And Araunah saith, 'Wherefore hath my lord the king come unto his servant?' and David saith, 'To buy from thee the threshing-floor, to build an altar to Jehovah, and the plague is restrained from the people.'

Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy your threshing floor, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be stopped from afflicting the people.”

And Araunah said, Why is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshing-floor of thee, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

An going out he worshipped the king, bowing with his face to the earth, and said: Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? Arid David said to him: To buy the thrashingfloor of thee, and build an altar to the Lord, that the plague, which rageth among the people, may cease.

Araunah said, “Your Majesty, why have you come to me?” David replied, “I have come to buy this ground where you thresh grain, in order to build an altar to Yahweh and offer sacrifices on it, in order that he will stop the plague.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 24:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֲרַ֔וְנָה מַדּ֛וּעַ בָּ֥א אֲדֹנִֽ/י הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ אֶל עַבְדּ֑/וֹ וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר דָּוִ֜ד לִ/קְנ֧וֹת מֵ/עִמְּ/ךָ֣ אֶת הַ/גֹּ֗רֶן לִ/בְנ֤וֹת מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה וְ/תֵעָצַ֥ר הַ/מַּגֵּפָ֖ה מֵ/עַ֥ל הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲרַ֔וְנָה ʼĂravnâh H728 Araunah N-proper
מַדּ֛וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Part
בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנִֽ/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
עַבְדּ֑/וֹ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
לִ/קְנ֧וֹת qânâh H7069 to buy Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵ/עִמְּ/ךָ֣ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/גֹּ֗רֶן gôren H1637 threshing floor Art | N-cs
לִ/בְנ֤וֹת bânâh H1129 to build Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ mizbêach H4196 altar N-ms
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
וְ/תֵעָצַ֥ר ʻâtsâr H6113 to restrain Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
הַ/מַּגֵּפָ֖ה maggêphâh H4046 plague Art | N-fs
מֵ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep
הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 24:21

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲרַ֔וְנָה ʼĂravnâh H728 "Araunah" N-proper
Araunah was a Jebusite who sold David the site for an altar in 2 Samuel 24. His name means joyful shouting or shining. He lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.24.16; also called Araunah at 2Sa.24.16,18,20,21,22,23,24; Another name of or.nan (אׇרְנָן "Ornan" H0771) § Araunah = "I shall shout for joy" = "make ye to shine" (2Sa 24:16) or "joyful shouting of Jah" (2Sa 24:18) a Jebusite who sold David the site for an altar
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Araunah. See also: 2 Samuel 24:16; 2 Samuel 24:21; 2 Samuel 24:24.
מַדּ֛וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
בָּ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֲדֹנִֽ/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַבְדּ֑/וֹ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לִ/קְנ֧וֹת qânâh H7069 "to buy" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
מֵ/עִמְּ/ךָ֣ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/גֹּ֗רֶן gôren H1637 "threshing floor" Art | N-cs
A threshing floor is an open area where grain is separated from chaff, as seen in the book of Ruth. This word can also refer to a barn or empty space. The KJV Bible translates it as floor or place.
Definition: 1) threshing-floor 2) (TWOT) barn, barn floor, corn floor, void place
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (barn, corn, threshing-) floor, (threshing-, void) place. See also: Genesis 50:10; 1 Kings 22:10; Isaiah 21:10.
לִ/בְנ֤וֹת bânâh H1129 "to build" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ mizbêach H4196 "altar" N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/תֵעָצַ֥ר ʻâtsâr H6113 "to restrain" Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
הַ/מַּגֵּפָ֖ה maggêphâh H4046 "plague" Art | N-fs
A plague or pestilence in the Bible often refers to a divine judgment, like the plagues God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 7-12. It can also mean a defeat or slaughter, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10.
Definition: 1) blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence, strike, smite 1a) blow (fatal stroke) 1b) slaughter (of battle) 1c) plague, pestilence (divine judgment)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] be) plague(-d), slaughter, stroke. See also: Exodus 9:14; 2 Samuel 17:9; Psalms 106:29.
מֵ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 24:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.”
2 Numbers 25:8 followed the Israelite into his tent, and drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and on through the belly of the woman. So the plague against the Israelites was halted,
3 2 Samuel 21:3–14 So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. And they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel, let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest. And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done, he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged. And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land.
4 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.”
5 2 Samuel 24:3 But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?”
6 Genesis 23:8–16 “If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf to sell me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him; it is at the end of his field. Let him sell it to me in your presence for full price, so that I may have a burial site.” Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham, “No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.” Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.” Ephron answered Abraham, “Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants.
7 Psalms 106:30 But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained.
8 Numbers 16:44–50 and the LORD said to Moses, “Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown. Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.” So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, since the plague had been halted.
9 Jeremiah 32:6–14 Jeremiah replied, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their sight I instructed Baruch, “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Take these deeds—both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase—and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time.

2 Samuel 24:21 Summary

In this verse, David wants to buy a threshing floor from Araunah to build an altar to the Lord and stop a plague that is affecting the people. Araunah is very humble and generous, offering David not only the threshing floor but also animals and equipment for the altar, as seen in 2 Samuel 24:22-23. This shows us the importance of being humble and willing to serve the Lord, as encouraged in Matthew 20:26-28 and Romans 12:1. By trusting in the Lord's guidance and provision, like David did in 2 Samuel 24:19, we can take steps to make things right with Him and with others, and demonstrate our love and obedience to Him, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David want to buy Araunah's threshing floor?

David wanted to buy the threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord, so that the plague upon the people may be halted, as seen in 2 Samuel 24:21, in obedience to the Lord's command through the prophet Gad in 2 Samuel 24:18-19.

What was the purpose of building an altar to the Lord?

The purpose of building an altar to the Lord was to make atonement for the people and to halt the plague that was upon them, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:21, similar to the altar built by Noah in Genesis 8:20 after the flood.

How did Araunah respond to David's request?

Araunah responded with humility and generosity, offering not only the threshing floor but also the oxen, threshing sledges, and ox yokes for the wood, as seen in 2 Samuel 24:22-23, demonstrating a willing heart to serve the Lord and the king.

What can we learn from Araunah's response?

We can learn from Araunah's response the importance of humility, generosity, and a willing heart to serve the Lord, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, and to trust in the Lord's provision and guidance, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility and a willingness to serve the Lord, like Araunah?
  2. How can I trust in the Lord's provision and guidance in times of uncertainty or trial, as David did in 2 Samuel 24:19?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to make atonement or seek forgiveness, and how can I take steps to do so, as David did in 2 Samuel 24:21?
  4. How can I show generosity and kindness to others, as Araunah showed to David, and what impact can this have on those around me, as seen in Acts 20:35?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 24:21

And Araunah said, wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant?.... Which both implies admiration in him, that so great a person should visit him in his threshingfloor; that a king should come

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 24:21

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 24:21

Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? wherefore doth the king do me this honour, and give himself the trouble of coming to me?

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 24:21

2 Samuel 24:21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.Ver. 21 Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant?] This, he thought, was stupenda dignatio, a wonderful condescension. What is it, then, that the great God should come unto us? should dwell in us, and walk in us and sup with us? should manifest himself to us, and not to the world?

Sermons on 2 Samuel 24:21

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen The Church Is the Light by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the church as a united body, not just focusing on individual Christianity. It highlights the sacrificial attitude needed to build
John Calvin Genesis 23:1-20 by John Calvin John Calvin preaches about the death and burial of Sarah, highlighting Abraham's faith and reverence in securing a burial place for his wife, emphasizing the importance of honoring
Zeb McDaris Driving the Stake of Righteousness by Zeb McDaris In this sermon, the preacher talks about the annoyance of being constantly told about the wrongdoings of others, especially when it comes to children. He emphasizes the importance
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 107 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches on the mercies of God as seen in the Psalms, emphasizing the importance of experiencing God's goodness personally to truly appreciate His praises. The Psalms
Svend Christensen The Holy Spirit 04 Sealed by the Spirit by Svend Christensen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of justification and how it relates to sinners. He emphasizes that all people are guilty before God and in need of redemption. Th
Jon Courson Vision - Acts 10:9-20 by Jon Courson Jon Courson preaches on how God motivates individuals through visions when He wants to do something new or special. He uses examples like Moses being called through a burning bush

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