How does 2 Samuel 24:23 demonstrate sacrificial giving in our own lives? Setting the Scene • Israel is under judgment because David ordered a census (2 Samuel 24:1–17). • God directs David to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor to halt the plague (2 Samuel 24:18). • Araunah responds immediately when David arrives, offering the entire site and the needed animals without charge. What Happens in 2 Samuel 24:23? “O king, Araunah gives all these to the king.” Araunah also said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” • Araunah willingly places his most valuable assets—land, oxen, wood—at the king’s disposal. • His words “gives all” reveal unreserved generosity. • The verse closes with Araunah’s desire that the Lord accept David’s offering, underlining that true giving seeks God’s approval, not personal advantage. Two Models of Sacrificial Giving 1. Araunah: – Offers everything he owns at a critical moment. – Seeks no repayment or recognition. – Demonstrates that sacrificial giving begins with an open hand and a willing heart. 2. David (next verse, 24): – “I insist on paying you for it, for I cannot present to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” – Highlights that sacrifice must be personally costly to the giver. – Ensures worship does not become cheap or superficial. Principles for Today • True generosity flows from ownership by God—if He owns it, we can release it. • Sacrifice measures value not by amount kept but by cost to the giver (see Mark 12:41–44). • Acceptance by the Lord, not applause from people, is the highest goal (Matthew 6:1–4). • Our giving should intersect real need and real cost, just as Araunah’s gift halted a deadly plague. Scripture Reinforcement • Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” • 1 Chronicles 29:3 (David speaking): “Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I have given…over and above all that I have provided.” • Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” Practical Steps • Inventory what God may be asking you to release—time, assets, skills. • Identify where costly giving can meet pressing kingdom needs—missions, local church, suffering believers. • Decide in advance, like David, that offerings will have real personal cost. • Give promptly when the Spirit nudges; delayed obedience robs both giver and receiver. • Seek the Lord’s acceptance above human notice; keep records for accountability, not for boasting. Closing Thoughts 2 Samuel 24:23 shows that hearts surrendered to God give freely and fully, while 24:24 underlines that true worship carries a price. Together they call believers to generosity that costs us something yet brings God-honoring impact to others. |
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