What does Araunah's offer teach about generosity and stewardship? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 24:22 records, “Araunah said to David, ‘Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering, and the threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood.’” A devastating plague is sweeping Israel; David seeks a place to build an altar. Araunah, the Jebusite landowner, meets him with an astonishing offer—everything needed for the sacrifice, free of charge. Araunah’s Example: Five Marks of Genuine Generosity • Open-handedness: He immediately says, “take whatever pleases you,” showing no hesitation (cf. Proverbs 11:24). • Readiness: Araunah was prepared; the oxen, sledges, and yokes were on hand, demonstrating forethought (cf. 1 Timothy 6:18). • Sacrifice: Oxen were costly work animals; threshing sledges and yokes were vital tools. He offers the best, not leftovers (cf. Malachi 1:8). • Thoughtfulness: He even supplies the wood—anticipating every need for worship. True generosity looks ahead to meet practical details (cf. Titus 3:14). • Worship-Orientation: His motive is God’s honor, not personal gain. Generosity aimed at worship pleases the Lord (cf. Psalm 54:6). Stewardship Principles Drawn from the Offer 1. God owns it all. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1); stewardship begins with recognizing divine ownership. 2. We manage, not possess. Like Araunah, we hold resources loosely, ready to deploy them for God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 4:2). 3. Giving is proactive. He acts before being asked; stewardship seeks opportunities rather than waiting for appeals (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). 4. Sacrificial giving honors God. David later insists, “I will not offer… that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). Both men affirm that worship should carry personal cost (Romans 12:1). 5. Generosity blesses others. Araunah’s gift provides the means by which the plague is halted (2 Samuel 24:25). God multiplies the impact of open-handed stewardship (Luke 6:38). David’s Response Reinforces the Lesson Although Araunah’s offer is lavish, David buys the threshing floor and oxen “for fifty shekels of silver” (v. 24). True stewardship involves: • Valuing worship enough to bear cost. • Respecting others’ stewardship by not exploiting generosity. • Ensuring that personal sacrifice accompanies devotion. Living It Out Today • Recognize you are God’s manager, not owner. • Keep resources available for immediate kingdom needs. • Offer quality, not leftovers, in time, talents, and treasure. • Anticipate practical needs—think wood for the altar, not just the oxen. • Give so that others can worship and so that God’s mercy spreads. |
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