What does David's response to Araunah teach about true worship and sacrifice? Setting the Scene • Israel is under judgment because David numbered the fighting men (2 Samuel 24:1–17). • A plague sweeps the land; 70,000 die. • The angel of the LORD pauses at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (v. 16). • God commands David to build an altar there to stop the plague (v. 18). • Araunah offers the site, oxen, and wood free of charge (vv. 22–23). Reading the Verse 2 Samuel 24:21: “Araunah said, ‘Why has my lord the king come to his servant?’ David replied, ‘To buy your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the LORD, so that the plague on the people may be halted.’ ” Observations on David’s Response • Immediate obedience—David heads straight to the place God designated. • Clear purpose—he intends “to buy” and “to build an altar,” not to negotiate God’s terms. • Concern for the people—his worship is aimed at averting further judgment. Principles of True Worship 1. God sets the terms, not the worshiper (compare Genesis 4:3–5; John 4:23–24). 2. Worship is relational and redemptive—David seeks restored fellowship for the nation. 3. Worship involves tangible action—an altar, a sacrifice, a specific location. Sacrifice that Costs Something • When Araunah offers everything free, David refuses: 2 Samuel 24:24: “But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ ” • Key lessons: – Cost validates sincerity; empty gestures dishonor God (Malachi 1:8). – Giving reflects the heart (Mark 12:41–44; 2 Corinthians 9:7). – Sacrifice invites personal loss for divine gain (Luke 9:23–24). • David pays fifty shekels of silver—real money from his own treasury. • The plague stops immediately after the costly offering (2 Samuel 24:25). Foreshadowing the Ultimate Sacrifice • Mount Moriah link—Araunah’s threshing floor becomes the temple site (2 Chronicles 3:1), the very hill where Solomon’s sacrifices will rise. • The pattern points ahead to Christ, whose sacrifice “once for all” cost Him everything (Hebrews 10:10). • God Himself embodies David’s principle: He offers what is most precious—His Son (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). Personal Application Today • Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing. Offer your best—time, resources, devotion (Deuteronomy 16:16–17). • Present your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • Let gratitude motivate costly obedience—serve, give, forgive, and praise even when it stings (Hebrews 13:15–16). • Remember: genuine sacrifice deepens intimacy with God and often becomes the very ground where His presence dwells most powerfully. |
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