What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 24:25? And there he built an altar to the LORD • David obeys the word of the prophet Gad (2 Samuel 24:18–19), choosing Araunah’s threshing floor—a high, exposed place ideal for sacrifice and, as 2 Chronicles 3:1 later reveals, the future site of the temple. • Building an altar marks repentance and renewed devotion, just as Noah did after the flood (Genesis 8:20) and Abram on entering Canaan (Genesis 12:7). • An altar publicly proclaims, “The LORD alone is God here,” reversing David’s earlier reliance on a census for security. and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings • Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:3–4) are wholly consumed, picturing total surrender and atonement for sin. • Peace offerings (Leviticus 3:1) celebrate restored fellowship and gratitude. • By presenting both, David admits guilt, seeks forgiveness, and rejoices in reconciliation—echoing his plea in Psalm 51:16–19 that true worship joins sacrifice with a contrite heart. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land • The text underscores prayer, reminding us that sacrifice without heartfelt intercession is empty (1 Samuel 12:23). • God’s swift response mirrors His promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: repentance plus humble prayer brings healing. • The phrase “on behalf of the land” shows leadership’s actions affect the nation (Ezra 9:6) and affirms God’s readiness to lift judgment when sin is confessed. and the plague upon Israel was halted • Judgment ceases the moment atonement is accepted, much as Aaron’s incense stopped the plague in Numbers 16:48. • The halted plague foreshadows Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice ends sin’s penalty for all who believe (Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 10:12). • God’s mercy is immediate and complete, turning a site of death into ground destined for the temple—a living testimony of grace. summary 2 Samuel 24:25 shows David moving from sinful self-reliance to obedient worship. By building an altar, offering atoning and fellowship sacrifices, and praying earnestly, he experiences God’s gracious answer: the plague stops. The verse teaches that genuine repentance expressed through obedient faith secures divine mercy and transforms judgment into blessing, pointing ultimately to the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ. |
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