Topical Bible: Benedictions by Araunah, Upon David

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, Araunah the Jebusite emerges as a significant figure during a pivotal moment in King David's reign. The account of Araunah's interaction with David is primarily found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Araunah, also known as Ornan in some translations, is best known for his role in the events surrounding David's purchase of his threshing floor, which later became the site for Solomon's Temple.

Context and Background

The account unfolds after David, incited by Satan, conducts a census of Israel, an act that displeases God and results in a severe plague as divine judgment (1 Chronicles 21:1-14). As the plague ravages the land, the angel of the Lord is poised to destroy Jerusalem. At this critical juncture, God commands the angel to halt, and David is instructed by the prophet Gad to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (2 Samuel 24:18).

Araunah's Benedictions

When David approaches Araunah to purchase the threshing floor, Araunah exhibits remarkable generosity and reverence for the king and the God of Israel. Araunah offers David not only the threshing floor but also oxen for burnt offerings, threshing sledges, and yokes for wood, all without cost. His words to David are filled with a spirit of blessing and submission: "Take it, my lord the king, and do whatever pleases you. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering—I will give it all" (1 Chronicles 21:23).

Araunah's actions and words can be seen as a form of benediction upon David. By offering his possessions freely, Araunah acknowledges David's kingship and the divine purpose behind the king's request. His willingness to contribute to the cessation of the plague and the worship of God reflects a heart aligned with God's will, thus invoking divine favor upon David and the nation.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Araunah's benedictions upon David underscore themes of sacrifice, obedience, and divine providence. Araunah's generosity and submission to God's plan highlight the importance of selflessness and faith in God's redemptive purposes. His actions facilitate the establishment of a sacred site that would become central to Israel's worship and identity.

Moreover, Araunah's interaction with David serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people in fulfilling His purposes. The narrative illustrates how individual acts of faith and obedience contribute to the broader tapestry of God's redemptive history.

Legacy

The site of Araunah's threshing floor, purchased by David, holds enduring significance as the location where Solomon would later build the Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. Araunah's benedictions, through his generous offer, thus have lasting implications for the spiritual life of Israel, symbolizing the peace and favor that come from aligning with God's will.

In summary, Araunah's benedictions upon David, though not explicitly verbalized as blessings, are evident through his actions and offerings. They reflect a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the role of human agency in the divine narrative.

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2 Samuel 24:23
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give to the king. And Araunah said to the king, The LORD your God accept you.
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