Topical Bible: Jerusalem: David Purchases and Erects an Altar Upon Araunah's Threshing Floor

◄ Jerusalem: David Purchases and Erects an Altar Upon Araunah's Threshing Floor ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of David purchasing Araunah's threshing floor and erecting an altar there is a significant event in the history of Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of the city as the spiritual center of Israel. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, providing insight into David's leadership, his relationship with God, and the future site of the Temple.

Context and Background

The narrative begins with God's anger against Israel, leading to David's decision to conduct a census of the people, an act that was displeasing to the Lord. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel as a form of judgment. Recognizing his sin, David sought to make amends and intercede for the people.

The Threshing Floor of Araunah

In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, the prophet Gad instructs David to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This location, situated on Mount Moriah, holds historical and theological significance, as it is traditionally identified as the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (Genesis 22).

David approaches Araunah to purchase the site, insisting on paying the full price to ensure that his offering to God would not be made with that which cost him nothing. Araunah offers the site and the necessary materials for the sacrifice freely, but David's response underscores the principle of sacrificial giving: "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24).

Erection of the Altar

Upon purchasing the threshing floor for fifty shekels of silver, David builds an altar to the Lord and offers burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord responds to David's sacrifice by halting the plague, demonstrating His mercy and acceptance of David's repentance and intercession on behalf of the people.

Significance of the Site

The purchase of Araunah's threshing floor is not merely a historical transaction but a foundational moment for the city of Jerusalem. This site would later become the location of Solomon's Temple, as noted in 2 Chronicles 3:1: "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite" .

Theological Implications

David's actions at Araunah's threshing floor highlight several key theological themes. First, the importance of obedience and repentance in the life of a believer is evident as David seeks to rectify his sin through genuine sacrifice. Second, the narrative emphasizes the principle of costly worship, illustrating that true devotion to God involves personal sacrifice and commitment. Lastly, the event foreshadows the centrality of Jerusalem as the heart of Israel's worship and the future site of the Temple, where God's presence would dwell among His people.

This episode in David's life serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of Jerusalem in biblical history and its role as a focal point of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 24:16-25
And when the angel stretched out his hand on Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now your hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite.
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