2 Samuel 24:20 – “When Araunah looked and saw the king and his officials coming toward him, he went out and bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Araunah, the owner of the threshing floor, sees King David approaching with his officials. Araunah’s immediate response is one of humility and reverence as he bows before the king. David is on his way to purchase the threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord, as instructed by the prophet Gad. Araunah’s act of bowing shows his respect for David’s authority as king and his willingness to serve, without yet knowing the full reason for David’s visit. This moment introduces the coming negotiation between David and Araunah, where David seeks to make a proper sacrifice to the Lord to stop the plague on Israel.
Historical Context
This event occurs during the final stages of a tragic episode in David’s reign. After David’s sin of conducting a census, a deadly plague struck Israel as punishment. David, realizing the severity of his actions, sought to make amends with God by building an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah, following God’s instructions through the prophet Gad. Araunah was a Jebusite, a non-Israelite, living in Jerusalem, but he appears here as a man willing to cooperate with the king of Israel. His threshing floor would later become a key site in Israel’s history, as it would eventually become the location of the temple built by Solomon.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the theme of humility and submission to rightful authority. Araunah’s willingness to bow before King David is symbolic of how we should approach God—with humility and a heart ready to serve. It also shows that God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes. Araunah, a Jebusite, was part of God’s larger plan for the redemption and restoration of Israel. The verse reflects a broader theological truth that God often works through unexpected people and situations to accomplish His will. This moment of reverence prepares the way for the sacrificial offering that will bring about healing for the nation.
Literary Analysis
The verse is structured to emphasize Araunah’s recognition of David’s authority. The use of the phrase “bowed down before the king with his face to the ground” underscores the depth of his respect and submission. This scene serves as a prelude to the more significant event of the altar being built. Araunah’s posture of humility contrasts with the power of the king approaching him, setting the stage for a pivotal interaction between them. The mention of Araunah by name personalizes the event, reminding the reader that God’s plans often involve ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 18:2: When Abraham encounters the Lord and two angels, he bows down to the ground in reverence, showing the importance of humility in the presence of authority.
- Philippians 2:10: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” This verse echoes the theme of recognizing and submitting to rightful authority, pointing to the ultimate kingship of Christ.
- Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” This reinforces the importance of honoring and submitting to rightful leadership, as Araunah did.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse teaches the importance of humility and respect for authority, both human and divine. Araunah’s reaction to David’s arrival reminds us that we should approach God’s commands with a humble and willing heart, ready to serve and obey. It also shows that God often uses unexpected people to accomplish His plans. Araunah, a Jebusite, was chosen as part of God’s redemptive purpose for Israel. As Christians, we are reminded that God may call us, regardless of our background, to play significant roles in His plan. This verse encourages believers to be open to how God may use them in ways they may not expect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love through His ongoing work of redemption. Though the context is one of judgment (the plague), God’s love is evident in His provision of a way to end the suffering. By guiding David to the threshing floor of Araunah, God is orchestrating a moment of restoration for the people of Israel. Araunah’s role shows that God’s love extends to all people, even those outside the covenant community of Israel, like the Jebusites. God’s love brings people together to fulfill His redemptive purposes, and in this instance, it will bring about the healing of a nation through an act of worship and sacrifice.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Araunah’s humble submission to David mirrors the way we are called to submit to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. Just as Araunah recognized David’s authority, we are called to recognize Jesus as Lord and submit our lives to Him. Additionally, the location of Araunah’s threshing floor would later become the site of the temple where sacrifices were made to atone for sin. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He offered Himself to atone for the sins of all people. Just as David’s altar brought an end to the plague, Jesus’ sacrifice brings an end to the plague of sin for all who trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Araunah’s response to David challenge you to approach God with humility and respect for His authority?
- What does this verse teach you about the role of unexpected people in God’s plans? How can you remain open to God using you in ways you might not expect?
- How does the connection between the threshing floor and the future temple help you understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to God’s authority, as Araunah did when he bowed before the king?