And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

2 SAMUEL 24:18KJV
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2 Samuel 24:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 24:18 mean?

2 Samuel 24:18 describes the prophet Gad coming to King David and instructing him to go to the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite and build an altar to the LORD there. This command sets in motion an important act of worship and obedience in response to a crisis affecting Israel.

In this verse, Gad, who serves as David’s prophet and advisor, delivers a message from God during a time of national trouble. The threshing floor mentioned is a specific location owned by Araunah, a Jebusite living in Jerusalem. The instruction to build an altar there is significant because it marks the spot where David is to seek God’s mercy and intervention.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 24:18

  • גַּד (Gad): This is the name of the prophet who serves as a messenger between God and David. Gad’s role highlights the importance of prophetic guidance in David’s reign.
  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach): This word means "altar." The instruction to build an altar shows a call to worship and sacrifice, which in ancient Israel was a way to seek forgiveness and restore relationship with God.
  • גֹּרֶן (goren): This word means "threshing floor." A threshing floor was a flat, open area used for separating grain, but here it becomes a sacred place for an important act of worship.
  • אֲרַוְנָה (Araunah): The name of the Jebusite who owns the threshing floor. The mention of a non-Israelite owning the land where the altar is to be built is notable and adds depth to the story.

Why 2 Samuel 24:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s instructions are specific and often tied to particular places and people, showing that worship in ancient Israel was not random but directed by divine command.
  • The mention of Araunah the Jebusite’s threshing floor sets up the later significance of this site, which becomes the location for Solomon’s temple, making this a turning point in biblical history.
  • The verse shows David’s willingness to listen to God’s prophet and obey, even when it involves personal cost and public action, highlighting a key moment of humility and leadership.