King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:18 in the King James Version says “And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Araunah: Heb. Araniah”

2 Samuel 24:18 · KJV

Context

16

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon 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 thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

17

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

18

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. Araunah: Heb. Araniah

19

And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.

20

And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Census and Plague, emphasizing pride, judgment, provision. David's census represents prideful self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The plague's devastation demonstrates sin's consequences extending beyond the sinner. David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor and sacrifice there establishes the future temple location. Theological themes include the danger of pride, corporate consequences of leaders' sins, the necessity of proper sacrifice, God's mercy in limiting judgment, and divine purpose even in disciplinary actions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 24 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding pride, judgment, provision provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of pride, judgment, provision?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּֽבֹא1 of 15

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

גָ֥ד2 of 15

“And Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֖ד4 of 15

“to David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 15

“that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא6 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר7 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ8 of 15
H0
עֲלֵה֙9 of 15

“unto him Go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָקֵ֤ם10 of 15

“rear”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לַֽיהוָה֙11 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִזְבֵּ֔חַ12 of 15

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

בְּגֹ֖רֶן13 of 15

“in the threshingfloor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

אֲרַ֥נְיָה14 of 15

“of Araunah”

H728

aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite

הַיְבֻסִֽי׃15 of 15

“the Jebusite”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 24:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 24:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 24:111 Chronicles 21:18-30

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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