King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:20 in the King James Version says “And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself befo... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 24:20 · King James Version


Context

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.

21

And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

22

And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֣ף1 of 15

looked

H8259

properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)

אֲרַ֔וְנָה2 of 15

And Araunah

H728

aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite

וַיַּ֤רְא3 of 15

and saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת4 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ5 of 15

himself before the king

H4428

a king

וְאֶת6 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבָדָ֔יו7 of 15

and his servants

H5650

a servant

עֹֽבְרִ֖ים8 of 15

coming on

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלָ֑יו9 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיֵּצֵ֣א10 of 15

went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֲרַ֔וְנָה11 of 15

And Araunah

H728

aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֧חוּ12 of 15

and bowed

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ13 of 15

himself before the king

H4428

a king

אַפָּ֖יו14 of 15

on his face

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָֽרְצָה׃15 of 15

upon the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 24:20 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 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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