King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:23 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:23 in the King James Version says “All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept the...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.”

2 Samuel 24:23 · KJV

Context

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.

23

All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

24

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

25

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

Read 2 Samuel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

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 · 12 words
הַכֹּ֗ל1 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָתַ֛ן2 of 12

“give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֲרַ֙וְנָה֙3 of 12

“All these things did Araunah”

H728

aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 12

“as a king”

H4428

a king

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ5 of 12

“as a king”

H4428

a king

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר6 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲרַ֙וְנָה֙7 of 12

“All these things did Araunah”

H728

aravnah (or arnijah or ornah), a jebusite

אֶל8 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ9 of 12

“as a king”

H4428

a king

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 12

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ11 of 12

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִרְצֶֽךָ׃12 of 12

“accept”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

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 24:23 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 24:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:40-411 Timothy 2:1-2Hosea 8:13Romans 15:30-31Isaiah 60:71 Peter 2:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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