King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 24:25 Mean?

2 Samuel 24:25 in the King James Version says “And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 24:25 · KJV

Peace

Context

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
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.

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
וַיִּבֶן֩1 of 15

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֨ם2 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

דָּוִ֤ד3 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙4 of 15

“there an altar”

H4196

an altar

יְהוָה֙5 of 15

“So the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיַּ֥עַל6 of 15

“and offered”

H5927

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

עֹל֖וֹת7 of 15

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּשְׁלָמִ֑ים8 of 15

“and peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וַיֵּֽעָתֵ֤ר9 of 15

“was intreated”

H6279

to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)

יְהוָה֙10 of 15

“So the LORD”

H3068

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

לָאָ֔רֶץ11 of 15

“for the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתֵּֽעָצַ֥ר12 of 15

“was stayed”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

הַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה13 of 15

“and the plague”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

מֵעַ֥ל14 of 15
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“from Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 24:25 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 24:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:14Genesis 8:20Lamentations 3:32-332 Samuel 24:141 Samuel 7:17Genesis 22:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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