'Unveiling the Faith of Araunah the Jebusite: A Testament of Courage'

Araunah the Jebusite

Araunah the Jebusite was a Canaanite who played a significant role in the story of King David in the Bible. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Araunah sold King David a site and supplies to make a sacrifice to the Lord, even though he himself did not appear to be a believer in the God of Israel.

1. The Sinful Census: The story of Araunah is linked to King David's sinful census in 2 Samuel 24. David ordered a census of the fighting men of Israel, which was contrary to God's will. As a result of David's sin, God gave him a choice: three years of famine, three months of fleeing before his enemies, or three days of pestilence. David chose the last option, and a plague was sent upon the people, resulting in the death of 70,000 men.

2. The Angel of the Lord: During the plague, the Angel of the Lord was about to destroy Jerusalem but relented. At that time, the Angel was standing at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This event marked a significant turning point in the story.

3. Jerusalem and the Jebusites: In 2 Samuel 5, we learn that Jerusalem originally belonged to the Jebusites, who were Canaanites and some of the original inhabitants of the land. David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital after reigning in Hebron for seven years.

4. Araunah's Threshing Floor: Araunah owned a threshing floor near Jerusalem. A threshing floor was a large, open, elevated area where grain was processed. The grain would be beaten or threshed to separate the husk from the kernel. Then it would be tossed into the air, and the wind would blow away the chaff while the heavier kernels fell back to the ground.

1. Building an Altar: The prophet Gad instructed David to build an altar to the Lord on Araunah's threshing floor. David approached Araunah and offered to buy the threshing floor. However, Araunah instead offered to donate the site as well as oxen for the offering and the threshing sledges for wood. David refused and insisted on paying for it, recognizing that a sacrifice that costs nothing is not a true sacrifice.

2. Araunah's Name: In 1 Chronicles 21, Araunah is also referred to as Ornan the Jebusite. This variation in names could be due to translation or transliteration into Hebrew, or it could be a title rather than a proper name.

Why This Matters: The story of Araunah highlights several important principles for believers today. It shows the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the importance of genuine sacrifice and worship. It also emphasizes the faithfulness of God in stopping the plague and sparing Jerusalem.

Think About It: Consider how David's actions and choices during this event reflect his character as a leader and a worshipper of God. Reflect on the significance of sacrifice in your own life and how it should be characterized by genuine devotion and surrender to God.

In conclusion, Araunah the Jebusite played a significant role in King David's story. Despite not being a believer in the God of Israel, he sold David a site for an altar and supplies for sacrifice. This event marked a turning point in David's life and highlighted important principles about obedience, sacrifice, and worship.