Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:18. It's a really significant passage about God’s judgment and a shift in perspective. Here's a simple explanation: What it 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 the Jebusite.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Gad came that day…” : This refers to a specific man named Gad. He was a servant of David. “…to David…” : This tells us Gad is sent to David, the King of Israel. “…and said unto him…” : David heard Gad’s message. “Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD…” : This is the key part. “Rear an altar” means to build a temple or shrine dedicated to God. David was telling him to build a special place for worship. What does it mean in simpler terms? This verse essentially says: “David needs to build a temple for God.” It's a command from God to David to create a sacred space where he could worship and connect with the divine. It’s a moment of urgency and a shift in focus for the King. The Context - Araunah the Jebusite: Araunah was a man who had built a huge, incredibly dense forest (called a "forest-tree") around his own home. God is angered by this excessive growth and demands that David build a temple in that forest to honor the Lord. This shows God's displeasure with a lack of reverence and a disregard for His creation. Why is this important? This verse speaks about: Divine Justice: It’s a demonstration of God’s justice – He isn’t just punishing David; He’s punishing those who disrespect or ignore the sacredness of the Lord. The Importance of Worship: It highlights that worship is not optional, it's a fundamental part of a relationship with God. In short, this verse tells us that David needs to be dedicated to building a temple – a place where he can connect with and praise God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another biblical passage? Discuss the significance of Araunah the Jebusite?