Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:21. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Araunah, a powerful king who was incredibly clever, doing something truly remarkable – he deliberately sacrificed himself to save his kingdom. He was essentially offering his life as a sacrifice to God. Let's unpack the parts: “And Araunah said…” : This sets the scene – Araunah is speaking to David, the king of Israel. “…Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant?” : This is a question. Araunah is asking, “Why would the King of Israel come to me ?” He’s implying that the King isn't coming to offer blessings or rewards. “And David said…” : This tells us David is responding. “…To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.” : This is the core of the verse. David says: "To buy the threshingfloor of thee..." : Araunah offered his entire life – his body – as a price for something. He was essentially giving it away. "...to build an altar unto the LORD..." : David asked Araunah to build an altar (a special place to worship) dedicated to God. This shows a desire to honor and connect with the Lord. "...that the plague may be stayed from the people." : This is the really surprising part. David is asking Araunah to stop the plague that was devastating Israel. He’s begging Araunah to stop the suffering caused by a terrible illness. What's the Big Takeaway? This verse highlights two important themes: Selflessness and Sacrifice: Araunah showed incredible courage and a willingness to give up his own life for the good of others. It’s a powerful example of sacrificing for something greater than oneself. Divine Intervention & Protection: It demonstrates that God actively intervenes in our lives, protecting us from harm. The plague is a consequence of God’s protection, and Araunah's action was a direct response to God's will. In short, this verse tells us that sometimes, the most selfless act is often the best. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide context about Araunah and David’s relationship? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (e.g., it's a story about offering)?