Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 24 - Verse 18

When Gad came to David and instructed him to build an altar to the Lord on the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite, it marked a significant moment in David's reign as king of Israel. The act of building an altar was a common practice in the Old Testament to seek forgiveness, give thanks, or make supplication to God. In this instance, David was being called to make a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. The location of the altar, on the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite, holds symbolic significance as well. Threshing floors were places where grain was separated from chaff, representing a purification process. By building the altar there, David was acknowledging the need for repentance and purification before God. Additionally, the fact that the threshingfloor belonged to Araunah the Jebusite, a non-Israelite, is a reminder that God's forgiveness and grace extend to all peoples, regardless of their background. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness in the presence of the Lord.

In this verse from 2 Samuel 24:18, we see how Gad, a prophet, comes to David with a message from the Lord. Gad instructs David to go and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This act of building an altar was significant in the Old Testament as altars were places of worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The act of building an altar was a way for the people to acknowledge God's presence and seek forgiveness for their sins. In this specific context, the location of the altar on the threshing floor of Araunah holds theological importance. The threshing floor was a place of separating the wheat from the chaff, symbolizing the purification and cleansing that comes from seeking God's forgiveness. Additionally, the mention of Araunah the Jebusite serves as a reminder that God's presence and grace extends to all people, regardless of their background or nationality.