2 Samuel 24:24
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David's refusal to take the threshing floor as a gift reveals a crucial truth about worship: it should never be cheap. He understood that genuine sacrifice to God requires a real cost, a giving of something precious that demonstrates the depth of our devotion.
But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David has just been given a severe plague as punishment for taking a census, and the angel of death is poised to strike Jerusalem. The angel stops at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and God commands David to build an altar there. Araunah offers David the land, oxen, and wood freely, but David insists on paying a full price, unwilling to offer sacrifices to God that were given to him without cost.
King David faced a moment where he could have taken something for free. But he recognized that true worship requires a genuine sacrifice. What does that look like for us today?
No Free Rides with God
When the plague threatened Jerusalem, God told David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah, in a moment of generosity, offered David the land, the oxen for sacrifice, and the threshing tools for free. But David refused.
He declared, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing."
This wasn't about David's ego or wanting to show off. It was about understanding the nature of worship. True worship isn't just a casual nod; it's an act of devotion that involves giving our best to God. It means offering Him what is valuable to us, not just what is convenient or free. When we give generously, we acknowledge His supreme worth.
David's decision to pay for the threshing floor and oxen wasn't just about the monetary cost. It was about the value he placed on his relationship with God. How does this contrast with worship that's only words?
Worship That Costs and Counts
Araunah's generous offer was noble, but David understood that a sacrifice freely given by someone else doesn't carry the same weight for his personal offering to God. David needed to offer something that represented his own commitment and devotion.
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He paid fifty shekels of silver. This was a significant sum, showing that his repentance and desire to appease God were serious matters. It wasn't just about averting a plague; it was about restoring his relationship with God through costly obedience.
This teaches us that while God values our prayers and words of praise, He also calls us to express our devotion through tangible actions and sacrifices. True worship often involves giving our time, resources, and energy – things that genuinely cost us – to honor Him.
This event highlights David's deep reverence for God and his understanding that true worship demands a costly sacrifice, not just a token gesture. It sets the stage for the future Temple's location.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After years of turmoil and fleeing from Saul, David is finally established as the sole king over all twelve tribes of Israel, uniting them under his rule.
c. 1004 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David successfully brings the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, establishing the city as the religious and political center of his kingdom.
c. 970 BC— this verse
David's Census
David orders a census of Israel, a military and economic assessment that, according to the narrative, incurs God's displeasure due to its motivation or execution.
c. 970 BC
The Plague Strikes Israel
As a consequence of the census, a devastating plague sweeps through the land, killing thousands and bringing immense suffering.
c. 970 BC
Angel of Destruction Appears
The angel of destruction is seen poised over Jerusalem, ready to bring the plague's final devastation, but God stays His hand upon seeing the repentance.
c. 970 BC
David Buys Araunah's Threshing Floor
At the angel's instruction, David purchases the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite to build an altar and offer sacrifices, thereby stopping the plague.
This passage provides a parallel account of the same event, emphasizing David's willingness to pay a fair price for the threshing floor, showing his commitment to a costly sacrifice.
Exodus 23:15This verse outlines the requirement for Israel to appear before the Lord three times a year, bringing offerings that are 'not to appear before the LORD empty-handed,' underscoring the principle of bringing a valuable gift.
Luke 21:1-4The story of the widow's mite beautifully illustrates Jesus' commendation of a sacrifice that, though small in monetary value, was costly to the giver because it was all she had, echoing David's desire not to offer what costs him nothing.
Romans 12:1Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. This connects to David's understanding that true worship is a costly, devoted offering of oneself and one's resources.
David's refusal to take the threshing floor as a gift reveals a crucial truth about worship: it should never be cheap. He understood that genuine sacrifice to God requires a real cost, a giving of something precious that demonstrates the depth of our devotion.
David has just been given a severe plague as punishment for taking a census, and the angel of death is poised to strike Jerusalem. The angel stops at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and God commands David to build an altar there. Araunah offers David the land, oxen, and wood freely, but David insists on paying a full price, unwilling to offer sacrifices to God that were given to him without cost.
David has just been given a severe plague as punishment for taking a census, and the angel of death is poised to strike Jerusalem. The angel stops at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and God commands David to build an altar there. Araunah offers David the land, oxen, and wood freely, but David insists on paying a full price, unwilling to offer sacrifices to God that were given to him without cost.
"But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver." — David's refusal to take the threshing floor as a gift reveals a crucial truth about worship: it should never be cheap. He understood that genuine sacrifice to God requires a real cost, a giving of so…
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Last reviewed October 2026
