Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe account of Araunah, also known as Ornan, is a significant biblical narrative that highlights the theme of liberality, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings. Araunah's account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, where his interaction with King David provides a profound example of generosity and devotion to God. Biblical Context The narrative unfolds during a time when King David, having sinned by conducting a census of Israel, is confronted with a divine judgment. As a result, a plague strikes the nation, and David seeks to appease God's wrath by building an altar and offering sacrifices. The prophet Gad instructs David to erect this altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah's Generosity When David approaches Araunah to purchase the threshing floor, Araunah demonstrates remarkable liberality. In 2 Samuel 24:22-23 , Araunah offers not only the threshing floor but also oxen for the burnt offering, along with threshing sledges and yokes for wood, saying, "Let my lord the king take whatever pleases him and offer it up. Here are the oxen for the burnt offering, and here are the threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. O king, Araunah gives all this to the king." This act of generosity is underscored by Araunah's willingness to give freely to the king and, by extension, to God. David's Response Despite Araunah's offer, David insists on purchasing the threshing floor and the oxen at a fair price. In 2 Samuel 24:24 , David states, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." This response highlights the principle that true sacrifice involves personal cost and commitment. David's insistence on paying for the site and the offerings underscores the value of genuine worship and the importance of giving to God from one's own resources. Theological Implications Araunah's liberality serves as a model of selfless giving and devotion. His willingness to provide for the king's sacrifice without seeking personal gain reflects a heart attuned to God's purposes. This narrative illustrates the broader biblical principle that generosity is a reflection of one's faith and trust in God. It also emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving as an act of worship and obedience. Conclusion The account of Araunah and his interaction with King David offers a timeless lesson on the nature of liberality and the spirit of giving. Araunah's example encourages believers to approach God with open hands and hearts, ready to offer their best in service and sacrifice. Through this narrative, the Bible underscores the value of generosity as an expression of faith and devotion to the Lord. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 24:22,23And Araunah said to David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. Nave's Topical Index Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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