MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Samuel 24
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 2 Samuel 24
15. The plague continued from morning until the end of three days, during which time 70,000 men died.
This devastating loss humbled the proud and vainglorious king, who had previously relied on his vast population to guarantee his power.
16. God repented of the evil He had planned, as He often does when He ceases pursuing a course He has begun.
17. David said, "I have sinned, but these sheep—my people—have done nothing wrong."
The guilt for numbering the people rested solely with David. However, in the body politic and natural, when the head suffers, all members suffer along with it. Additionally, although David's sin was the immediate cause, the nation's numerous offenses at this time had kindled God's anger (2Sa 24:1).
18. Araunah, a Jebusite who had converted to the true faith and retained his property, resided on Mount Moriah, where the temple would later be built (2Ch 3:1). However, that mountain was not yet part of the city.
21. David intended to build an altar to the Lord, hoping it would stay the plague.
It is clear that the plague did not cease until after the altar was constructed and the sacrifice offered. Therefore, what is described in verse 16 was a foretelling of events. Before offering this sacrifice, David had seen the destroying angel and prayed for intercession (2Sa 24:17). This was an expiatory sacrifice, and David was allowed to offer it on Mount Moriah partly due to his fear of going to Gibeon (1Ch 21:29-30) and partly in anticipation of the tabernacle's removal and the temple's construction there (2Ch 3:1).
23. Araunah gave all these things as a king would, indicating that he was once a heathen leader but had converted to the true faith.
24. However, David refused Araunah's offer, saying, "No, I will buy it from you for a price."
The sum of 50 shekels of silver (approximately £6 sterling) paid by David was for the floor, oxen, and wooden instruments only. Later, a much larger sum would be paid for the entire hill on which David prepared to build the temple (1Ch 21:25).
25. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.
It appears there were two sacrifices: one expiatory and the other a thanksgiving offering for the cessation of the pestilence (see 1Ch 21:26).