A Royal Offer

2 Samuel 24:23

All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The Lord thy God accept thee.

David's sin has left a huge mark in the land. There is no question but that God has judged his sin and it has hurt his nation. But now the opportunity to stay the plague has presented itself. The angle of the Lord has made himself apparent at the threshing floor of Araunah. David, obedient to the command of the Lord approaches 

·         To purchase the threshing floor 

·         To build an altar and 

·         To make an offering

Araunah, who is not a Jew but one of the conquered Jebusites, "as a king" gives the floor to David.

Some have suggested that he may have been of Jebusite royalty. I do not know that but I do know that the Bible describes his gift as of royal virtue. Generosity is regal. To be a giver is a trait that is kingly and indicative of great character and I think that stems from at least two reasons:

First, royalty is trained in generosity

Those raised in families of influence are very often trained as youth to see their fortunes as having with them the duty of caring for those who are less fortunate. 

True Christians should like wise be trained in generosity, both material and spiritual. 

Second, royal generosity is indicative of the resources they have from which to give

They may be generous because they have confidence that even their generosity will not endanger the stores from which they give. 

Christians may be generous people because our stores are unlimited. It is impossible to give away even a noticeable dent in the treasures of the heavenly storehouse