Definition: And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 24:20. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage about sacrifice and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Araunah is a young man who is incredibly strong and resourceful. He’s known for his incredible strength and has been tasked with protecting the king of Salem. The King asks Araunah to offer a sacrifice – a great offering to appease the gods. This was a significant event, signifying a lot of importance. Araunah hesitates. He's not comfortable with this request, but he ultimately agrees. He’s willing to give up his own life for the king. What Happened Next: The King and his servants arrive. They are surveying Araunah’s body. Araunah bends down and bows himself before the King. This is a gesture of humility and submission. He acknowledges the King's power and authority. He then lays his head on the ground, showing complete surrender and obedience. It's a powerful image of acceptance and giving everything – even his own life – to the king’s will. What It Means (Simplified): This verse speaks about a moment of profound sacrifice and responsibility. It highlights several key ideas: Divine Justice: The story is rooted in a divine plan. The gods are testing Araunah's faith and willingness to accept their judgment. Taking Responsibility: Araunah isn’t just offering up his life; he's accepting the consequences of that choice – being sacrificed to the gods. It’s about acknowledging that you have a responsibility to obey authority. Humility & Submission: The bowing and laying down before the King shows a complete surrender of ego and self-importance. Important Note: It’s important to remember this story is from ancient Jewish tradition, and it's interpreted through a lens of understanding the covenant between God and Israel. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: The historical context surrounding this event? What the biblical message is about surrender or obedience?
