2 Samuel 24:19

KJV

And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732}, according to the saying {H1697} of Gad {H1410}, went up {H5927} as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David went up and did what Gad had said, as ADONAI had ordered.

Berean Standard Bible

So David went up at the word of Gad, just as the LORD had commanded.

American Standard Version

And David went up according to the saying of Gad, as Jehovah commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 24:19 marks a critical turning point in King David's reign, immediately following his unauthorized census and the subsequent divine judgment of a devastating plague upon Israel. This verse powerfully illustrates David's swift and humble obedience to the prophetic instruction delivered by Gad, commanding him to ascend to the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite and there construct an altar to the LORD. David's unhesitating compliance demonstrates his profound remorse, his submission to God's authority, and his earnest desire to seek atonement, which ultimately led to the cessation of the plague and established a site of immense future significance for Israel's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative climax of 2 Samuel, providing a profound conclusion to David's reign by highlighting an act of national repentance and divine mercy. The preceding verses meticulously detail David's sin of numbering Israel, an act likely born of pride or a misplaced reliance on human strength rather than divine provision, which provoked the LORD's wrath and resulted in a three-day plague that claimed 70,000 lives ([2 Samuel 24:15](/2_samuel/24-15 "2 Samuel 24:15 - The Plague on Israel")). As the Angel of the LORD extended his hand to destroy Jerusalem, God relented, stopping the plague at the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite ([2 Samuel 24:16](/2_samuel/24-16 "2 Samuel 24:16 - The Angel of the LORD Stops")). It is precisely at this critical juncture that the prophet Gad, David's seer, delivers the divine command for David to build an altar on that sacred spot. Verse 19 records David's immediate and unhesitating response to this direct instruction, showcasing his contrite heart and his understanding that only through God-ordained sacrifice could atonement be made and the plague definitively halted. This act of obedience sets the stage for the purchase of the threshingfloor in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 24:21-24](/2_samuel/24-21-24 "2 Samuel 24:21-24 - David Buys the Threshingfloor")), establishing a foundational sacred site.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a census was often viewed with suspicion, particularly if undertaken without divine authorization or for purposes that indicated a lack of faith in God's power. For example, the Mosaic Law required a ransom payment when numbering the people to avert a plague ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for a Census")), suggesting that a census could be a dangerous act if not handled with proper reverence and divine sanction. David's census was explicitly stated to be displeasing to the LORD ([2 Samuel 24:10](/2_samuel/24-10 "2 Samuel 24:10 - David's Heart Smote Him")). Plagues were widely understood as direct manifestations of divine judgment for sin, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 28:21-22](/deuteronomy/28-21-22 "Deuteronomy 28:21-22 - Curses for Disobedience")). Prophets like Gad served as God's direct spokespersons, conveying His will, warnings, and instructions to kings and the people ([1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - The Seer")). The building of an altar and the offering of sacrifices were the prescribed means under the Mosaic Covenant for seeking atonement, expressing repentance, and restoring fellowship with God ([Leviticus 4:20](/leviticus/4-20 "Leviticus 4:20 - Atonement for the Congregation")). Threshingfloors were typically elevated, open-air spaces, making them suitable for an altar, and this specific location, Araunah's threshingfloor, would later become the site of Solomon's magnificent Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Site of Solomon's Temple")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of 2 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**, illustrating how God, while just in punishing sin, is also quick to show mercy and provide a path for reconciliation when genuine repentance is demonstrated. The plague ceased when David obeyed God's command to build an altar and offer sacrifices. Secondly, it highlights **Immediate Obedience and Contrition**. David's swift action, "went up as the LORD commanded," is a profound testament to his broken spirit and his recognition of God's absolute authority, demonstrating that true repentance is evidenced by prompt and humble submission to divine instruction. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Authority of God's Word through His Prophets**. David's actions were "according to the saying of Gad," reinforcing the vital role of God's messengers in conveying His will and the necessity of heeding their inspired words. Finally, it points to **Atonement and Sacred Space**. The act of building an altar and offering sacrifices was the divinely appointed means of atonement, transforming a place of judgment (where the Angel stopped) into a holy site of worship and renewed covenant relationship, foreshadowing its future significance as the location of the Temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saying (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The noun דָּבָר (*dâbâr*), translated here as "saying," carries a broad semantic range including "word," "utterance," or "thing." In this context, "according to the saying of Gad" emphasizes that David's action was not based on his own initiative or a general religious impulse, but was a direct and specific response to the authoritative message conveyed by the prophet. It underscores the divine origin of the instruction, channeled through God's chosen messenger, highlighting the prophet's crucial role as a conduit for God's will.
* **Went up (Hebrew, _‘âlâh'_):** The verb עָלָה (*‘âlâh*), here in the waw-consecutive imperfect form וַיַּעַל (*vayya‘al*), means "to ascend," "go up," or "climb." While literally denoting a physical movement upwards, consistent with threshingfloors often being on elevated ground, its use here also implies a purposeful and immediate action on David's part. It signifies his readiness and alacrity in responding to the divine command, conveying not just motion, but a decisive and unhesitating commitment to the instruction given.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** The verb צָוָה (*tsâvâh*), here in the Piel perfect form צִוָּה (*tzivah*), means "to command," "order," or "appoint." This term carries significant weight, indicating an authoritative and binding directive rather than a mere suggestion or piece of advice. The phrase "as the LORD commanded" unequivocally states that the instruction, though delivered by Gad, originated directly from Yahweh. This reinforces the absolute necessity of David's obedience and the divine imperative behind the construction of the altar, making it a non-negotiable act of submission and atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David,"**: This opening clause immediately focuses on the central human figure of the narrative, King David. It establishes him as the subject of the action, highlighting his personal responsibility and agency in responding to the divine decree. It emphasizes that this was a specific, personal instruction given to the king, requiring his direct and immediate engagement.
* **"according to the saying of Gad,"**: This phrase clarifies the precise source and authority of the command. It was not David's own initiative or a general religious impulse, but a direct communication from God delivered through His prophet, Gad. This underscores the prophet's vital role as God's mouthpiece and the importance of heeding divinely inspired counsel, which David readily demonstrated.
* **"went up"**: This signifies David's physical movement towards the designated location—the threshingfloor of Araunah. More profoundly, it conveys his immediate and active compliance. The act of "going up" implies a deliberate and purposeful ascent, demonstrating a willingness to obey without delay or hesitation, a crucial aspect of genuine repentance and submission to divine will.
* **"as the LORD commanded."**: This concluding phrase unequivocally attributes the ultimate authority for the instruction to Yahweh Himself. It confirms that Gad's "saying" was, in fact, God's direct "command." This reinforces the divine imperative behind David's action, validating its necessity and efficacy in bringing about atonement and the cessation of the plague. It is the ultimate justification for David's immediate and humble response, demonstrating his recognition of God's absolute sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. **Narrative Pacing** is strikingly evident in the swift, concise declaration of David's action, reflecting the urgency and immediacy of his obedience in the face of divine judgment. There is no description of hesitation or deliberation, only prompt compliance, which heightens the dramatic impact of his repentance and the effectiveness of God's intervention. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present through the mention of the threshingfloor of Araunah, a seemingly ordinary location that the reader, with the benefit of hindsight, knows will become the hallowed ground for Solomon's Temple ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Site of Solomon's Temple")). This transforms a moment of crisis and atonement into a foundational act for Israel's future worship. The device of **Divine Mandate** is central, as the phrase "as the LORD commanded" explicitly establishes the divine origin and absolute authority behind Gad's instruction, elevating David's act from a mere human decision to a divinely ordained necessity. This emphasizes God's sovereign control and His provision for reconciliation, even in the midst of human failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 24:19 stands as a powerful testament to the principles of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the path to reconciliation. David's immediate obedience to God's command, delivered through His prophet, demonstrates the kind of humility and submission that God requires in the face of sin. It highlights that true repentance is not merely sorrow over consequences but a decisive turning towards God's prescribed way of atonement. This event underscores God's character as both righteous judge and merciful redeemer, who provides a means for forgiveness and restoration even after severe transgression. The establishment of the altar at Araunah's threshingfloor, a site of judgment turned into a place of worship, illustrates God's transformative power to bring good out of devastation and to establish sacred space for communion with His people.

* [Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Blessing for Abraham's Obedience")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate and humble obedience in 2 Samuel 24:19 offers a profound lesson for believers today. In a world often characterized by procrastination, rationalization, or defiance in the face of conviction, David's swift ascent to build the altar serves as a powerful model of genuine repentance. When God, through His Word, the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of spiritual leaders, reveals areas of sin or calls for a specific act of obedience, our most appropriate response is not to delay or debate, but to act promptly and decisively. This passage reminds us that God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to restoration, reconciliation, and the cessation of spiritual "plagues" in our lives. It encourages us to trust in God's provision for atonement, knowing that He desires to turn our places of judgment into sites of renewed worship and fellowship. Our willingness to obey, even when it requires humility and sacrifice, is a vital expression of our faith and a key to experiencing God's transforming grace and walking in His favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling for immediate and humble obedience, similar to David's response to the prophet Gad?**
* **How does David's willingness to act on Gad's "saying" challenge your own approach to divine instruction received through Scripture or spiritual counsel?**
* **What "threshingfloors"—places of past judgment, brokenness, or spiritual stagnation—might God be calling you to transform into altars of worship and reconciliation in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's census a sin, and why was the punishment so severe?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state *why* David's census was a sin, but theological interpretations generally point to a few possibilities. It may have been an act of pride, where David was trusting in the sheer number of his fighting men rather than in God's power and provision for Israel's security ([1 Chronicles 21:1](/1_chronicles/21-1 "1 Chronicles 21:1 - Satan Incites David to Take a Census")). Alternatively, it might have been conducted without divine authorization or for an improper purpose, such as conscription or taxation, which required a specific "atonement money" in the Law ([Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - The Ransom for a Census")). The severity of the punishment, a plague that killed 70,000, underscores the gravity of the offense in God's eyes. It demonstrates that even a seemingly administrative act, when rooted in disobedience or a lack of faith, can have devastating consequences, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for human pride that usurps His rightful place.

**What is the significance of Araunah's threshingfloor?**

Answer: Araunah's threshingfloor holds immense significance beyond being the site where the plague stopped. It was the specific location where the Angel of the LORD was seen, and where God commanded David to build an altar for atonement ([2 Samuel 24:16-18](/2_samuel/24-16-18 "2 Samuel 24:16-18 - The Angel of the LORD and Gad's Instruction")). David purchased this land from Araunah, insisting on paying full price rather than accepting it as a gift, because he would not offer to the LORD that which cost him nothing ([2 Samuel 24:24](/2_samuel/24-24 "2 Samuel 24:24 - David Buys the Threshingfloor")). Most importantly, this very spot was later chosen by God as the permanent site for the Temple in Jerusalem, built by David's son, Solomon ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Site of Solomon's Temple")). Thus, a place of judgment and plague was transformed into the most sacred site of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's mercy and His provision for ongoing communion with His people through sacrifice and presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 24:19, with David's immediate and obedient response to God's command for atonement, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice found in Jesus Christ. David's ascent to the threshingfloor to build an altar and offer sacrifices was a necessary, yet temporary, means of appeasing divine wrath and stopping a physical plague. This act points to the perfect and once-for-all obedience of Jesus, who "went up" to the cross, not for His own sin, but as the Lamb of God to bear the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as David's offering brought an end to the plague, Christ's sacrifice on Calvary brought an end to the spiritual plague of sin and death for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the threshingfloor of Araunah, transformed from a place of judgment into the site of the Temple, beautifully prefigures Christ Himself as the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple") and [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). David's obedient act, though imperfect and a shadow, serves as a profound pointer to the perfect obedience of the Son, whose ultimate sacrifice and resurrection established the new covenant, providing eternal atonement and unhindered access to God's presence for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

1 Chronicles 21:19

And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Genesis 6:22

¶ Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.