In this moment, the angel of the Lord communicates a divine directive to Gad, the prophet, who is to inform King David of God's will. David is instructed to construct an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This command comes during a time of crisis, as a plague has been sent upon Israel due to David's earlier actions. The altar represents a place of sacrifice and worship, where David can seek God's mercy and forgiveness.
The choice of the threshing floor is significant. It is a place of separation, where wheat is separated from chaff, symbolizing purification and renewal. By building the altar there, David acknowledges his need for God's grace and takes a step towards restoring his covenant relationship with God. This act of obedience not only seeks to end the plague but also serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in the life of faith. It underscores the power of sincere worship and the transformative impact of aligning one's actions with God's will.
