What does 2 Samuel 24:16 mean?
“And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.” — 2 Samuel 24:16
The verse 2 Samuel 24:16 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite."
This verse comes from the story of King David conducting a census of the people of Israel, which incurred the wrath of the Lord. In response to this sinful act, God sent a pestilence upon the people, which resulted in the death of 70,000 men.
In this specific verse, we see the angel of the Lord stretching out his hand toward Jerusalem in order to bring destruction upon it. However, before the angel can carry out this action, the Lord repents of the evil and commands the angel to stay his hand, declaring that "It is enough."
One of the key themes in this verse is the mercy and compassion of God. Despite the sinful actions of King David and the people of Israel, God intervenes to prevent further destruction. This demonstrates God's willingness to show mercy and forgiveness, even in the face of great wrongdoing.
This verse also highlights the concept of divine intervention. The angel of the Lord is depicted as carrying out the will of God, but is ultimately restrained by the Lord's command. This emphasizes the idea that God is ultimately in control, and that his will cannot be thwarted by human actions.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The story of King David's census and the resulting pestilence serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience. King David's decision to conduct the census was seen as an act of pride and a failure to trust in God's provisions. As a result, the people suffered the consequences of his actions. However, this verse also demonstrates God's willingness to show mercy and forgiveness, even in the face of such disobedience.
In terms of symbolism, the angel of the Lord can be seen as a representation of God's judgment and the consequences of sin. The angel's outstretched hand and the impending destruction of Jerusalem symbolize the severity of God's judgment in response to disobedience. However, the Lord's command for the angel to stay his hand symbolizes the mercy and compassion of God, as well as his ability to intervene and prevent further harm.
Overall, 2 Samuel 24:16 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a powerful message about the mercy, compassion, and ultimate control of God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, while also highlighting the boundless mercy and compassion of God toward his people. It encourages readers to trust in God's will and to seek forgiveness and mercy in the face of their own shortcomings.
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Artwork for 2 Samuel 24:16
2 Samuel 24:16 - "And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite."
"And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite." - 2 Samuel 24:16
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 19:24
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
2 Samuel 20:24 - "And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"
2 Samuel 24:19 - "And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded."
2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"
2 Samuel 23:24 - "Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,"
2 Samuel 22:24 - "I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity."
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet." - 2 Samuel 5:16
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
1 Samuel 24:16 - "¶ And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept."
1 Samuel 2:24 - "Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 24:11 - "For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,"
2 Samuel 24:5 - "¶ And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:"
2 Samuel 24:8 - "So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days."
2 Samuel 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
2 Samuel 2:24 - "Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 24:7 - "And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beer-sheba."
2 Samuel 16:12 - "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
2 Samuel 7:24 - "For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God."
2 Samuel 24:18 - "And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite."