Lessons in Giving from David and Araunah

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The Heart of the Offering

What does it mean to truly offer something to God? In 2 Samuel 24, we find a moment of national crisis—and a surprising exchange between a king and a commoner. Araunah and David each respond to a divine call with radically different yet equally important perspectives. To fully appreciate their actions, it helps to read the whole chapter and see how their decisions echo into our own lives.

Costly Worship

2 Samuel 24:21-23

Araunah was ready to give all that he had to the king. He offered not only his oxen, but the threshing implements and the yokes as well. Giving the animals alone would have been generous, but giving up the tools too meant he could no longer work the land. It would be like a dairy farmer giving up both the cows and the milking machines, or an egg producer surrendering all the hens and their henhouses. Imagine a wheat farmer giving up not just the grain, but also the tractor and silos!

Why so much? and Why so willingly?

Arauna does not have such questions. To better understand the depth of Araunah’s response, let’s contrast it with Nabal’s attitude in 1 Samuel 25:10-11. While David was still on the run from Saul, he and his men were actively protecting God’s people. Here he is found watching over the shephards and property of Nabal and keeping Israel’s enemies out of the area. When David approaches Nabal, Nabal dismisses him with arrogance.

“Shall I then take MY bread and MY water and MY meat that I have killed for MY shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?”

Nabal was concerned only about possession, ownership, and pride. He makes the mistake of assuming that since the possesions were his, that they would be his forever. It’s easy to fall into the same trap—believing our possessions will always be ours.

Araunah recognized that the king protects. David had fought for his people and for peace. There were still battles—there always are —but the kings’ soldiers held back the enemy and thereby brought growth and prosperity. Araunah knew that much of what he possessed had been preserved by the king’s faithfulness and leadership.

Furthermore, Araunah also knew the character of the king. David was not the type of king to abuse his power. He was not here to take selfishly. He was there on behalf of the good of the people. Araunah didn’t see it as losing his livelihood—he saw it as participating in something greater. He didn’t hesitate to give. What about you? If God called you to surrender something significant—your home, your income, your time, your entertainment—would you respond with Araunah’s humility?

Here’s the challenge for us today:

  • Do we recognize our King for who He truly is—our Protector, Provider, and Ruler?
  • Are we grateful for the peace and provision He gives?
  • Do we trust Him enough to let go of what we hold most tightly?
  • When the opportunity comes to advance His gospel—even at a cost—are we willing?

May our response mirror Araunah’s faith—not giving the minimum, but offering whatever the King requires, with joy.

A Kingly Sacrifice

2 Samuel 24:24

David’s response to Araunah’s gift is equally striking.

“I will not offer to my God that which costs be nothing.”

As a father, I’ve tried to teach my children the importance of generosity. When they were younger, I would give them a few coins so they could participate in the offering. When they became teens, I once gave them each a few coins before a church service. They accepted, but later, over lunch, one of them said something I’ll never forget: “That wasn’t really our offering. We didn’t give it—we just passed it along.” From then on, they each decided to give from their own savings. I was humbled… and proud.

David’s response reveals a kingly character—one of personal responsibility, integrity, and sacrificial love for his people. As king, he could have accepted Araunah’s gift, but he refused. He understood that worship must come from his own heart, with his own sacrifice. Many in the church today prefer to outsource worship and faith to others—the pastor, the music leader, the youth pastor. With others doing the work, there is no need for personal worship and teaching in the home—at least that seems to be the rational.

In this, David foreshadowed Christ Himself. Jesus didn’t borrow someone else’s offering—He gave His own body to stop the plague of sin. The perfect King paid the full price. Now, He calls us, not to repay Him, but to remember Him and live in faithful response.

Conclusion

David’s words—“I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing”—echo in our hearts. True worship requires heart, sacrifice, and ownership. Araunah’s willingness and David’s insistence remind us that God is not looking for leftovers or borrowed offerings. He desires our trust, our gratitude, and our full participation in His work.

What we offer God—our time, our resources, our energy—should reflect the depth of our love and faith. May we give not just because we must, but because we trust our King and delight to serve Him.

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