שמואל ב, פרק כ״ד, פסוק כ״א

King David’s encounter with Araunah the Jebusite highlights a profound contrast between human royal dignity and absolute submission before God. Surprised by the sudden arrival of the king at his property, Araunah wonders why a great monarch would lower himself to visit a mere subject. In his eyes, standard royal protocol dictated that David should have simply summoned him to the palace [מצודת דוד, אלשיך].

David explains that his unexpected visit is driven by a specific Divine command to construct an altar precisely on this threshing floor [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He clarifies to Araunah that if this were a personal matter, he certainly would have followed royal custom and ordered Araunah to appear before him. However, because the mission is to build an altar to God, the Master of all, David chooses to come in person. This deliberate act of humility honors God, acknowledging that even a mighty king is nothing before His Creator [מצודת דוד, אלשיך].

Furthermore, David insists on formally purchasing the property rather than accepting it as a gift or confiscating it by royal decree. For the site to secure atonement for the Israelites, it must be fully in their possession and no longer belong to Araunah. The physical act of buying the land imbues it with a permanent, sacred standing, much like Abraham's historical purchase of the Cave of Machpelah [אלשיך].

The ultimate goal of this acquisition is to halt the devastating plague afflicting the nation. Securing this specific plot of land and offering sacrifices there carries immense spiritual weight because the location itself encompasses the essence of the entire world. It is the exact spot from which the dust was gathered to create the First Man, making it the ultimate designated site of atonement for humanity. By establishing an altar at this foundational location, the earth is spiritually elevated and sanctified, allowing the plague to be lifted from the Israelites [אלשיך].