When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, “It is enough. Now withdraw your hand.” The LORD’s angel was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. Areuna. Hebrew styles him, Araniah, (verse 18. Calmet.) i being substituted for u, and placed after n. He is called Ornan, 1 Chronicles 21:18, ( Bible.) and has the title of Jebusite, as he was originally of that nation, and had been permitted to retain his effects, on his embracing the true religion. Moria was his property, and seems not to have been much inhabited. It was not yet enclosed within the city walls. Here David saw the angel, in the air, ready to strike the inhabitants, and heard the voice from heaven. Calmet.—He had already witnessed the death of many in the city. 1 Chronicles 21:14. The angel waited for God’s orders how many to destroy. Bible.—He did not sheath his sword till David had offered sacrifice to appease the Lord; (verse 21) though others think that the sacrifice was to thank God for the deliverance. Calmet.