2 Samuel 24:20Araunah looked out, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him. Then Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
The setting
Jerusalem, Israel, ~1000 BC. Araunah the Jebusite is working at his threshing floor when he spots King David approaching. Despite being a conquered people, he shows profound respect.
The emotion here: documenting the remarkable respect shown across cultural and political boundaries
The original word
wayyishtachu (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ) — he prostrated himself, complete physical submission and honor
Why it matters
Araunah was likely a Jebusite prince who kept his property when David conquered Jerusalem
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 24:20
A former enemy showing such respect reveals David's character as a king who earned loyalty across ethnic lines
Common misconceptionPeople assume this is just ancient protocol, but Araunah's response shows genuine respect for David's character—conquered peoples usually harbor resentment, not reverence.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Samuel 24:20
Bible Genome reading
2 Samuel 24:20 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Samuel 24:20 comes from the book of 2 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reverent. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include respect, humility. Notable phrases: bowed himself before the king.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does 2 Samuel 24:20 mean to you, today?
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