Old Testament
2 Samuel 24:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD changed His mind about the disaster and said to the angel who was striking down the people, "It is enough; hold back your hand." The angel of the LORD was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
Compare translations
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.
What 2 Samuel 24:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, an angel is poised to bring destruction upon Jerusalem, a city filled with people. However, the LORD intervenes, showing mercy by changing His mind about the disaster. He commands the angel to stop, demonstrating His compassion and willingness to spare the city. This act reveals the dynamic relationship between God and humanity, where divine decisions can shift in response to circumstances. The angel is found at the threshing floor of Araunah, a significant location that symbolizes both judgment and mercy. This scene highlights the importance of repentance and the power of prayer, as it suggests that our actions and pleas can influence God's response. It reminds us that even in dire situations, there is hope for redemption and change. The story encourages us to seek God's mercy and to understand that He is always ready to listen and respond to our needs, even when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. It’s a powerful reminder of the grace that can emerge in moments of crisis.
How to apply 2 Samuel 24:16 to your life
When facing difficult situations, remember that change is possible. Just as God showed mercy to Jerusalem, He can intervene in our lives too. Take time to pray and seek His guidance. Trust that your pleas can make a difference, and be open to His response. Embrace the hope that comes from His grace and compassion toward you.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: The Census and the Threshing Floor (2 Samuel 24:1–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Samuel 24:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Samuel 24:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Samuel 24:16 mean?
2 Samuel 24:16 describes a moment when God intervenes to stop an angel from destroying Jerusalem. It shows God's mercy and willingness to change His mind in response to the situation, highlighting the relationship between divine judgment and compassion.
What is the significance of the angel in 2 Samuel 24:16?
The angel in 2 Samuel 24:16 represents God's judgment, poised to bring destruction. However, God's command to stop the angel illustrates His mercy and the power of repentance, emphasizing that divine actions can change based on human circumstances.
What is the context of 2 Samuel 24:16?
The context of 2 Samuel 24:16 involves King David's actions that led to a plague affecting the people of Israel. The verse captures a critical moment where God's mercy intervenes to prevent further destruction, emphasizing the importance of repentance and prayer.
How does 2 Samuel 24:16 relate to the themes of mercy and judgment?
2 Samuel 24:16 illustrates the balance between mercy and judgment, as God chooses to spare Jerusalem from destruction. This verse highlights that even in times of judgment, there is an opportunity for mercy through repentance and divine intervention.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.