Scholars consider 2 Samuel 7:1-17 the highlight of the books of Samuel. This chapter became the foundation for the messianic hope found in the messages of the prophets and the Psalms.
The New Testament fully explained the messianic implications in chapter 7. For example, in Acts 7, Stephen concluded his summary of Israel’s history with references to David mentioned in this passage.
David decides it’s time to do what any good king should do: build a house for his God. The difference between his own house and the Lord’s is striking.
Now when the king was settled in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.”
Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:1-3).
The Lord doesn’t need a house, but the people do. A house for the Lord symbolizes His presence among them. However, God will decide the time, place, and builder.
God Visits Nathan
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in?
I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle.
Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ (2 Samuel 4:4-7).
Nathan faces the issue that the decision to build a temple and selecting the person for the job must come from God, not an individual king.
God informs him that He has not commanded any past leaders or David to build a temple. Additionally, choosing the person to build the temple is God’s responsibility.
A Kingdom Forever
God tells Nathan about his long history with David. He explains that when David’s life ends, God will raise up someone to build a house. He also says that the throne of this kingdom will last forever.
He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom.
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings.
But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:13-16).
Although David won’t build a house (a temple) for the Lord, but the Lord will build a house (a dynasty) for David.
The idea of God being a father to the king is emphasized and fulfilled in Jesus, as shown in both 2 Corinthians 6 and Hebrews 1.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”? (Hebrews 1:5)
The Davidic king will enjoy a special relationship as the Lord’s son. However, this also means they will be under Yahweh’s strict fatherly discipline.
Even with the discipline we’ll read about in later chapters, David and his family did not lose the kingdom. It was fully realized through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflections
People who read the Bible from start to finish and think about its teachings find valuable insights.
I’m no different. At 76 years old, I’ve just discovered an important chapter in the Old Testament. It discusses the Davidic kingdom and, more importantly, hints at the ministry of Jesus Christ.
I appreciate those who take the time to read my blog articles and join Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and me on YouTube as we study the Bible together.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 