As we unpack the book of second Samuel let us be reminded that despite our sin, God continues to work moving forward His redemptive purposes. Essentially, when walking in obedience and the light, David represents a rich type of Jesus, the King.
For context we begin with one of the most effusive displays of worship recorded in the Bible, when King David danced “before the Lord with all his might”. The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This showed David’s true nature as a worshiper and one where God’s glory is more important than His own.
2 Samuel 7
This chapter connects God’s initial intent with us, with the story of Jesus – the promise that will ultimately be fulfilled.
Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.” 3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
2 Samuel 7: 1-3 NKJV
Nathan said this to David because it seemed good and reasonable. What could be wrong with David building a temple. “What can I do for God?” – David was so filled with gratitude and concern for God’s glory that he wanted to do something special for God.
David’s intention was always after God’s own heart. He always wanted to do something he wasn’t asked to do.
But that night, the word of God came to Nathan saying, “Go and tell my servant David: This is God’s word on the matter: You’re going to build a ‘house’ for me to live in? Why, I haven’t lived in a ‘house’ from the time I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt till now. All that time I’ve moved about with nothing but a tent. And in all my travels with Israel, did I ever say to any of the leaders I commanded to shepherd Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?’
2 Samuel 7:4-7 MSG
David wanted to do more than what God commanded. Again, this points to David’s intention. He was a man after God’s own heart. Being at this position in our connection with God is fantastic because most of us are so stuck in the thinking, “how little can I do and still please the Lord?” That we never really want to do more than God commands.
10 Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, 11 since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. 12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” 17 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.
2 Samuel 7:10-17 NKJV
The family of Saul became totally extinct; the family of David remained till the incarnation.
David vs Saul:
-David repented from his sin whereas Saul tried to justify his sin.
-God opposed Saul and David’s arrogance but he exalted David when he humbled himself.
God still works in our lives even in our sin. David is an example for us to be quick to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.
God was faithful to His covenant promise and the hope of a future king. God looked far beyond David’s life and his kingdom that will bring God’s blessing to all nations. Jesus Christ fully satisfies God’s promise to David of a home. Jesus does rule and will continue to rule forever on David’s throne. Even though Jesus was made sin for us, the Father’s mercies did not cease for Him. Jesus is constructing a wonderful home for the Father.
