Chapter Seven contains what is commonly known as the Davidic Covenant. At this particular juncture in life, David finds himself at peace with God, his enemies and his family. This provides a restful interlude for the hero of (2 Sam.). In the past David has been called on numerous times to gird on the sword, and as we shall see in lessons to come, many violent struggles lie yet ahead.

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. DAVID'S PURPOSE TO BUILD A TEMPLE TO THE LORD - (1-3)

II. THE LORD'S ANSWER THROUGH NATHAN THE PROPHET: THE DAVIDIC COVENANT - (4-7)

III. DAVID'S PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING - (18-29)

I. DAVID'S PURPOSE TO BUILD A TEMPLE TO THE LORD - (1-3)

We might note as we begin a study of the chapter that the companion passage for this chapter is found in (1 Chron. 17:1-27).

During a time of meditation, David begins to reflect on the manifold blessings God has bestowed upon him. David is so thankful that he begins to think on the possibilities of showing his gratefulness to the Lord. "I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains" (vs. 2). Very few people worry about providing less for God than they do for themselves' The tabernacle was very temporary, in fact, on the outside, very ugly. David is very sensitive about the apparent inequity involved, yet, we know (overcoming the Catholic superstition) that God cannot be contained in a gold box or a tent.

Nathan is designated "the prophet." With the rise of Israel's national life under God's anointed King enters the ministry of the prophets.

"...Go, do all that is in thine heart...." It is very interesting to note that the will of God coincides with what is in the heart of David. Many people see "the will of God" as some treasure that God uses as the object of a spiritual game of hide and seek, always getting closer, but never able to find it. When your heart is in tune or "sync" with the heartbeat of God, your desires are more than likely God's desires, (Psa. 37:4).

 

II. THE LORD'S ANSWER THROUGH NATHAN THE PROPHET: THE DAVIDIC COVENANT - (4-17)

David's intentions are approved of, yet, the providence of God does not permit the execution thereof. "Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in"? (vs. 5). It is humorous to ponder the thought that some people actually believe God needs them. Certainly this is the pinnacle of egotism. David's motives are pure, yet, for a moment he has forgotten whom he serves." Thus saith the Lord, "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? ...For all those things hath mine hand made...." - (Isa. 66:1,2). See: (Acts 7:49,50; Psa. 99:5; 110:1; Heb. 10:13). The Lord does not need, neither is he impressed by man made crystal cathedrals.

The Lord makes it clear that he hasn't done any complaining about the present situation and reminds David that it was he, the Lord, who found David at the sheepcote, and not vice-versa (vss. 6-9).

"...I will appoint a place for my people Israel, ...plant them ... move no more..." (vs. 10). This is a literal promise given to the nation of Israel, concerning the future permanent procurement of a literal piece of real estate. Amos closes his prophecy (Amos 9:11-15) with, "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David ... And I will plant them upon their land, and thy shall no more be pulled out of their land...." See also (Jer. 24:6). This is one of the pillars of the Pre-Millennial system of biblical interpretation, the literal national restoration of the nation Israel and its permanent occupancy of the promised land.

Compare (vs. 11), "that he will make thee an house" with (1 Sam. 2:35).

"...I will set up thy seed after thee" (vs. 12), (Matt. 1:1; 22:42; Psa. 132:11; 89:3, 4; Lk. 1:32; Rom. 1:3). The following verses contain many double applications. Solomon's (David's successor) kingdom does not last forever. The A-Millennialist then discounts the literal fulfillment in the nation Israel and transfers the promises to the New Testament Church. Some of the verses in this section apply either to both the Messiah and Solomon or the Messiah alone. Note a similar apparent contradiction in prophesy not fulfilled in a man's lifetime in (Isa. 7:10-16).

Notice the word "kingdom," this is what the apostles are looking for in (Acts 1:6; see Lk. 1:32,33; Lam. 5:16,19; Mic. 4:8; Matt. 6:10; 10:5,6,7; 4:23,23; 24:4).

 

III. DAVID'S PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING - (18-27)

Before concluding this chapter, you might take a close look at (Psa. 89). The Psalms sheds much theological light on the passage on the Davidic Covenant and its Messianic implications.

You may have asked yourself a question similar to the one David asks himself in (vs. 18), "Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? Have you ever asked yourself, "Why did I get saved? Why or what is it that caused me to accept the truth of the Word, while so many reject it"? David begins to survey the past, he realizes that God has interceded on his behalf many times in his life and put him in a position of which he is undeserving. We all might as David, individually sit down before the Lord and remember "the pit from whence we were digged." David says, "what you have done for me is but a small thing for the Lord to do." David also realizes that the fulfillment of the prophesy is yet a long way off "a great while to come" (vs. 19).

"...What one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel"? The answer is there is none like unto Israel'. Israel is one of the greatest proofs that the Word of God is indeed what it claims to be. We, as no other generation since the time of Christ, can see the unfolding and fulfillment of biblical prophecy before our very eyes, (Rom. 11:25,26)! The fact that Israel has maintained its national identity for 2600 years without a kingdom, and for much of that time, without a piece of real estate to call their own, is overwhelming proof of God's grand purpose and design for his people Israel.

"...THY WORDS BE TRUE..." (vs. 28).