David’s Thanksgiving to God
July 27, 2019
Commentary
At the beginning of this chapter, David is a bit too prideful of himself. Three times he is referred to as “the king” in the first three verses. He is also referred to as “the king” (v. 18), but only to highlight the change in his thinking from earlier in the chapter. Instead of finding the word “king” four times, we find the word servant (vv. 18-24). David now stands in awe of the fact that God takes him, a man of no status or standing, and makes him king of Israel. He sees his standing and status as Israel’s king as the result of God’s sovereignty and not as the recognition of his potential greatness.
Lessons to be learned in this passage:
Even our highest, most noble ambitions and goals are flawed by sin. No matter how pious my plans for God and His work appear to be, they fall short of the motive He requires.No matter how high and lofty our goals may be, God’s plans are greater. “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him” (I Cor. 2:9).The greatness and glory of God’s presence and power are not to be interpreted in the light of how spectacular the surroundings and settings are.We see that David did not need a temple nearby in order to worship his God. How easy it is for us to begin to focus on what we have done rather than all He has done for us.David’s divine rebuke should serve as a lesson to every Christian. David was in more danger in his palace than he was fleeing from Saul and hiding out in some cave.David then calls upon God in prayer to confirm the word which he had just spoken through his servant. The fulfillment of these promises would cause the name of God to be magnified forever. The prayer concluded with a petition that God would do what he had just promised to do (vv. 25-29)
Application
People search many places for truth on which to base their lives. God’s Word is the only trust worthy foundation upon which to build my life.
2 Samuel 7:18– 29 (NET)
18 King David went in, sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you should have brought me to this point? 19 And you didn’t stop there, O Lord God! You have also spoken about the future of your servant’s family. Is this your usual way of dealing with men, O Sovereign Lord? 20 What more can David say to you? You have given your servant special recognition, O Sovereign Lord! 21 For the sake of your promise and according to your purpose you have done this great thing in order to reveal it to your servant. 22 Therefore you are great, O Sovereign Lord, for there is none like you. There is no God besides you! What we have heard is true. 23 Who is like your people, Israel, a unique nation on the earth? Their God went to claim a nation for himself and to make a name for himself! You did great and awesome acts for your land, before your people whom you delivered for yourself from the Egyptian empire and its gods. 24 You made Israel your very own people for all time. You, O Lord, became their God. 25 So now, O Lord God, make this promise you have made about your servant and his family a permanent reality. Do as you promised, 26 so you may gain lasting fame, as people say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is God over Israel!’ The dynasty of your servant David will be established before you, 27 for you, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, have told your servant, ‘I will build you a dynastic house.’ That is why your servant has had the courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 Now, O Sovereign Lord, you are the true God. May your words prove to be true! You have made this good promise to your servant. 29 Now be willing to bless your servant’s dynasty so that it may stand permanently before you, for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken. By your blessing may your servant’s dynasty be blessed from now on into the future!”