Below is a summary of the Davidic covenant that is discussed in 2 Samuel 7. As part of the ongoing series at looking at Old Testament history, this post focuses on three main questions that arise out of 2 Samuel 7. The last question has a broader lens but still the main thrust of the information is based on what David’s response was in this important chapter.
Much more has been discussed on the very important Davidic covenant, but this post is about the context, the promises, and David’s understanding.
1. What did David want to do and what were Nathan’s and God’s responses
David settled into the king’s palace and realized that He was living in a luxurious dwelling, while God and His ark was in a tent (2 Sam 7:1-2). David wanted to build a permanent and better house for God than the tent that was housing the ark. Nathan answered David to proceed in building this temple for God. However, Nathan did not inquire of God for His direction nor did he depend on the Spirit’s leading before responding appropriately to David’s request. Nathan knew that God has blessed David and was with David (v3), which is why Nathan probably told David to go ahead and build the temple. God, on the other hand, came to Nathan that night and told him to tell David that David is not the one to build a house for God to dwell in, but his son will build the house of God. God did not put that request into David’s heart and neither had He asked other rulers to build Him a house to dwell in (v5-7). God proceeds to layout the promises of future blessing upon David and his descendants (v8-16).
2. What are the promises made in the Davidic Covenant (vs. 8-16)?
The promises made to David are a further development of the Abrahamic covenant in which the three main parts are descendants (or seed), land, and blessing. God promises to make David’s name great like the names of the greatest men on earth (v9). The land promises that God made in the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants are reaffirmed when God promises that He will provide a place for Israel where they will not be disturbed, the wicked will not oppress them, and they will have rest from all of their enemies (v10-11). God promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel, would build the temple of God (v12-13), and God’s mercy would remain with him (v14-15). God expands this by promising David an everlasting kingdom (Verse 13: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever”, and verse 16: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever”). This is a promise that a Son of David, referencing the Messiah, would come from David’s lineage and that He will establish a kingdom and rule forever (v16). These promises from God to David are unconditional and do not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The promises are based on God’s faithfulness and not on the obedience of David or Israel.
3. How did David respond, and is there any evidence that he understood that these promises would not all be fulfilled by his direct descendant (who will turn out to be Solomon)?
David responds by worshipping God with thanksgiving and praise. He goes before the Sovereign Lord in prayer and is in awe of God and the promises God made to him. David cannot believe that God would bless him, “a mere human” (v19) the way He has promised. David praises God and speaks of the greatness of God (v22). Within the context of the 2 Samuel 7:18-29 passage, I think there is some evidence that David knew this would not all be fulfilled by his direct descendant, as multiple times throughout David’s praise he mentions the word forever. He asks God that He would keep these promises forever (v25) and in verse 29 David understands that with God’s blessing, his “house” will be blessed “forever” (cf. 1 Chron 17:12, 14, 27). Outside of this passage, Psalm 110:1 (“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet’” provides evidence that David knew these promises would be fulfilled in One that is greater than himself, his direct descendant, and future descendants (cf. Acts 2:29-36). First Chronicles 17 summarizes the Davidic Covenant and provides another glimpse at David’s understanding. First Chronicles 17:17 says, “This was a small thing in Your eyes, O God; but You have spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the standard of a man of high degree, O Lord God.” David understands that these promises will apply to his throne “for a great while to come” and would not all be fulfilled by his direct descendant, but because God is true and faithful, He will bless David’s house forever by establishing an eternal kingdom.