GOD ESTABLISHES A KINGDOM FOR HIS PEOPLE
We all have heard a version of the old adage “The road to Hades is paved with good intentions”. Sometimes this prods procrastinators to quit merely stating good intentions and get started actually doing what they claim they will do. Others may even think that good intentions are the problem if they really pave that road- as unlikely that may seem. We all have put off worthwhile things or had the best intentions to begin a plan only to experience unforeseen negative circumstances or consequences. In God’s Story, we have a primary example of a man who had the very best of intentions concerning expressing his love for God. In his case, God opted not to take him up on his plan, but posed a counter plan with far-reaching implications. This man was David. As king, he intended to build God a house or temple. Early encouragement from Nathan, the prophet, soon gave way to God’s rejection of David’s plan. However, David’s good intentions pleased God, so He decided to make a covenant with David regarding an eternal kingdom. David’s greatest descendant, Jesus, established the kingdom that lasts forever. We all have plans and goals for our lives; but this lesson shows us that we need to continually surrender our plans to God!
Read 2 Samuel 7:8-11a Establishing a Place
In our efforts to develop God’s Story over 13 weeks, we cannot nor do we need to expand on all the significant issues or stories in the Bible. However, it is good to touch on certain events to help our over-all understanding. Much has happened in God’s Story since our previous lesson, namely, the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of the promise land by Joshua, the period of judges, and the establishment of the monarchy. A period of several hundred years separated Moses from David (1450 BC to 1000 BC). David, the victorious youth, had become king over Judah for 7.5 years in Hebron before moving his capital to Jerusalem, where he served as king over all Israel for an additional 33 years. God had blessed David with victories over all of David’s opposing forces.
As we get to 2 Samuel 7, we see David has settled into his palace precisely because “the Lord had given him rest on every side from all his enemies” (2 Sam. 7:1b). David shared with Nathan, his court prophet, his observation about how his was “living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains” (v. 2). David loved the Lord so he wanted to build a “home” for the ark of God, which was the visible symbol of God’s presence. This was David’s plan and even Nathan encouraged David. However, in God’s Story, God is in charge and directs the course of human events. Like David, we often have good intentions. However, we need continually to surrender our plans to God. God’s plans are always better. Think about from where you were as a teenager to where you are today. How does that remembrance lead you to trust God with future plans? (He worked His greater purpose in times of heartache and failure- as well as in the good times. So God will continue to lead us in the future if we trust Him!) We might not understand every aspect of God’s magnificent plan nor even in every facet of God’s Story, but we can trust faithfully in His grace and benevolence. He wants to establish His people today no less than He did in David’s day.
David’s request was good, but God said no. This does not mean that God rejected David. In fact, God was planning to do something even greater in David’s life than allowing Him the prestige of building the Temple. However, God did not abruptly tell David no. God reminded David of all that He had done for David over the years and that God will continue to be with David by planning to do something even greater in David’s life. God promised to continue the dynasty of David forever. God said to David, “I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land” (v. 9). David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later, but Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise (Acts 2:22-36). Christ will reign for eternity- now in His spiritual kingdom in heaven and later on earth in the new Jerusalem (Luke 1:30-33); Revelations 21). Accepting God’s “no” requires as great a faith as carrying our His “yes”.
Read 2 Samuel 7:11b-17 Establishing an Eternal Kingdom
In a reversal to what David wanted to do for the Lord, the Lord, in these verses, promises “will make a house for you (David)” (v. 11b). Of course the word “house”, in this case, refers to David’s dynasty. This continues God’s covenant He had made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all His people who had been part of the covenant community in the past. David was not perfect (as we are Not), but he was loyal to God (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). The ancient promise to the patriarchs was to find their fulfillment in David. But a new element appears here too. Nathan, from the Lord, promised that David would have that which Saul wanted desperately (1 Sam. 20:31) but did not achieve- a succession of descendants on his throne, a dynasty (2 Sam. 7:11). This promise to David is a promise from which all Christians benefit today and until Christ’s return.
By this time these events were written, this promise had become fact. Thus these verses were recorded to explain how the dynasty came to be- and why it should be viewed as divinely ordained. The prophecy did not specify which son would follow David, but the Historian writer knew that Solomon was that person. Solomon was authorized to build the house for God that was denied David (v. 13), because David had shed so much blood and waged great wars (1 Chon. 22:6-16). So in these verses God repeated His promise to David to establish his son’s kingdom forever, using the phrase “the throne of his kingdom”. Three of Jesus’ claims about Himself alluded to verse13. First, Jesus said He would build a temple (John 2:19-22). Second, Jesus told Pilate His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Finally, Jesus said His kingdom was eternal (Luke 22:29-30). So this glimpse into God’s greater purpose was a major turning point in God’s Story. In what ways does this affect one’s personal walk with God? (First, when God repeats something (as He did here), He means it and we need to listen. Then this was a clear promise that God would be with us all the way to eternity, especially since we have Jesus’ words.)
Read 2 Samuel 7:22-24 Establishing A Divine Purpose
In this moving, heartfelt prayer, David uses the phrase “O Lord God” (KJV) to express his close intimacy with his God. Then David follows this with “There is no one like you” and “there is no God beside you”- all in verse 22. All of this shows how overwhelmed David was by what Nathan had passed long from God. David expressed in his prayer the same humility that he exhibited as a youth before Saul (v. 18; 1 Sam.18:23). The king praised God for His past acts for Israel: the redemption of Israel; the driving out of Israel’s enemies; the making of a covenant that established Israel as the people of God forever (2 Sam. 7:23-24). God’s goodness is seen by David as proof of His greatness, and David sees it displayed, not only in his dealing with himself, but also in the past history of the Israel nation. There is in this a depth of evangelic piety. As an unconverted heart would see the greatness of God in the majority of creation, or in severe dealing with impenitent (those not repenting). However, David saw it in acts of mercy and kindness. We look upon Elijah as the type of sternness, yet he too recognized the presence of God is in “the still small voice” of gentleness and love (1 Kings 19:13).
David was acknowledging God’s greater purpose of establishing Israel to be His “own people forever” and for the Lord to “become their God” (v. 24). David concluded his prayer accepting God’s will for his life and asked the Lord to fulfill His promise –to give him a confirmation (v. 25). David knew God’s word to him was sure and true. As a result, David’s house would be blessed forever (vv. 26-29). Like David, we can express our praise and thanksgiving to God for His greatness and His faithfulness to keep His promises. The eternal plans and purposes God began to unfold to David are still in place. We can choose the love and peace of Jesus with others in caring ways to bring them to Christ since God still establishes His people.