THE PROMISE OF GOD TO DAVID IN REQUITAL OF HIS DESIRE TO BUILD THE
TEMPLE
This chapter affords an excellent illustration of the way in which
prophecy has often two quite distinct applications, one to the more
immediate and the other to the more distant future. The primary
reference is to Solomon (s... [ Continue Reading ]
NATHAN] The prophet is here mentioned for the first time. He played an
important part in David's reign (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1; 1 Kings 1)
and afterwards wrote a history of it, and of part, at least, of the
reign of Solomon. CURTAINS] i.e. a tent: see on 2 Samuel 6:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
This v., when read in connexion with 2 Samuel 7:4; 2 Samuel 7:5., is
important as showing the difference between the prophet as an ordinary
man and the prophet as the spokesman of God: cp. 1 Corinthians 7:6; 1
Corinthians 7:10; 1 Corinthians 7:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALT THOU BUILD] LXX 'Thou shalt not build.' 'But his son shall' (2
Samuel 7:13). According to 1 Chronicles 22:8 the prohibition was
connected with his having been a man of war.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREAS] RV 'for.' This v. gives the reason why David was not to
build. IN A TENT AND IN A TABERNACLE] The tent denotes the outer
covering: the tabernacle the framework of boards and bars.... [ Continue Reading ]
TRIBES] Chronicles has preserved the true reading 'judges' (1
Chronicles 17:6).... [ Continue Reading ]
HAVE MADE] RV 'will make.' Nathan turns from the past to the future.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALSO THE LORD TELLETH THEE] The revelation turns to David's posterity.... [ Continue Reading ]
In Acts 2:30 this v. is directly referred to the Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL BUILD AN HOUSE] fulfilled in the person of Solomon (1 Kings
8:16). I WILL STABLISH THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOR EVER] On this is
based the statement in Luke 1:33.... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL BE HIS FATHER, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON] In Hebrews 1:5 this is
applied'to Christ, who was God's Son in a sense that Solomon never
was. IF HE COMMIT INIQUITY] History records many instances of the
transgressions and punishment of David's posterity. THE ROD OF MEN]
Such chastisement as fathers i... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE THEE] LXX and Chronicles 'before me.' FOR EVER] The promise was
conditional on conduct: but the kingdom of Messiah, David's greatest
Son, is eternal.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Is_ THIS THE MANNER OF MAN] rather, 'this is the law of (i.e. imposed
on) man.' God has made it a law regulating men's conduct, that kind
intentions should be recognised and requited. But it was a sign of
condescension that God should consider Himself bound to reward David's
zeal by such proofs of... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THY WORD'S SAKE] i.e. to perform the promise made to David through
Samuel.... [ Continue Reading ]
To render this v. intelligible we must do two things: (_a_) with LXX
omit the words 'for you,' (_b_) with Chronicles change 'for thy land'
into 'drive out.' Render, therefore,' and to do great things and
terrible, to drive out nations and their gods before thy people, which
thou redeemedst to thee f... [ Continue Reading ]