◄ What Does 2 Samuel 7:10 Mean? ►

When we promise to do something for someone or if we pledge to fulfil some deed, too often we fall short of our commitment or fail to complete the promised pledge. But the promises of God are altogether true for those in Christ, and God guarantees that His vows to us are all 'yes' and 'amen' just as they were to His servants in bygone days.

God made certain unconditional promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He also made a conditional covenant with His chosen nation, Israel. And even when the people broke the conditions to which they agreed, God remained true to His Word, for the Word of the Lord never fails and God has even placed His promised Word above His holy name.

Despite their ups and downs, faults and failings, there was a remnant in Israel that never failed to trust in the Word of the Lord, and one such man was David, the shepherd-boy who became king of God's chosen people. Despite his many flaws and shortcomings, David was a man after God's own heart because he believed God's Word and trusted His promises.

The Lord placed David on the throne of Israel, as He had planned and purposed, but the king felt it was inappropriate that he should dwell in his comfortable palaces while the Ark of God's holy Presence remained housed in a fabric tent.

David was motivated in his heart to build a House for the Lord, and shared his excited plans with Nathan, the prophet. Nathan initially endorsed the king's aspirations, but was later informed by the Lord that David would not be permitted to build Him a House, even though the time had arrived for God's Temple to be erected.

God revealed to Nathan an amazing, unconditional promise that He purposed in His heart to give to His servant, David. He would have a son who would build the Lord a Temple, and He would establish David's kingdom forever. God promised that there would always be one of his descendants sitting on David's throne.

Part of His promise to David, was that God would also appoint a place for His people Israel to live: "I will plant them in their land, so that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again - nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly."

Although Israel and Judah became captives of Assyria and Babylon, and were later scattered to the four corners of the world, God's promise to David still stands. In His grace, Israel were brought back in their land over 70 years ago, setting the stage for God's plans and purposes for His people to be brought to completion.

At God's appointed time, they returned to the land the Lord gave to them, but they returned in unbelief and have not yet acknowledged nationally that Jesus is great David's greater Son. Jesus is the Son of David after the flesh and God's anointed King in the power of the Spirit, and His kingdom and kingship will never end.

The raging of the nation and deep political unrest, has been the tempestuous backdrop for Israel since their return to their land in 1948, but the day is coming when: "They will live in their own place," as God has promised: "They will not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly."

May we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, knowing that the only true peace that will overshadow the nation in unbelief, is when they recognise Jesus as Lord and cry out to Him for their salvation. On that day (at the end of the Great Tribulation, which is Daniel's 70th week), Jesus will come in the clouds of glory, to claim the throne of His father David and set up His kingdom for ever and ever.

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your promises are true and never fail. Thank You that Jesus is coming back after the 'time of Jacob's Trouble' to claim His rightful position as King of Israel, Prince of Peace, and Lord of heaven and earth. And thank You that by faith in Him, I have been redeemed from the pit. I pray for Your people, Israel, that many would come to faith in Christ as Messiah and call on the name of the Lord Jesus for their salvation. In Jesus' name, AMEN.