◄ What Does 2 Samuel 7:8 Mean? ►

David resolved to build a temple for the Lord and establish the sovereignty and glory of God within the very heart of the nation. The Lord had blessed His servant mightily, protected his life, and brought him victory over his enemies, and David desired to honour Him by building a magnificent Temple in which to house the Ark of the Covenant.

God graciously declined David's enthusiastic proposition, but instead promised to exalt the throne of His servant permanently and for perpetuity. 

The king had described his ambitious plan to Nathan, a prophet of God who initially encouraged David to pursue his objective, until the Lord instructed him to go to David with an unexpected message and reveal God's greater plan and higher purpose for His servant: "Now therefore," Nathan was instructed, "thus you shall say to My servant David..."

Nathan was to deliver a prophecy that was to unveil God's greater plan - something that would impact humanity's history. Nathan was to deliver a most extraordinary response to the king which would result in the establishment of the 'Davidic Covenant'.

Nathan the prophet was to reveal to this 'man after God's own heart' a yet undisclosed part of God great plan of redemption. He also unveiled one of his holy characteristics, a Name of God that had been hitherto kept hidden but was first recorded in 1 Samuel: "Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts.'"

God had already revealed Himself to Abraham as Jehovah-jireh (The Lord will provide) and also as El Shaddai (God Almighty). Hagar discovered that God is: "The Lord Who Sees All," and to Moses He declared: "I AM that I AM." God also revealed Himself to Moses as Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (the One Who Sanctifies His people).

Gideon found Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord is my Peace), and David, who knew that Lord as his Shepherd, was also told that He is the LORD of Hosts: "Thus you shall say to My servant David, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel.'"

Nathan explained that the great God of the universe does not need a beautifully constructed house of cedar in which to dwell. For centuries, He had met with his people in a simple tent and did not commission them to build Him a house. David was to discover that his son, Solomon, would be the one the Lord ordained to construct the Temple of the Lord.

But the Lord told David something even more wonderful. David was reminded of his humble beginning when God sent Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel, and David, the simple shepherd boy who tended his father's sheep and protected them from a lion or a bear, was chosen to become Israel's greatest king. And Nathan carried on with this prophetic word to an awesome conclusion: "The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." And how was David's house to endure forever? Because through the line of David, would be born the promised Messiah.

Let us join with David saying to the Lord: "How great You are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like You, and there is no God but You."

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are my God and Shepherd, my Provider and my Sanctifier. Thank You that You are the Lord of Hosts Who made heaven and earth by the power of Your mighty hand, and that You chose me to be Your child and a member of Christ's mystic Body. Thank You for the lessons we learn through the life and times of David whom You chose to be Israel's greatest king and the under-shepherd of Your people. Thank You that You can use anyone whose heart is right before You. Cleanse my heart and use me in the furtherance of Your kingdom. Help me to listen to Your voice and obey Your Word. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.