This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of II Samuel 7 from Dr. Wellum given on Sunday, November 16, 2008.
To this point throughout the book of Samuel we have seen an escalation of a messianic expectation in seeing the institution of Israel’s monarchy. II Samuel, in particular, has highlighted Saul’s rejection and David’s rise to prominence. II Samuel 7 proves to be a chapter of the utmost importance. The author begins by presenting the theme of rest. David receives rest from his enemies as he has expanded Israel’s borders and defeated the enemies that Joshua failed to remove from the land. And not only does David find rest as he defeats his enemies, but the Lord promises a future rest from enemies in verse 11. The Lord then instructs Nathan that He will make an everlasting covenant with the house of David. He draws a connection between David and Moses by describing David as his servant and shepherd. Here the Lord presents David to be the mediator and intercessor for the people of Israel just as Moses was in Numbers 12. This continues as the Lord creates a connection between Abraham and David as he passes on the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant to David. David is given the promise of a great name and land mirroring the covenant seen in Genesis 12. However, this covenant proves greater than previous covenants in that the Lord promises his unconditional faithful regardless of the obedience of David’s line.
Another important element found within this chapter comes with David’s desire build a temple where the ark can dwell. In II Samuel 6 we see that David has brought the ark to Jerusalem and he know desires to build a house for the presence of the Lord. God rejects David’s intentions passing this blessing onto the son of David, which will be Solomon. This will signify the pinnacle of the kingdom of Israel although this success is short lived due to the disobedience of David and Solomon. However, Hebrews 3 shows us that this blessing to the son reaches its fulfillment in Christ. In line with Exodus 4 and Psalm 2, we see the true son of the Lord is Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of the promises made to the house of David.
As II Samuel 7 concludes David speaks his prayer that affirms the will of the Lord. As a faithful servant David basically responds by saying, “your kingdom come, your will be done.” And following this faithful prayer of David, II Samuel 8-10 shows how this blessing to the house of David and a progression towards finding rest is continued as David has constant success in seeking to expand the kingdom and defeat the enemies of the Lord. God gives prosperity to whatever David’s hand touches and gives him victory over his enemies to show the Lord is the true king of Israel.
MES