CHAPTER VII _David consults the prophet Nathan about building a temple for_ _the Lord, and is encouraged by him to do it_, 1-3. _That night Nathan receives a revelation from God, stating that_ _Solomon, not David, should build the temple_, 4-16. _Nathan delivers the Divine message, and David ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:2. _I DWELL IN A HOUSE OF CEDAR_] That is, a house whose principal beams, ceiling, and wainscot, were cedar. _DWELLETH WITHIN CURTAINS._] Having no other residence but the tabernacle, which was a place covered with the _skins_ of beasts, Exodus 26:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:3. _NATHAN SAID TO THE KING_] In this case he gave his judgment as a pious and prudent man, not as a prophet; for the prophets were not always under a Divine afflatus; it was only at select times they were thus honoured. _FOR THE LORD_ IS _WITH THEE._] Thou hast his blessing in all... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:5. _SHALT THOU BUILD ME A HOUSE_] That is, Thou shalt not: this is the force of the interrogative in such a case.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:7. _WITH ANY OF THE TRIBES_] "Spake I a word to any of the JUDGES" is the reading in the parallel place, 1 Chronicles 17:6, and this is probably the true reading. Indeed, there is but one letter of difference between them, and letters which might be easily mistaken for each other:... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:10. _I WILL APPOINT A PLACE_] I _have_ appointed a place, and have planted them. See the observations at the end. 2 Samuel 7:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:11. _THE LORD - WILL MAKE THEE A HOUSE._] Thou hast in thy heart to make _me_ a house; I have it in my heart to make _thee_ a house: thy family shall be built up, and shall prosper in the throne of Israel; and thy spiritual posterity shall remain for ever. God is the author of all o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:13. _HE SHALL BUILD_] That is, Solomon shall build my temple, not thou, because _thou hast shed blood abundantly, and_ _hast made great wars_. See 1 Chronicles 22:8; and see also the observations at the end. 2 Samuel 7:25. _THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOR EVER._] This is a reference... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:14. _IF HE COMMIT INIQUITY_] Depart from the holy commandment delivered to him; _I will chasten him with the rod of_ _men_-he shall have affliction, but his government shall not be utterly subverted. But this has a higher meaning. See the observations at the end. 2 Samuel 7:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:15. _BUT MY MERCY SHALL NOT DEPART AWAY FROM HIM, AS I TOOK_ IT _FROM SAUL_] His house shall be a lasting house, and he shall die in the throne of Israel, his children succeeding him; and the spiritual seed, Christ, possessing and ruling in that throne to the end of time. The famil... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:18. _SAT BEFORE THE LORD_] Sometimes, when a Hindoo seeks a favour from a superior, he sits down in his presence in silence; or if he solicits some favour of a _god_, as _riches, children_, c., he places himself before the idol, and remains in a _waiting_ _posture_, or repeats the n... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:19. _AND_ IS _THIS THE MANNER OF MAN_] Literally: _And this, O_ _Lord God, is the law of Adam_. Does he refer to the promise made to Adam, _The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent_? From my line shall the Messiah spring, and be the spiritual and triumphant King, f... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 7:20. _WHAT CAN DAVID SAY MORE_] How can I express my endless obligation to thee?... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 25. _AND DO AS THOU HAST SAID._] David well knew that all the promises made to himself and family were _conditional_; and therefore he prays that they may be fulfilled. His posterity did not walk with God, and therefore they were driven from the throne. It was taken from them by the neighbouri... [ Continue Reading ]