Introduction
David is settled as king and he turns his attention to more spiritual matters. As a result God makes some important promises to him.
Questions
1. How is David's life described and how does he contrast where he lives with where God's ark is?
v 1 and 2 When the king lived in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies all around, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but God’s ark dwells within curtains.”
2. Who does the LORD say will build a house for his name?
v 12 to 14 ... I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son ...
3. How does David describe the long-term relationship between the LORD and the nation of Israel?
v 24 You established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, LORD, became their God.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 3 David tells Nathan the prophet that he wants to build a house for the God of Israel to house the ark
- v 4 to 11 God then tells Nathan to tell David that he has not asked to have a permanent dwelling place. He has chosen David to rule Israel and will make him a house
- v 12 to 17 Nathan tells David that after his death, a special offspring of his will reign on David’s throne for ever
- v 18 to 29 David is overawed by the greatness of this far-reaching promise about his future family and kingdom to come. He offers a prayer of gratitude to the Lord GOD