2 Samuel 7:18-28

18 Then David the king went in, and sat before the LORD; and he said, Who am I, Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

19 This was yet a small thing in your eyes, Lord GOD; but you have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come; and this [too] after the manner of men, Lord GOD!

20 What can David say more to you? for you know your servant, Lord GOD.

21 For your word's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it.

22 Therefore you are great, LORD God: for there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

23 What one nation in the eretz is like your people, even like Yisra'el, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, and to make him a name, and to do great things for you, and awesome things for your land, before your people, whom you redeem to you out of Mitzrayim, [from] the nations and their gods?

24 You did establish to yourself your people Yisra'el to be a people to you forever; and you, LORD, became their God.

25 Now, LORD God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm you it forever, and do as you have spoken.

26 Let your name be magnified forever, saying, the LORD of hosts is God over Yisra'el; and the house of your servant David shall be established before you.

27 For you, LORD of Hosts, the God of Yisra'el, have revealed to your servant, saying, I will build you a house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray this prayer to you.

28 Now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant:

2 Samuel 7:18-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 7

This chapter expresses David's concern for building an house for the ark of God, which he communicated to Nathan the prophet, and was approved of by him, 2Sa 7:1-3; and who was that night sent by the Lord to David, to acquaint him, that as he had for many years dwelt in a tent, and had never given directions to the tribes of Israel, and the rulers of them, to build him an house, so neither should David build him one; but his son that would succeed him in the throne should; and also observes to him the many great things he had done for him, and promises him more, and particularly the establishment of his throne and kingdom for ever, in which he has respect to the Messiah, that should spring from him, 2Sa 7:4-17. Then follows a prayer of David, in which he expresses the sense he had of the greatness and goodness of God, and of his own unworthiness to receive such favours from him he had, returns him thanks for the promises he had made, and prays for the performance of them, 2Sa 7:18-29.