2 Samuel 7:17-21

17 Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David.^[a]

David's Prayer of Thanksgiving

18 Then King David went in, sat in the Lord's presence, and said, "Who am I, Lord God , and what is my house that You have brought me this far?

19 What You have done so far^[b] was a little thing to You, Lord God , for You have also spoken about Your servant's house in the distant future. And this is a revelation^[c] for mankind, Lord God .

20 What more can David say to You? You know Your servant, Lord God .

21 Because of Your word and according to Your will, You have revealed all these great things to Your servant.

2 Samuel 7:17-21 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.

Footnotes

• [a] 1 Ch 17:3-15
• [b] Lit Yet this
• [c] Or custom, or instruction