2 Samuel 7:18-29

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^[a] 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^[b] 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.

22 "This is why You are great, Lord God . There is no one like You, and there is no God besides You, as all we have heard confirms.

23 And who is like Your people Israel? God came to one nation on earth in order to redeem a people for Himself, to make a name for Himself, and to perform for them^[c] great and awesome acts, driving out nations and their gods before Your people You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt.^[d]

24 You established Your people Israel Your own people forever, and You, Lord, have become their God.^[e]

25 "Now, Lord God, fulfill the promise forever that You have made to Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised,

26 so that Your name will be exalted forever, when it is said, 'The Lord of Hosts is God over Israel.' The house of Your servant David will be established before You

27 since You, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, 'I will build a house for you.' Therefore, Your servant has found the courage to pray this prayer to You.

28 Lord God , You are God; Your words are true, and You have promised this grace to Your servant.

29 Now, please bless Your servant's house so that it will continue before You forever. For You, Lord God , have spoken, and with Your blessing Your servant's house will be blessed forever."^[f]

2 Samuel 7:18-29 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]. Lit Yet this
• [b]. Or custom, or instruction
• [c]. Some Hb mss, Tg, Vg, Syr; other Hb mss read you
• [d]. Dt 4:32-38
• [e]. Ex 6:7
• [f]. 1 Ch 17:16-27