God’s Covenant with David

October 22, 2017 Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1 – 16; Psalm 89; 1 Chronicles 22:6 – 8 Lesson Passage: 2 Samuel 7:1 –6, 8 – 10, 12 – 16 David was a very special person. He had his issues like every person born of man and woman. David was not special because he had no issues but contrariwise, David was special because he had a heart for God in spite of his issues. When David reached the point in life where he knew he had been tremendously blessed in this world, he thought about God. That’s what made him special. Many of us think about God only when things go bad in our lives. When we are down and out, then we “look to the hills from whence comes our help”. When we were faced with overwhelming troubles: then “this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles”. Once we have met the Lord, we never forget Him in times of difficulty. It requires a different type heart to remember the Lord at the height of prosperity and blessings. David was such a person. The Lord blessed David tremendously and delivered him from all his enemies. It was at that time that David looked at the blessings and remembered the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark had always resided inside the tents (tabernacles) whenever it was at rest among Israel. But David lived in a mansion with cedar paneling on the walls. He determined in his heart that he would build a permanent place for housing the Ark that would be exceedingly magnificent, famous, and glorious throughout all lands. It would be in a category all by itself—far exceeding David’s own mansion. David wanted an edifice that would befit the God he served. So David talked to the prophet about his desire. Nathan, the prophet, thought it was a good idea what David desired. Then God spoke to the prophet and gave him a response for David. God’s response is the Davidic Covenant. God reminded David about his modest beginning in the pasture caring for his father’s sheep. Then He reminded David how He elevated him to be king over all of God’s chosen people. Finally, David was reminded that God had put all of his enemies at bay and allowed David to be at rest from war. God put into perspective David’s desire. What David wanted for the Lord, the Lord had not requested of anyone. God had been content to move among Israel inside of the tents behind the curtains. He had not asked for a more “permanent” facility. But God noted David’s desire and declined the offer—at least the method whereby David wanted to do it. God was clear in stating that David had shed too much blood to be the one to build an edifice in His honor. However, God declared that David’s descendant would be raised up after David’s death and God would establish his throne forever. He would be the one that will build a house where God will place his name. This descendant will be God’s son and God would be a Father to him. In this descendant, David’s throne will be established eternally. God would never take away His grace from him. David was perhaps Israel’s most decorated king and thanks to his heart for God, David’s kingdom would be an everlasting kingdom. Robert C. Hudson September 13, 2017