David’s Thanksgiving to God

II Samuel 7:18–29
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John Wesley provides the most convicting analysis on what it means to be a true servant: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.” ( … More

Servant

At the beginning of this chapter, David is a bit too prideful of himself. Three times he is referred to as “the king” in the first three verses. He is also referred to as “the king” (v. 18), but only to highlight the change in his thinking from earlier in the chapter. Instead of finding the word “king” four times, we find the word servant (vv. 18-24). David now stands in awe of the fact that God takes him, a man of no status or standing, and makes him king of Israel. He sees his standing and status as Israel’s king as the result of God’s sovereignty and not as the recognition of his potential greatness.

Lessons to be learned in this passage:

  1. Even our highest, most noble ambitions and goals are flawed by sin. No matter how pious my plans for God and His work appear to be, they fall short of the motive He requires.
  2. No matter how high and lofty our goals may be, God’s plans are greater. “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him” (I Cor. 2:9).
  3. The greatness and glory of God’s presence and power are not to be interpreted in the light of how spectacular the surroundings and settings are.
  4. We see that David did not need a temple nearby in order to worship his God. How easy it is for us to begin to focus on what we have done rather than all He has done for us.
  5. David’s divine rebuke should serve as a lesson to every Christian. David was in more danger in his palace than he was fleeing from Saul and hiding out in some cave.

David then calls upon God in prayer to confirm the word which he had just spoken through his servant. The fulfillment of these promises would cause the name of God to be magnified forever. The prayer concluded with a petition that God would do what he had just promised to do (vv. 25-29)

Application

People search many places for truth on which to base their lives. God’s Word is the only trust worthy foundation upon which to build my life.

II Samuel 7:18-29 (English Standard Version)


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More II Samuel commentaries

II Samuel 4:1-12
Ishboseth is Murdered

II Samuel 5:1-25
David Reigns Over All of Israel

II Samuel 6:1-23
The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem

II Samuel 7:1-17
God Makes a Covenant With David

II Samuel 7:18-29
David’s Thanksgiving to God

II Samuel 8:1-18
David’s Consolidates His Kingdom

II Samuel 9:1-13
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth

II Samuel 10:1-19
The Ammonites And Syrians Defeated