Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Samuel 7 Devotional

A House Only God Can Build

“Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.””2 Samuel 7:16 (BSB)

David is settled in his cedar palace while the ark of God sits in a tent, and he wants to build God a house (7:2). That night the LORD sends Nathan back with a reversal. He took David from following the sheep, and now God will build David a house, a royal line. One of David's descendants will reign, God will be his Father, and his throne will be established forever. God's loving devotion will never be taken from him as it was from Saul (7:12-16).

David sits before the LORD, asking who he is that God has brought him this far (7:18). Offering nothing in return, he simply asks God to do what he has promised. Later the angel tells Mary that her son will receive the throne of his father David and reign forever (Luke 1:32-33), and Hebrews applies the promise of a Father and a Son to Jesus (Hebrews 1:5). The best gifts are not built by us for God. They are built by God for us.

To think about: What are you trying to do for God that he may be inviting you first to receive from him?

About 2 Samuel 7: God’s Covenant With David

David wants to build a temple for God, but through the prophet Nathan the LORD promises instead to build David a lasting dynasty. God pledges that David’s son will build the temple and that his royal line will rule for all time, and David responds with a humble prayer of praise and trust.

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