Bible Study - God's Story - GOD Establishes a Kingdom for HIS People - 2 Samuel 7:8-24 - July 7, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story – GOD Establishes a Kingdom for HIS People – July 7, 2013

This is lesson six in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is 2 Samuel 7:8-17, 22-24.

GOD is a covenant GOD. It was not that HE needed to make a covenant but those with whom HE was building a relationship with needed assurance that HE was faithful to HIS Word. The pagan gods were fickle and often viewed as tricksters. We know these so-called gods were false gods that were powerless and dumb. They only existed in the minds of those who worshiped them. Mankind reached out to these false gods whereas GOD reached out to mankind and chose the Israelites as HIS people. HE revealed Himself to them, guided them, spoke to them and demonstrated that HE was and is real, all powerful, all knowing and present everywhere.

GOD made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. Our study today focuses on the covenant GOD made with King David.

King David had a heart for GOD. David and GOD had built an intimate, loving relationship with each other. In the Psalms that David wrote, we see the interaction between GOD and David. Every Christian has the same opportunity as David to build an intimate relationship with GOD. Salvation is just step one in the journey of getting to know GOD through relationship with CHRIST.

It would be marvelous if GOD would toss magic dust upon us and we would instantly come out as full grown and mature Christians. But growing and maturing in CHRIST does not work that way. It is a journey of trusting and getting to know GOD through our relationship with CHRIST. Why CHRIST? It is because HE came to earth and lived as an example of the interaction between GOD and a born-again Son or Daughter. JESUS was obedient unto death. It is a relationship of complete trust and obedience ensured or insured by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is a relationship built through interaction. The scripture states that David was a man after GOD’S own heart.  

The scripture reveals that David brought the Ark of GOD to Jerusalem and had it placed into the tabernacle or tent. After achieving this milestone in his life, David paused and took Spiritual inventory of his life and the place GOD had in his life. GOD had given David rest from all his enemies around him. King David told Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the Ark of GOD remains in a tent.” This reveals the heart of David toward GOD. GOD should not be relegated to a tent while David lived in a place. The Prophet Nathan knew that David had something grand on his mind to do for GOD and told him to do it because “GOD is with you.” Nathan had seen GOD work marvelous things in David’s life. Nathan gave a knee jerk respond based upon past history.

The plans of GOD’S people are one thing but more importantly are GOD’S plans for HIS people. David relied upon the counsel of Nathan. GOD came to the prophet Nathan and told him what HIS plans were for David and his lineage.

Notice that GOD’S covenant with David was made before David committed adultery and murder. But the offspring of David and Bathsheba, Solomon, was to be the lineage for CHRIST, the Messiah. GOD knew that David would make some very bad choices but HE would use them for HIS Glory. When GOD’S children make bad choices and repent, as David did after committing adultery and murder, GOD will forgive them completely. Although sin is forgiven it still has consequences.  David was disqualified from building a temple for GOD but the son of David and Bathsheba did. GOD allowed David to begin gathering some of the materials for the temple. GOD’S plans are greater than our sin. Our scripture will give some background, which leads into our focal scripture. Let’s explore!

Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:1-7:

The Lord’s Covenant with David

1 When the king had settled into his palace and the Lord had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.” 3 So Nathan told the king, “Go and do all that is on your heart, for the Lord is with you.”

We get a glimpse of David’s heart toward GOD. David wanted to do something to honor GOD. GOD needed more than a tent to dwell in. He consulted with the Prophet Nathan. What David was proposing was honorable and noble for GOD, so it should be acceptable to GOD, right? Just because we want to do something for GOD does not make it right according to HIS plan and purpose. GOD’S ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Good intentions are fine but are we led by the Holy Spirit? We can accomplish things in our own strength but are they according to will and purpose of GOD? GOD intervened through Nathan to keep David focused on HIS plan. But the important thing is that David’s heart was ready willing and open to GOD’S plans. David would have a choice to obey the message of GOD through Nathan or do it his way; after all he was king.

Nathan was confronted with a decision. King David had told Nathan what he was thinking and Nathan had confirmed it. Now GOD had revealed HIS plan for David. Would Nathan reveal GOD’S plan to David? Let’s read on.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:4-7: 

4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 “Go to My servant David and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you to build a house for Me to live in? 6 From the time I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have been moving around with a tent as My dwelling. 7 In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’

Nathan had to go to Kind David and give him GOD’S message, which was different. Was Nathan reluctant? When GOD calls those to serve HIM, they must be obedient to HIS message. Notice that GOD referred to David as HIS servant. A servant does the bidding of the Master.

In essence, GOD’S message through Nathan to David was, “David, don’t confine ME to a tent or any dwelling made with human hands. MY plan is to establish MY dwelling place and kingdom in the hearts and lives of those who place their faith in CHRIST. I will not be confined to a fixed location but I will be totally mobile through the miracle of rebirth through MY promised Messiah. I will establish MY tabernacle or dwelling place in the hearts and lives of MY chosen. The indwelling Holy Spirit will be a continuous reminder to them of MY presence. A cloud or tent will no longer be needed as a reminder.”

Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:8-11a: (GOD’S message to David through the prophet Nathan.)

8 “Now this is what you are to say to My servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of • Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land. 10 I will establish a place for My people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not afflict them as they have done 11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies.

GOD often wants HIS chosen to reflect back on where we were, where we are and HIS involvement in our lives. Such reflection gives us assurance of HIS continued involvement in our future. GOD used “Lord of Hosts” to identify HIM. When “hosts” is used in reference to GOD, it means “commander of forces.” HE is over all and in command of all. GOD reminded David that he had come from herding sheep to King and it was through HIS power.

GOD’S message to David goes beyond the physical realm to the Spiritual which would come through CHRIST. Just as GOD conquered those who did evil to David and the Israelites, GOD would ultimately give rest to all who place their faith in CHRIST. GOD’S message is that HE is in control but HE gives the freedom of choice to all people.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:11b-17:

“‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a human rod and with blows from others. 15 But My faithful love will never leave him as I removed it from Saul; I removed him from your way. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’” 17 Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David.

The Prophet Nathan spoke GOD’S message to David, which was GOD’S covenant with David. David had in his mind of building a physical house for GOD but a physical structure would deteriorate and crumble over time. The house that GOD was going to build through David was eternal not because of David but because the promised Messiah would come from his seed. The word “house” means “dynasty.” GOD was focused upon the lineage for CHRIST and even though David had not committed adultery with Bathsheba, CHRIST would come through that physical union. This reveals the forgiveness of GOD and the love of GOD.

GOD told him that HIS promise would be fulfilled after his death. David knew that GOD was eternal and he trusted HIM and was excited that GOD was going to use his lineage as the conduit for the promised Messiah.

King David trusted GOD and what HE had said through Nathan. David confirmed this in a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. GOD’S plan was greater and far more reaching than David had even imagined. David got GOD’S message and plan. David believed and trusted GOD to fulfill HIS promise.

We also need to consider that GOD revealed hundreds of years earlier in Genesis 49:10 – The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between HIS feet, until HE comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is HIS.

David was King of Judah and Israel.

When GOD does not endorse our plans do we kick and scream, or do we trust HIM? Our answer reflects our heart toward GOD and our Spiritual maturity.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:22-24:

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 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 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 great and awesome acts, driving out nations and their gods before Your people You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt. 24 You established Your people Israel to be Your own people forever, and You, Lord, have become their God. 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.

David went into the tent and talked with GOD. GOD had been an integral part of his life and he had witnessed many things that only GOD could have done. He knew that GOD was trustworthy and what HE had revealed to him would be done, even after his death. David was humbled by this. David knew what GOD had done for him was pale compared to what was yet to come.

David came to the point of saying, in essence, what else can I say to You Lord GOD, except, You are awesome and I trust You completely to fulfill your covenant as You have stated. You will build an eternal house through my lineage, which will glorify You. David’s greatest joy was to glorify GOD. David had an intimate, loving relationship with GOD. David was not perfect but David had a tender heart toward GOD. They were very best friends.

Is GOD your very best friend? If not, HE can be. First, a person must accept CHRIST as his/her Savior before a relationship can begin. You may have accepted CHRIST as your Savior some time ago and drifted away or got angry with GOD. Always keep in mind that GOD will never give HIS children a serpent when they ask for a fish. GOD’S ways are not our ways. We must trust HIM. Confess whatever it might be that prevents you from having an intimate, personal, loving relationship with GOD. HE is ready, willing and able to welcome you back into HIS loving arms; Just as the father of the prodigal son welcomed him home. GOD did not hold David’s adulterous and murderous actions against him, once he confessed them and repented. GOD is a GOD of love and forgiveness. HE stands ready to welcome you back. All you have to do is take the first step toward HIM. When you do the angels in heaven will rejoice. Don’t delay. Do it today! Blessings!!!