2 Samuel 7:19 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Is this the manner of man? — This clause is very obscure in the original, and little help in determining its meaning can be had from the ancient versions. The word translated “manner” is a very common one, and never has this sense elsewhere; its well established meaning is law. Neither is there any reason to suppose that a question is intended. Translate, “And this is a law for man!” David expresses his surprise that so great a promise, even a decree of an eternal kingdom, should be given to such as himself and his posterity. The same thought is far less strikingly expressed in the parallel passage (1 Chronicles 17:18), “Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree.”