For the sake of shortness, I must again refer the Reader to the Commentary on this conduct of David, as it is written on the 7th chapter of the 2nd book of Samuel (2 Samuel 7:1). In addition to what is there observed, I would only subjoin, that the reply of David to the Lord, concerning the Lord's having spoken of a great while to come, evidently proves, that by faith David was looking forward to the accomplishment of the divine promises in Christ Jesus. Peter, in his sermon, under the Holy Ghost's influence, shows this, when he said, David being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before, spoke of the resurrection of Christ. Acts 2:30-31. Is not the argument which David makes use of, when he saith, for thy servant's sake, made with an eye to Christ? And if so, how beautiful a view doth it afford of David's faith in Jesus; as well as his dependence upon the covenant love of the Father; when he adds, according to thine own heart. Reader! these are precious things to glean, as we go, in the field of the Old Testament scriptures. In confirmation yet more, let me beg the Reader to compare what is here said of Jehovah's servant, with what in the parallel passage, is said on the same account, 2 Samuel 7:1. Here David argues for Jehovah's servant's sake. And there it is, for thy Word's sake. And what is the fair conclusion from both, but this, that the Lord Jesus Christ is both the Servant of Jehovah in his human nature, and in his Mediatorial office; and in his divine nature the Uncreated Word, as God. And as such is frequently in the scriptures spoken of under both, and by either. Isaiah 42:1; John 1:1; Revelation 19:13. I must not enlarge further on this sweet chapter. I have already exceeded the limits I intended. But as the Holy Ghost hath been pleased to give his approbation, in having this feature in the life of David drawn again in this book of the Chronicles, added to what he had given the church in the 2nd book of Samuel, what I have ventured to add in this place may not be improper, under an humble hope that he will bless it to the Reader.
1 Chronicles 17:16-27
16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
17 And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
18 What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.
19 O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.
20 O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
22 For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God.
23 Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.
24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
25 For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
26 And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
27 Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.