2 Samuel 7 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

The Promise of God to David in Requital of his Desire to Build the Temple

This chapter affords an excellent illustration of the way in which prophecy has often two quite distinct applications, one to the more immediate and the other to the more distant future. The primary reference is to Solomon (see especially 2 Samuel 7:12-14), but the prophecy looks beyond him to a greater Son, of whom he was only an emblem and type. We get a somewhat similar instance in Isaiah 7:14-17 (see especially 2 Samuel 7:16). Chronologically this chapter should follow 2 Samuel 8.

Nathan] The prophet is here mentioned for the first time. He played an important part in David's reign (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1; 1 Kings 1) and afterwards wrote a history of it, and of part, at least, of the reign of Solomon. Curtains] i.e. a tent: see on 2 Samuel 6:17.

This v., when read in connexion with 2 Samuel 7:4; 2 Samuel 7:5., is important as showing the difference between the prophet as an ordinary man and the prophet as the spokesman of God: cp. 1 Corinthians 7:6; 1 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Corinthians 7:12.

Shalt thou build] LXX 'Thou shalt not build.' 'But his son shall' (2 Samuel 7:13). According to 1 Chronicles 22:8 the prohibition was connected with his having been a man of war.

Whereas] RV 'for.' This v. gives the reason why David was not to build. In a tent and in a tabernacle] The tent denotes the outer covering: the tabernacle the framework of boards and bars.

Tribes] Chronicles has preserved the true reading 'judges' (1 Chronicles 17:6).

Have made] RV 'will make.' Nathan turns from the past to the future.

Also the lord telleth thee] The revelation turns to David's posterity.

In Acts 2:30 this v. is directly referred to the Messiah.

He shall build an house] fulfilled in the person of Solomon (1 Kings 8:16-20). I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever] On this is based the statement in Luke 1:33.

I will be his father, and he shall be my son] In Hebrews 1:5 this is applied'to Christ, who was God's Son in a sense that Solomon never was. If he commit iniquity] History records many instances of the transgressions and punishment of David's posterity. The rod of men] Such chastisement as fathers inflict on their sons.

Before thee] LXX and Chronicles 'before me.' For ever] The promise was conditional on conduct: but the kingdom of Messiah, David's greatest Son, is eternal.

Is this the manner of man] rather, 'this is the law of (i.e. imposed on) man.' God has made it a law regulating men's conduct, that kind intentions should be recognised and requited. But it was a sign of condescension that God should consider Himself bound to reward David's zeal by such proofs of regard and affection.

For thy word's sake] i.e. to perform the promise made to David through Samuel.

To render this v. intelligible we must do two things: (a) with LXX omit the words 'for you,' (b) with Chronicles change 'for thy land' into 'drive out.' Render, therefore,' and to do great things and terrible, to drive out nations and their gods before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt.'