The Life Of David
Pt. 19 When God Makes A Covenant
2 Samuel 7:1-29

David wants to build GOD a house
Years after David became King, he developed a friendship with Hiram, the king of Tyre—a city on the coast, north of Israel. Hiram’s area had access to stone and lumber, and they had artisans who excelled in both. Seeing David would now control all trade routes between himself and Egypt, Hiram offered his material and manpower to build him a palace as a token of their joint cooperation. Believers should strive for good relationships with others to be a mutual blessing and witness (Rom. 12:17-21; Gal. 6:10; Col. 4:5, 6). In completing the palace, David is convicted he dwells in a mansion of crafted cedar and stone while the Ark of the Covenant is housed in a tent of fabric. Wanting to honor God above himself, David calls the prophet Nathan to get his advice on building God a temple. The desire to magnify God in the believer’s life should be their life’s main focus. God tells Nathan to inform David He didn’t ask for a temple, as He lives among His people regardless of the dwelling (Jer. 23:23; Acts 17:24). God then rejects David’s offer to build a temple as he has been a man of war and instead will choose his future son as a man of peace for the job (1 Chron. 22:5-10). God’s house should be known as a place of peace and prayer (Is. 56:7)!

God is going to build DAVID a house
God makes a covenant with David that He will not only make him one of the greatest men to ever live but will build him a house of everlasting royal lineage. Though David’s chain of descendants will eventually be broken for their unfaithfulness, Jesus, as a son of David, will reign forever over Israel as their King (Is. 9:6, 7; Zech. 14:1-4; Luke 1:31-33). God is a covenant-making God and will fulfill His promises to His people. While disappointed God forbid him from building the temple, he prays a prayer of thankfulness for letting him be a part of God’s plan. Disappointment in our plan should never affect worship to our God and His plan! David goes to sit before God at the ark admitting his unworthiness and the greatness of God by using the phrase “Lord God” seven times (Heb. adonai YHWH, meaning “the God of Israel is the sovereign/master”). David then focuses on the grace and mercy God has had on him and those to come later. Believers aren’t what they will be or what they should be, but they can rejoice that they aren’t what they have been!