Read 2 Samuel 7

The Humility of David

God had blessed David so richly, giving him authority over all Israel and granting peace with his enemies. Not only that, David recognized the great material blessings God had provided for him, namely “a house of cedar” (2 Samuel 7:2). Even as he recognized this blessing, David pointed out a disparity between his residence and the dwelling place of the ark of the covenant, which “dwells inside tent curtains” (2 Samuel 7:2). Thus, the king wanted to correct what he saw as a slight against God’s presence.

The prophet Nathan encouraged the king to proceed, but God put a stop to his plan. “Will you build a house for Me to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle” (2 Sam. 7:5-6). God made known to David that He did not need the king to do anything for Him. God is omnipotent and omnipresent; He can provide for Himself as He sees fit, and no dwelling place constructed by man can contain Him.

Instead, God told the king, “Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever….And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:11-13, 16).

The Messianic overtones in this promise are crystal clear. After David’s death, God said He would “set up your seed after you.” Jesus was born through the line of David. “I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name.” This is a prediction of the church; it was no afterthought! It was purposed from the very beginning of creation!

David’s reaction to this promise was one of humility. “Who am I , O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (2 Samuel 7:18). David recognized that he did not deserve anything the Lord had promised him. He was a humble servant. “And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant” (2 Samuel 7:28). Let us have the humility of David when God graciously blesses us!