Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 7

Verse 1

came to pass . This chapter takes its place with Genesis 15:0 . It is the unconditional Covenant with David, to give him the Throne; as that was with

Abraham , to give him the Land.

the king . Thus now dignified.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Verse 2

Nathan . The first occurrence of his name. Compare 1 Chronicles 29:29 . An important figure in David's reign, and associated with his son Solomon (verses: 2 Samuel 7:12 , 2Sa 7:13 ; 2 Samuel 12:25 . 1 Kings 1:10-45 ).

See now . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

of . Genitive of Material. App-17 ,

God . Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

curtains . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for the tent formed by them. Compare 2 Samuel 6:17 .

Verse 3

Nathan said. Not from Jehovah, as in 2 Samuel 7:5 , but from himself: and said what was wrong.

do all that , &c. This is seldom safe advice.

Verse 4

that night. After these words all the MSS. have a hiatus, marking a solemn pause, and pointing back to the corresponding night of Genesis 15:12-17 , thus connecting the two great unconditional Covenants. See note on 2 Samuel 7:1 .

Verse 5

My servant . Note the repetition of this word throughout this chapter. See note on 2 Samuel 7:18 .

Verse 6

children = sons.

walked = have been walking [habitually].

and in a tabernacle = as my habitation. Hebrew. mishkan. App-40 .

Verse 7

tribes , or "judges", as Chron. 2 Samuel 17:6 .

Verse 8

the LORD of hosts . Hebrew. Jehovah. Sebaioth. App-4 . One of the Jehovah titles. Compare 2 Samuel 5:10 ; 2 Samuel 6:2 , and see note on 1 Samuel 1:3 .

I took . Compare 1 Samuel 16:11 , 1 Samuel 16:12 .Psalms 78:70 , Psalms 78:71 .

over . Some codices, with one early printed edition, Syriac, and Vulgate, omit this second "over".

Verse 9

have made = I will assuredly make.

Verse 10

wickedness . Hebrew ' amal. App-44 .

Verse 11

He . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

house . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for household or family: i.e. a line of succession.

Verse 12

sleep with thy fathers . Figure of speech Euphemism ( App-6 ), put for "die". See note on Deuteronomy 31:16 .

My his Father = to him for a Father.

My son = to Me for a son.

iniquity . Hebrew ` avah. App-44 .

men. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .Psalms 89:31 , Psalms 89:32 .

men. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

Verse 15

mercy = lovingkindness.

as = according as.

Verse 16

thee . Some codices, with Septuagint and Syriac, read "Me".

Verse 18

Then . It is grace that really humbles.

sat before the LORD . Very different from sitting before one's self, as in 2 Samuel 7:1 .

Who am I . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . Compare 2 Samuel 7:1 . When David sat in his own house he sat before him-self. See Structure, p. 416, "Q" and "Q".

O Lord GOD = O Adonai Jehovah . Adonai because

(1) David is the servant and He the master;

(2) because this title has to do with lordship in the earth. App-4 . Compare verses: 2 Samuel 7:7 , 2 Samuel 7:19 (twice), 2 Samuel 7:20 , 2Sa 7:28 , 2 Samuel 7:29 , six times in this chapter.

Verse 19

manner = Torah or Law.

man. Hebrew. ha-adam = the man. "And is this the law of the man? "i.e. the Man of Psalms 8:5 , Psalms 8:6 , who is to have dominion over all the earth, embracing all the world in the scope of this blessing in connection with the Messiah. This is an exclamation of greatest surprise and wonder of this revelation concerning David's son and David's Lord.

Verse 22

Wherefore Thou art great . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , wherefore I will declare and praise Thee as great.

O LORD God = O Jehovah Elohim. Note the change, because it is not now in connection with the earth, but what He is in Himself.

Verse 23

what . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

like Israel . Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "like Thy People Israel".

redeem . Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 13:13 and 2 Samuel 6:6 .