“The Life of David – Part 16” 2 Samuel 7:12-29 06/14/2009 Dr “The Life of David – Part 16” 2 Samuel 7:12-29 06/14/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles

“The Life of David – Part 16” Introduction David is at mid-life, and he longs to leave a legacy that will outlast his years, to leave his fingerprint on the pages of history. God answers those yearnings and makes David a number of promises which the Bible calls the Davidic Covenant.

“The Life of David – Part 16” This text marks the theological center of the books of Samuel. It answers the question, “Where is that lasting legacy we so desperately yearn for to be found?”

“The Life of David – Part 16” David’s Dream to Build a House for God (7:1-3). 1 After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” (2 Samuel 7:1-2, NIV)

“The Life of David – Part 16” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:3)

“The Life of David – Part 16” As David looks out from the luxury of his palace, he feels a twinge of embarrassment as he beholds the ark of God housed in a canvas shelter. God put an abrupt halt to David’s dream, and unveiled his dream for the king.

“The Life of David – Part 16” God’s Refusal of David’s Dream (7:4-7). 4 That night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? (2 Samuel 7:4-5, NIV)

“The Life of David – Part 16” 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. 7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’ (2 Samuel 7:6-7, NIV)

“The Life of David – Part 16” David’s ambition provokes a pointed question from God: “Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?” (v. 5)

“The Life of David – Part 16” God’s Refusal of David’s Dream (7:4-7). David’s Past: God Designed, God Driven (8-9b). 8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. (2 Samuel 7:8)

“The Life of David – Part 16” 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. (2 Samuel 7:9b) When we pause to reflect on our own election, our eyes well up with tears of appreciation.

“The Life of David – Part 16” David’s Near Future: God Driven, God Expanding (9c-11b). 9 …Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. (2 Samuel 7:9c)

“The Life of David – Part 16” 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning (2 Samuel 7:10)

2 Samuel 7:11b 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. (2 Samuel 7:11b)

“The Life of David – Part 16” God reminds David that leaders exist for the benefit of the people, not the other way around. The rest of the oracle looks ahead to David’s distant future and redefines his original dream.

2 Samuel 7:11, NIV 11 …“ ‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: (2 Samuel 7:11c)

2 Samuel 7:12-13 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

“The Life of David – Part 16” God says, in effect, “It’s a good idea, but it needs some major redesign work.” You’ve got the wrong builder. You have the wrong materials.

“The Life of David – Part 16” David’s Dream (Far Future): Sealed in a Father’s Love (7:14-17) 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. (2 Samuel 7:14)

2 Samuel 7:15-17, NIV 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’ ”   17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.

“The Life of David – Part 16” Conclusion Unlike the Old Covenant, which was dependent on man’s obedience and faithfulness, this New Covenant could not be set aside by the behavior of the sons. There is no “if” clause in the New Covenant.

“The Life of David – Part 16” Conclusion The scene closes in verse 18: 18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:        “Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? (2 Samuel 7:18)

“The Life of David – Part 16” 2 Samuel 7:12-29 06/14/2009 Dr “The Life of David – Part 16” 2 Samuel 7:12-29 06/14/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles