2 Samuel

2 Samuel 7: A house and a throne forever

Begin in prayer

Before we hear David’s prayer about his house, let us come before the LORD together. Ask Him to show us that His promises last forever, and to help us trust the King He has promised.

I indeed declare, “Love stands firm forever. You established the heavens. Your faithfulness is in them.”

Psalm 89:2

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that Your promise to David stands forever, and show us Jesus, the Son of David. Help us to trust Your word more than our own plans. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David lives in a cedar house, while the ark of God sits under curtains, and he wants to build a house for the LORD. Nathan first tells him to go ahead. That same night the LORD sends Nathan back with a different word. The LORD reminds David that He has never asked for a house, and that He took David from the sheep pen to be prince. He promises to make David’s name great and to give Israel a place where wicked people will not afflict them. He also promises that one of David’s sons will build a house for His name, and that his throne will stand forever.

As you read 2 Samuel 7, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD promises David a house and a throne that will last forever.

David now has rest from his enemies, and he lives in a house of cedar (verses 1 and 2). He sees that the ark of God still sits inside curtains (verse 2). Nathan first tells him to go ahead, but that night the word of the LORD comes to Nathan (verses 3 and 4). The LORD never asked for a house, and He took David from the sheep pen (verses 6 and 8). Then the LORD says He will make David a house, which means a royal line of kings (verse 11). One of David’s sons will build a house for the LORD’s name, and his throne will stand forever (verses 12 and 13). Yet the LORD says He will correct this son with the rod of men if he sins (verse 14). Solomon did sin (1 Kings 11 verse 6), but Christ never sinned (Hebrews 4 verse 15). His kingdom has no end (Luke 1 verses 32 and 33).

How does 2 Samuel 7 show us that the LORD promises David a house and a throne that will last forever?

The LORD does not need a house from David.

David wants a house for the LORD, but He has lived in a tent since Israel left Egypt (verses 2 and 6). Nathan first agrees, but the word of the LORD corrects him that night (verses 3 and 4). God has never asked for a house, and He builds David a house instead (verse 11).

The LORD remembers His servant and gives him a great name.

He took David from the sheep pen to be prince over His people (verse 8). He has been with David wherever he went, and He cut off his enemies (verse 9). He promises a place for Israel where wicked people will not oppress them (verse 10).

The LORD promises a Son whose throne lasts forever, and He is Jesus.

God will raise up David’s own son, and He will establish his kingdom (verse 12). This son will build a house for God’s name, and his throne will stand forever (verse 13). The LORD adds that He will correct this son if he sins (verse 14). The angel told Mary that Jesus would receive the throne of David (Luke 1 verses 32 and 33).

Memorise

Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.

2 Samuel 7:16

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, who rules my life, and what does the Son of David ask of me?

David wanted to build a house for God, but the LORD answered with a promise to build a house for David. A son of David would rule on a throne that does not end. That Son is Jesus.

The angel told Mary that Jesus would receive the throne of David and reign forever (Luke 1 verses 32 and 33). Jesus went to the cross and died for His people. He paid for their sin once for all, and He was buried. God raised Him up, and His kingdom has no end.

So come to Him as your King. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him belongs to the people the LORD will keep forever, and they have forgiveness in Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD promised David a lasting throne, and that Jesus is the King who reigns forever. Parents, please explain verse 14 in your own words. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His promise to David lasts forever, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Lord Yahweh, have spoken it. Let the house of your servant be blessed forever with your blessing.”

2 Samuel 7:29

Lord God, thank You that Your promise to David lasts forever, and that Jesus reigns as King. Bring each person here to repent and trust Jesus. Help us to rest in Your word this week, and bring our heart question to You. Amen.