2 Samuel 7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:18

Sat before the Lord - In the tent where the ark was. Standing or kneeling was the usual attitude of prayer (1Ki 8:22, 1 Kings 8:54-55; but compare Exodus 17:12). Modern commentators mostly take the word here in the sense of waiting, abiding, not sitting: but sat is the natural rendering. David sat down to meditate, and then rose up to pray. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:19

Is this the manner of man - Compare 1 Chronicles 17:17. Our passage may be thus understood: But this is the law (or prerogative) of a great man to found dynasties which are to last into the far future. David expresses his astonishment that he, of such humble birth, and one so little in his own eyes, should not only be raised to the throne, but be assured of the perpetuity of the succession in his descendants, as if he were a man of high degree. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:23

The nations and their gods - i e. the people and the idols of Canaan. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:27

Therefore hath thy servant found in his heart ... - The promises of God are the true guide to the prayers of His people. We may dare to ask anything, how great soever it may be, which God has promised to give. In this and the two following verses David expresses the same wonder at the riches of God’s grace, and the same expectation founded on that grace, which Paul does. in such passages as Ephesians 1:5-7; Ephesians 2:7, etc. marginal references. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042. Nathan approves David’s design of building a house for God, 2 Samuel 7:1-3 . God forbids it, but promises to bless him and his seed, 2 Samuel 7:4-17 . His prayer and thanksgiving, 2 Samuel 7:18-29 . read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:1-2

2 Samuel 7:1-2. When the king sat in his house That is, was settled in the house which Hiram’s men had built for him; then he reflected upon the unsettled state of the ark. For, being a pious prince, he spent much of his time in holy meditations and the exercises of devotion; and among other subjects of consideration, thought upon the meanness of God’s habitation in comparison of the splendour of his own. See now, I dwell in a house of cedar Such as the rich Jews had in the days of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:3

2 Samuel 7:3. Nathan said, Go and do all that is in thy heart Pursue thy intentions, and build a house for the ark. The design being pious, and the thing not forbidden by God, Nathan hastily approves it before he had consulted God about it, as both he and David ought to have done in a matter of so great moment. And therefore Nathan meets with this rebuke, that he is forced to acknowledge his error, and recant it. For the holy prophets did not speak all things by prophetic inspiration, but... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:4-6

2 Samuel 7:4-6. That night the word of the Lord came to Nathan Because David’s mistake was pious, and from an honest mind, God would not suffer him to remain long in it. Shalt thou build a house for me? That is, How is it that thou hast formed this design? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house, &c. I have not mentioned, nor has any one else thought of the building me one, from the time you have been a people. But I have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle I have been content with... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:7

2 Samuel 7:7. The tribes of Israel whom I commanded to feed my people Israel The word tribes seems here to be put for judges, appointed to govern the tribes. Indeed, the Hebrew word שׁבשׂי , shibtee, here rendered tribes, signifies also sceptres, and, consequently, supreme governors or rulers; such as the judges were, who had the supreme authority in Israel. Saying, Why build ye not me a house of cedar? God was the most proper judge what house was agreeable to him, and he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:8

2 Samuel 7:8 . So shalt thou say unto my servant David Lest David should be discouraged, or judge himself neglected of God, as one thought unworthy of so great an honour, God here gives him the honourable title of his servant, thereby signifying that he accepted of his service and good intentions. read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 7:27

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:1-2

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:4-6

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:7

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 7:8

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