2 Samuel 7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 7

Still the ark is David's care as well as his joy. In this chapter we have, I. His consultation with Nathan about building a house for it; he signifies his purpose to do it (2 Sam. 7:1, 2) and Nathan approves his purpose, 2 Sam. 7:3. II. His communion with God about it. 1. A gracious message God sent him about it, accepting his purpose, countermanding the performance, and promising him an entail of blessings upon his family, 2 Sam. 7:4-17. 2. A very humble prayer which David offered up to God... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:1-3

Here is, I. David at rest. He sat in his house (2 Sam. 7:1), quiet and undisturbed, having no occasion to take the field: The Lord had given him rest round about, from all those that were enemies to his settlement in the throne, and he set himself to enjoy that rest. Though he was a man of war, he was for peace (Ps. 120:7) and did not delight in war. He had not been long at rest, nor was it long before he was again engaged in war; but at present he enjoyed a calm, and he was in his element... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:4-17

We have here a full revelation of God's favour to David and the kind intentions of that favour, the notices and assurances of which God sent him by Nathan the prophet, whom he entrusted to deliver this long message to him. The design of it is to take him off from his purpose of building the temple and it was therefore sent, 1. By the same hand that had given him encouragement to do it, lest, if it had been sent by any other, Nathan should be despised and insulted and David should be perplexed,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:18-29

We have here the solemn address David made to God, in answer to the gracious message God had sent him. We are not told what he said to Nathan; no doubt he received him very kindly and respectfully as God's messenger. But his answer to God he took himself, and did not send by Nathan. When ministers deliver God's message to us, it is not to them, but to God, that our hearts must reply; he understands the language of the heart, and to him we may come boldly. David had no sooner received the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 7 This chapter expresses David's concern for building an house for the ark of God, which he communicated to Nathan the prophet, and was approved of by him, 2 Samuel 7:1 ; and who was that night sent by the Lord to David, to acquaint him, that as he had for many years dwelt in a tent, and had never given directions to the tribes of Israel, and the rulers of them, to build him an house, so neither should David build him one; but his son that would succeed him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:1

And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house ,.... Which Hiram's servants had built for him, having no occasion to go out to war: and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies ; both at home and abroad; though this rest and peace did not last long; for the next chapter gives an account of each of the people he was engaged in war with, 2 Samuel 8:1 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:2

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet ,.... This is the first time this prophet is made mention of, but often afterwards, yet who he was, and from whence he came, is not known; he appears to be a man of great piety and prudence, as well as endowed with a prophetic spirit, and was very familiar with David, and perhaps dwelt in his palace; being a man on all accounts fit for conversation with princes, to whom David imparted what he had been meditating upon in his heart. The Jews have a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:3

And Nathan said to the king, go, do till that is in thine heart ,.... He perceived it was in his heart to build an house for God; he knew an house was to be built at one time or another, by some person or another; he knew it was a good work, and fit for a king to do, and might think this was a proper time any, he being at leisure, and therefore encouraged him to it: but inasmuch as the time when and the person by whom this was to be built were not pointed out particularly in the word of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:4

And it came to pass that night ,.... The same night following the day in which David and Nathan had had the above conversation, that neither of them might continue long in their error and mistake, and especially lest David, in his great zeal and warm affection, should take an hasty and improper step: that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan ; the word of prophecy, as the Targum; before he was not under a prophetic influence, but spoke in his own words, and had not the word of God; but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 7:5

Go and tell my servant David ,.... The Lord speaks very honourably and respectfully of him, owns him to be his servant in other things, though he did not choose to employ him in this; and though he was not the person, nor this the time, to build the house of the Lord, yet, as he showed a good will towards it, so far it was acceptable to God: thus saith the Lord, shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in ? no, thou shalt not, as appears from 1 Chronicles 17:4 ; which seems to be... read more

Group of Brands