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29th June
2 Samuel 7:1-16. God’s revelation to the prophet Nathan
- Chapter 7 finds David and the Israelites in a time of peace. David
takes time to review his position and is aware that he is comfortable in
his cedar palace yet no provision has been made for the Ark of the
Covenant, which remains in a tent.
- Although it may not be obvious from the Bible version you are using it
is worth noting that the writer has a play on words: in verses 1,2,5,11,16
the Hebrew word for house is used, but is understood to mean palace (v.1),
temple (v.2, 5), family (v.11, 16). Nathan’s message to David is, in
effect, You are not to build a temple for God, but he will establish a
house—a dynasty—for you.
- It is made clear that God has been at work throughout the successful
campaigns that David has won. It is God who chose him and it is God who is
in control. When God asks, Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?
(v.5), the answer has got to be no. God had never asked for that. God asks
David to think about him and his actions and not about David’s own
actions.
- Although David wanted to honour God, it is God who honours David with
the promise of a dynasty that will rule forever and here we cannot get away
from thoughts about Jesus, the Messiah from the House of David, the King of
Kings.
- To consider
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- Take time to think over decisions you have to make—are you
mindful of God and his plans or do you think you know best?
- All may not be prophets but when dealing with family, friends and
colleagues how keen are we to provide impartial advice rather than telling
folk what they want to hear?
- Prayer
- Father help me to think more of you and your actions and less of me and
my own actions and as I grow closer to you help me to understand your plan
for my life. Amen.
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