2 Samuel 7:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the king {H4428} sat {H3427} in his house {H1004}, and the LORD {H3068} had given him rest {H5117} round about {H5439} from all his enemies {H341};

Complete Jewish Bible

After the king had been living in his palace awhile and ADONAI had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,

Berean Standard Bible

After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the king dwelt in his house, and Jehovah had given him rest from all his enemies round about,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:1 introduces a pivotal moment in David's reign, depicting a period of unprecedented peace and stability for the king and the nation of Israel. Having consolidated his kingdom and established Jerusalem as its capital, David now enjoys divine "rest" from all his enemies. This tranquil setting serves as the crucial prelude to the profound Davidic Covenant, where God promises David an eternal dynasty, shifting the focus from David's desire to build God a house to God's greater promise to build David an enduring "house" (dynasty).

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the narrative of David's reign. Chapters 5 and 6 detail David's anointing as king over all Israel, his capture of Jerusalem, and the momentous event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the newly established capital. Having achieved political and spiritual consolidation, David is now settled in his palace. The peace described in 2 Samuel 7:1 directly sets the stage for David's subsequent desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord, which then prompts God's prophetic response through Nathan, establishing the foundational [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - The Davidic Covenant Promises"). This chapter, therefore, moves from David's military and political successes to a profound theological encounter that shapes the future of Israel's monarchy and messianic expectations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following years of civil strife and conflict with surrounding nations, David's reign had brought a new era of stability to Israel. The phrase "the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies" signifies a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, a state highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a sign of divine favor and a prerequisite for national prosperity and religious building projects. Kings in this period often sought to honor their gods by constructing magnificent temples during times of peace and affluence. David's desire to build a "house" for God, mirroring his own newly acquired palace, aligns with these cultural norms, yet it is God's unexpected response in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") that transcends typical human expectations, establishing an eternal spiritual kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this verse is **Divine Rest and Security**. The peace David experiences is explicitly attributed to the Lord, emphasizing that this tranquility is a divine gift, not merely a result of David's military prowess. This "rest" signifies a period of national security and an end to constant warfare, fulfilling earlier promises of God to His people (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God's Promise of Rest in the Land")). This divinely granted peace then leads to the theme of **A Time for Reflection and Service**, as David, no longer preoccupied with battle, turns his thoughts to honoring God by building a temple. Finally, and most significantly, 2 Samuel 7:1 acts as the **Setting the Stage for Covenant**. David's peace and his pious intention to build God a house serve as the catalyst for God's greater and enduring promise to build David a "house" (dynasty), establishing the framework for the messianic hope that culminates in Christ, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Promise of an Enduring Dynasty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"sat" (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** This word implies more than merely taking a seat; it conveys a sense of settling down, dwelling securely, and being firmly established. In this context, it signifies David's secure and stable reign in his newly built palace, marking a departure from his previous life as a fugitive and warrior. It speaks to the consolidation of his power and the peace of his kingdom.
* **"house" (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While literally referring to David's newly constructed palace, the word "house" carries profound theological weight in this chapter. It immediately foreshadows the dual meaning that will unfold in the subsequent verses: David's physical dwelling, the temple he desires to build for God, and most importantly, the "house" (dynasty) that God promises to build for David, an eternal lineage that culminates in the Messiah.
* **"rest" (Hebrew, _nuakh'_):** This term denotes a comprehensive peace, tranquility, and security, not merely the cessation of warfare. It suggests a state of being firmly established and unthreatened. Crucially, the text explicitly states "the LORD had given him rest," emphasizing the divine origin of this peace, a direct blessing and fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance and security in the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house,"**: This clause establishes the setting: David, now firmly established as king, is no longer campaigning but is settled in his royal residence in Jerusalem. This signifies a period of stability and comfort, a stark contrast to the turbulent years of his ascent to the throne and the initial consolidation of his kingdom. It highlights his settled status and the kingdom's newfound peace.
* **"and the LORD had given him rest"**: This phrase is crucial as it attributes the peace David experiences directly to divine intervention. It is not merely the result of David's military prowess or strategic genius, but a gift from God. This emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing and securing David's kingdom, fulfilling His promises to bring His people into a land of rest from their enemies.
* **"round about from all his enemies;"**: This specifies the comprehensive nature of the "rest." It indicates that all external threats to Israel's security have been neutralized. David's kingdom is secure on all borders, allowing for a period of unprecedented national tranquility and prosperity, which then prompts David's thoughts toward building a permanent dwelling for God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, particularly through the repeated use of the word "house" (_bayit_). David's "house" (palace) immediately sets up the contrast and connection to the "house" (temple) he desires to build for God, and ultimately, the "house" (dynasty) that God promises to build for David. This creates a powerful thematic link throughout the chapter. The phrase "the LORD had given him rest" utilizes a **divine passive** or **theological passive**, where God is the implied agent of the action, even if not explicitly stated as the subject of the verb in all translations. This emphasizes God's sovereign activity and control over the circumstances, highlighting that David's peace is a divine gift. Furthermore, the verse presents a significant **contrast** between David's earlier life of constant warfare and flight and his current state of profound peace and settledness, underscoring the magnitude of God's blessing and the new era for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:1 is profoundly significant as it underscores the theological concept of divine rest and its implications for God's people. The "rest" granted to David is not merely an absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of security and tranquility, divinely bestowed. This echoes earlier promises in Israel's history, where God pledged to give His people rest in the promised land after subduing their enemies. This peace, however, is not an end in itself; it serves as the necessary condition for deeper spiritual reflection and service. It is in this context of rest that David's heart turns to God, prompting his desire to build a temple. This moment of peace, therefore, becomes the critical theological pivot point for the unfolding of the Davidic Covenant, demonstrating that God's blessings of security often precede and enable greater revelations of His covenantal purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God's Promise of Rest in the Land")
* [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Israel Rest")
* [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound peace and stability experienced by King David in 2 Samuel 7:1 offer a powerful lesson for believers today. Just as God granted David rest from his enemies, we too experience seasons of peace and tranquility in our lives, whether from external pressures, internal struggles, or simply a period of calm. This verse challenges us to consider how we utilize such divinely provided "rest." Is our default to seek personal comfort and leisure, or, like David, do these periods of stability prompt us to reflect on God's goodness and consider how we might deepen our devotion and service to Him? True rest, as depicted here, is not merely an absence of struggle but an opportunity for spiritual reorientation, a time to consider how we can honor God more fully, build His kingdom, and invest in eternal purposes. Our seasons of peace are not just for us; they are gifts intended to draw us closer to the Giver and to equip us for His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "rest" truly mean in the context of your spiritual life, beyond simply the absence of conflict?**
* **How do you typically respond to periods of peace and stability in your life? Do you see them as opportunities for deeper devotion or primarily for personal comfort?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "build" for Him during a season of rest, whether it's through service, prayer, or deepening your knowledge of His Word?**

### FAQ
**Why is "rest" so important here, and what does it signify?**

Answer: The "rest" in 2 Samuel 7:1 is of paramount importance because it signifies a divinely granted state of comprehensive peace and security for David and the nation of Israel. It is explicitly attributed to "the LORD," emphasizing that this tranquility is a direct blessing from God, fulfilling earlier promises of security in the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - God's Promise of Rest")). This rest is not merely the cessation of warfare but a deep, settled peace "round about from all his enemies," indicating national stability. Theologically, it signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant and creates the necessary conditions for David to turn his thoughts from military campaigns to spiritual matters, specifically his desire to build a permanent dwelling for God, which then prompts the greater revelation of the Davidic Covenant.

**What is the significance of David "sitting in his house" in this verse?**

Answer: David "sitting in his house" is highly significant because it symbolizes the establishment and stability of his reign and the kingdom of Israel. After years of being a fugitive and a warrior constantly on the move, David is now settled in his newly built palace in Jerusalem, the consolidated capital. This imagery conveys a sense of permanence, security, and the beginning of a new era for Israel under a divinely appointed king. It signifies that David is no longer merely a military leader but a settled monarch, whose thoughts can now turn from securing the kingdom to honoring God, leading directly to the profound covenant promises that follow in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:1, with its depiction of David's divinely granted rest and his settled "house," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate rest and eternal "house" found in Jesus Christ. David's peace was temporary and earthly, a shadow of the perfect and everlasting peace that Christ, the true Son of David, would bring. Just as David's rest prompted his desire to build a house for God, so too does the spiritual rest provided by Christ enable believers to become living stones in God's eternal spiritual house, the Church (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")). Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, fulfilling the deepest longing for peace that David's experience only hinted at (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest to the Weary")). Furthermore, the "house" (dynasty) God promised to build for David finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world and will have no end (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, David's earthly peace and established reign point forward to the spiritual peace, eternal security, and everlasting kingdom established by the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 5:4

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

2 Chronicles 14:6

And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

Luke 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Daniel 4:29

At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?