2 Samuel 7:10

KJV

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will appoint {H7760} a place {H4725} for my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, and will plant {H5193} them, that they may dwell {H7931} in a place of their own, and move {H7264} no more; neither shall the children {H1121} of wickedness {H5766} afflict {H6031} them any more {H3254}, as beforetime {H7223},

Complete Jewish Bible

I will assign a place to my people Isra'el; I will plant them there, so that they can live in their own place without being disturbed any more. The wicked will no longer oppress them, as they did at the beginning,

Berean Standard Bible

And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning

American Standard Version

And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as at the first,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:10 stands as a foundational promise within the Davidic Covenant, articulating God's unwavering commitment to establish and secure His people, Israel, in their own land. This verse assures a definitive end to their historical wanderings and the relentless oppression they had endured, promising a future characterized by divine planting, permanent dwelling, and absolute freedom from the "children of wickedness," thereby setting the stage for the enduring nature of God's covenant with David's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of God's response to King David's sincere desire to build a "house" (temple) for the Lord, as expressed in [2 Samuel 7:1-3](/2_samuel/7-1-3 "2 Samuel 7:1-3 - David's Desire to Build a Temple"). Through the prophet Nathan, God clarifies that He does not need a house built by human hands; rather, He will build a "house" (dynasty) for David. The preceding verses ([2 Samuel 7:8-9](/2_samuel/7-8-9 "2 Samuel 7:8-9 - God's Promise to David")) recount God's gracious elevation of David from a shepherd to king, promising His presence and the establishment of David's name. Verse 10, along with the subsequent verses, then shifts the focus from David's personal dynasty to the security and blessing God intends for the entire nation of Israel, establishing the context for the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant and the ultimate rest God provides for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel's history up to this point was largely marked by instability, nomadic wanderings, and cycles of oppression. From their sojourns in Egypt, their forty years in the wilderness, and the tumultuous period of the Judges, the people had rarely experienced prolonged peace or a secure, permanent dwelling. The desire for a king and a settled capital (Jerusalem, established by David) reflected a deep longing for stability and national identity, mirroring the practices of surrounding ancient Near Eastern nations. This promise in [2 Samuel 7:10](/2_samuel/7-10 "2 Samuel 7:10 - God's Promise of Rest for Israel") directly addresses this historical reality, offering a divine solution to their long-standing insecurity and vulnerability to external enemies, echoing earlier promises of a land of rest given to Abraham and through Moses.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as God declares "I will appoint" and "I will plant," emphasizing His active role in securing Israel's future, rather than their own efforts. Secondly, the theme of **Rest and Security** is paramount; the promise of dwelling "in a place of their own, and move no more" speaks to the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise of the land as a place of peace, a concept central to the Mosaic covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest in the Promised Land")). Thirdly, it highlights **Deliverance from Affliction**, addressing Israel's recurring experience of oppression by "children of wickedness," a theme seen throughout the book of Judges and the early monarchy. This promise of an end to suffering anticipates a future characterized by complete peace and divine protection, setting the stage for the ultimate, eternal rest found in God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appoint (שׂוּם, _sum_):** This Hebrew verb signifies a deliberate, intentional act of setting, placing, or establishing. It conveys God's sovereign decision and active involvement in determining Israel's destiny. It's not a passive observation but a decisive divine intervention to create a new, stable reality for His people, emphasizing His initiative and authority in fulfilling His covenant promises.
* **Plant (נָטַע, _nata'_):** This word is a powerful agricultural metaphor, implying deep rooting, growth, and permanence. Unlike a temporary tent or a nomadic existence, "planting" suggests an irreversible, organic establishment, like a tree firmly set in fertile ground. It contrasts sharply with Israel's history of being uprooted and displaced, signifying a new era of stability, security, and flourishing under God's watchful care.
* **Children of wickedness (בְּנֵי עַוְלָה, _benei 'avlah_):** This idiomatic phrase literally means "sons of injustice" or "sons of iniquity." It refers to those who act unjustly, wickedly, or oppressively. In this context, it specifically denotes the foreign nations or internal adversaries who had historically afflicted Israel, causing them suffering and instability. God's promise is to remove this source of malevolent influence, ensuring a future free from their destructive actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel":** This opening clause emphasizes God's sovereign initiative. It is a divine declaration, not a human aspiration. God Himself takes action to designate and secure a specific, permanent dwelling for His chosen people, Israel, underscoring His covenant faithfulness and commitment to their well-being.
* **"and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more":** This segment builds on the previous clause, using the powerful metaphor of "planting" to convey deep-rooted permanence. The intention is for Israel to "dwell" securely and autonomously ("in a place of their own"), signifying an end to their nomadic past and the constant threat of displacement. The phrase "move no more" expresses absolute stability and rest, a profound contrast to their centuries of wandering and forced migrations.
* **"neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime":** This final clause addresses Israel's long history of oppression. God promises to remove the source of their suffering—the "children of wickedness" (their unjust enemies)—and ensure that the afflictions they experienced "as beforetime" will cease. This is a promise of lasting peace, security, and freedom from external threats, providing a deep sense of relief and hope for a truly unmolested future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is prominent in the phrase "will plant them," which vividly portrays Israel as a tree being firmly rooted, signifying stability, growth, and permanence, in stark contrast to their previous nomadic existence. The phrase "children of wickedness" is an **idiom** or **hebraism**, a common biblical expression for those characterized by injustice and oppression. The phrase "move no more" and "afflict them any more" utilizes **hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and enduring nature of the promised rest and cessation of suffering. While a literal, uninterrupted peace was not immediately realized in Israel's history, the hyperbole points to the ultimate, eschatological fulfillment of God's promise, where true and complete rest will be found. This also functions as a form of **parallelism** with the "plant them" clause, reinforcing the idea of a settled, secure future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:10 is a cornerstone of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to providing ultimate rest and security for His people. This promise of a permanent dwelling and freedom from affliction is not merely a temporal political statement but carries profound theological weight, echoing earlier promises to Abraham regarding the land and foreshadowing a deeper, spiritual reality. It reveals God as the one who actively establishes, protects, and provides enduring peace, laying the groundwork for the Davidic dynasty's role in mediating this divine rest. While partially fulfilled in the peace of David's and Solomon's reigns, the absolute nature of "move no more" and "afflict them any more" points beyond any earthly kingdom to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment in God's eternal reign.

* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest from Enemies")
* [Isaiah 60:18](/isaiah/60-18 "Isaiah 60:18 - No More Violence")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The promise of God to "plant" His people and free them from affliction speaks deeply to the human longing for security, belonging, and peace. In a world still marked by instability, displacement, and various forms of oppression, this verse offers profound assurance of God's sovereign care. It reminds us that our ultimate rest and security do not come from human efforts or political arrangements, but from God's gracious initiative. For believers today, this promise encourages trust in God's enduring faithfulness, even when circumstances are turbulent. It points us toward the hope of a future where all suffering will cease and we will dwell eternally in God's presence, truly planted and unmolested. It also calls us to be agents of God's peace and justice in the present, working to alleviate affliction and provide stability for others, reflecting the character of our God who promises ultimate rest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise to "plant" Israel challenge our own desires for security and control?**
* **In what ways do we still experience "affliction" or instability, and how does this verse offer hope in those circumstances?**
* **How does the idea of God providing a "place of their own" inform our understanding of belonging and community, both earthly and spiritual?**

### FAQ

**Has this promise of "no more affliction" been fully fulfilled for Israel?**

Answer: While Israel experienced periods of relative peace and prosperity under David and Solomon, the promise of "neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime" has not been fully or literally fulfilled in the historical experience of the nation of Israel. Throughout their history, they continued to face invasions, exiles, and oppression from various empires and adversaries. This suggests that the promise, while having an initial historical application, also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to a future, ultimate fulfillment in God's eternal kingdom, where true and lasting peace will prevail under the reign of the Messiah. It is a promise that finds its ultimate expression in the new heavens and new earth, where all tears are wiped away and there is no more pain or suffering ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:10, while initially given to ancient Israel, finds its ultimate and comprehensive fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. The promise of God to "appoint a place" and "plant" His people, ensuring they "move no more" and are free from the "children of wickedness," points directly to the spiritual and eternal security offered in Christ. Jesus is the one who establishes the true, eternal "place" for God's people, not a physical land, but a spiritual kingdom where believers are "rooted and built up in him" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted in Christ")). He provides the ultimate "rest" that the earthly kingdom could only foreshadow, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil—the ultimate "children of wickedness"—ensures that those who are in Him will ultimately experience a complete and final freedom from all spiritual and physical affliction. His reign is the eternal kingdom that "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")), where His people will dwell securely with God forever, free from every enemy and every sorrow, in the new heaven and new earth where God's dwelling is with humanity ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).

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

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

1 Chronicles 17:9

Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,

Jeremiah 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

Isaiah 60:18

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

Ezekiel 37:27

My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Psalms 89:22

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.