2 Samuel 7:11

And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

And as since the time {H3117} that I commanded {H6680} judges {H8199} to be over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, and have caused thee to rest {H5117} from all thine enemies {H341}. Also the LORD {H3068} telleth {H5046} thee that he will make {H6213} thee an house {H1004}.

and as they did from the time I ordered judges to be over my people Isra'el; instead, I will give you rest from all your enemies. "'Moreover, ADONAI tells you that ADONAI will make you a house.

and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you.

and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will cause thee to rest from all thine enemies. Moreover Jehovah telleth thee that Jehovah will make thee a house.

Commentary

2 Samuel 7:11 is a pivotal verse within the Davidic Covenant, revealing God's gracious and sovereign promises to King David through the prophet Nathan. It contrasts Israel's past instability with God's present peace and future dynastic assurance.

Context of 2 Samuel 7:11

This verse comes after King David expresses his desire to build a magnificent temple for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:2). However, God, through Nathan, informs David that it is not for him to build God a house, but rather God Himself will build David a "house"—a lasting dynasty. The preceding verses recount God's constant care for Israel, from their deliverance out of Egypt through the period of the Judges, and now granting David rest from all his enemies. This historical overview sets the stage for the profound promise of David's enduring lineage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Initiative: The verse emphasizes that God, not David, is the one who acts. God "telleth thee that he will make thee an house," highlighting His sovereign plan and promises.
  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: Despite Israel's tumultuous past under the Judges, God remained faithful, providing leaders and eventually a king who brought peace. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people and His chosen servant, David.
  • The Davidic Covenant: The central promise here is God's establishment of David's "house," signifying an eternal dynasty and a lasting kingdom. This promise is foundational to understanding the future of Israel and the coming Messiah. It is elaborated further in 2 Samuel 7:16, where God declares, "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever."
  • Rest and Security: God's declaration that He has "caused thee to rest from all thine enemies" speaks to the peace and security David had achieved under God's guidance, a necessary precursor for the establishment of a lasting dynasty.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "house" (Hebrew: bayit). The beauty and power of this promise lie in the double meaning of this word. David intended to build God a physical "house" (a temple), but God responds by promising to build David a "house" in the sense of a dynasty, a lineage, and a royal family that would endure through generations. This play on words underscores the difference between human plans and divine purposes.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 7:11 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that God's plans often supersede and are infinitely grander than our own. While we may strive to serve God in our ways, He often has a greater vision for our lives and for His kingdom. The promise of David's enduring "house" ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal (Luke 1:32-33). This verse assures us of God's faithfulness to His covenants and His ultimate provision of true rest and an everlasting King.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 (7 votes)

    For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

  • 2 Samuel 7:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 (4 votes)

    And since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

  • Judges 2:14 (4 votes)

    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

  • Judges 2:16 (4 votes)

    Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

  • Psalms 89:3 (4 votes)

    I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

  • Psalms 89:4 (4 votes)

    Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.