2 Samuel 7:13

KJV

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall build {H1129} an house {H1004} for my name {H8034}, and I will stablish {H3559} the throne {H3678} of his kingdom {H4467} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever.

Berean Standard Bible

He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

American Standard Version

He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 7:13 stands as a cornerstone of the Davidic Covenant, a pivotal divine promise delivered through the prophet Nathan to King David. This verse encapsulates God's sovereign initiative to establish an eternal dynasty for David, rather than merely accepting David's initial intention to build a physical temple for God. It outlines a dual fulfillment: an immediate one in Solomon, David's son, who would indeed construct the temple, and a far grander, eternal fulfillment in the enduring nature of David's royal line and kingdom, ultimately pointing to the everlasting reign of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial turning point in the narrative of King David's reign, specifically in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Having consolidated his kingdom and settled in a magnificent cedar palace, David expresses to the prophet Nathan his desire to build a permanent "house" (temple) for the Ark of the Covenant, which at the time resided in a tent ([2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's desire to build a temple")). Nathan initially approves, but that very night, God speaks to Nathan, reversing the plan. God declares that He has never asked for a temple and that instead of David building God a house, God will build David a "house"—a dynasty, a lasting lineage. Verse 13, therefore, is a key component of God's counter-proposal, detailing the immediate and long-term aspects of this divine promise, which extends through David's son (Solomon) and ultimately to an eternal, messianic king. The subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 7:14-16](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14-16 - God's promise to David's house")) further elaborate on the unconditional nature of this covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marks a period of significant stability and expansion for Israel, transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a unified monarchy with Jerusalem as its capital. In the ancient Near East, it was customary for kings to build grand temples for their deities, often as a testament to their piety, power, and the stability of their rule. David's desire to build a temple for Yahweh would have been seen as a natural and laudable act for a king. However, God's response in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") subverts this expectation, emphasizing His sovereignty and His unique relationship with Israel. Unlike other deities housed in temples, Yahweh is a God who acts in history, dwelling with His people in a mobile tabernacle, signifying His presence is not confined to a structure. The promise of a "house" (dynasty) to David was also highly significant in a time when dynastic succession was paramount for political stability and legitimacy, ensuring the continuity of the kingdom through David's lineage.
* **Key Themes:** The Davidic Covenant, as articulated in this verse, introduces several profound theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Initiative and Sovereignty**. David's well-intentioned plan is superseded by God's grander, eternal design, illustrating that divine purposes often transcend human aspirations ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's thoughts are higher than ours")). Secondly, the establishment of the **Davidic Covenant** itself is a central theme, promising an enduring kingdom and an eternal throne for David's lineage, a promise that becomes foundational for all subsequent messianic expectations in the Old Testament. Thirdly, the verse contains a profound **Foreshadowing of the Messiah**. While Solomon would build the physical temple, the "for ever" aspect of the promise points beyond any earthly king to the everlasting reign of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's eternal reign"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Gabriel's prophecy to Mary about Jesus inheriting David's throne")). Finally, this passage highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, as God makes an unconditional promise to David, assuring the perpetuity of his family line on the throne, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** This is the pivotal word in the passage, carrying a deliberate double meaning. In David's initial thought, "house" refers to a physical temple, a dwelling place for God. However, in God's response, particularly in this verse, "house" shifts primarily to mean a dynasty, a lineage, or a royal family. God's promise is not just about a building but about establishing a lasting family line for David. This semantic play highlights the contrast between human architectural aspirations and God's eternal, relational, and dynastic purposes.
* **Stablish (Hebrew, _kun'_):** The verb "stablish" (or "establish," "confirm," "make firm") signifies God's active, divine work in securing the throne. It implies permanence, certainty, and divine backing. This is not a human endeavor but a divinely guaranteed reality. God's action ensures the stability and longevity of David's kingdom, indicating an unbreakable covenant.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _le'olam'_):** This phrase denotes perpetuity, eternity, or an indefinite duration. Its inclusion here elevates the promise beyond any temporary, earthly reign. While Solomon's kingdom eventually fractured, the "for ever" clause points to a spiritual and ultimate fulfillment that transcends historical limitations, directing the reader's gaze toward the eternal, messianic kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall build an house for my name":** This clause refers specifically to Solomon, David's immediate successor. Solomon was indeed the one who built the first Temple in Jerusalem, a physical structure dedicated to the Lord's name. This part of the promise is a direct response to David's desire and provides an immediate, tangible fulfillment. The "house for my name" signifies a place where God's presence would be uniquely manifested and where His worship would be centered, bringing glory to His name.
* **"and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever":** This second, more profound clause shifts the focus from the physical temple to the enduring nature of David's lineage and kingship. The "his kingdom" refers to the kingdom of David's descendant, but the "for ever" clause extends this promise far beyond Solomon's lifetime or the earthly Davidic monarchy. This is God's unconditional promise to secure David's royal line, ensuring that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne. This part of the verse is the heart of the Davidic Covenant, pointing to the eternal reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate heir to David's throne.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Wordplay** is central, particularly with the Hebrew word `bayit` ("house"), which cleverly shifts in meaning from a physical temple (David's intention) to a dynasty or lineage (God's promise). This pun highlights the divergence between human plans and divine purposes. **Covenant Language** is evident throughout, characterized by God's direct, unconditional promises ("I will stablish," "for ever"), establishing a formal, binding agreement. The narrative also functions as **Prophecy**, foretelling both the immediate future (Solomon building the temple) and the distant, ultimate future (the eternal reign of a Davidic king). Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism**: the "house" as a dynasty symbolizes stability, continuity, and divine favor, while the "throne" symbolizes divine authority and eternal kingship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:13 is a pivotal text in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive plan, establishing the Davidic Covenant as a major pillar in biblical theology. It links God's earlier promises to Abraham (a great name, a great nation, land) to the establishment of a kingly line through whom salvation would ultimately come. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when human kings fail. It reveals that God's ultimate plan is not merely for a physical dwelling place but for an eternal kingdom ruled by a righteous king from David's lineage. This covenant forms the theological backbone for understanding the identity and mission of the Messiah, providing the framework through which the New Testament interprets Jesus as the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies. It demonstrates the progressive revelation of God's saving purposes, moving from a national covenant to a universal, eternal one through the promised King.

* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's covenant with David")
* [Jeremiah 33:17](/jeremiah/33-17 "Jeremiah 33:17 - Promise of a Davidic King")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - Everlasting covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 2 Samuel 7:13 invites us to reflect on the vast difference between our finite plans and God's infinite, eternal purposes. David, with good intentions, sought to build a house for God, yet God's response revealed a far grander vision: He would build David a house—an enduring dynasty that would culminate in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. This teaches us humility and trust, reminding us that God's ways are indeed higher than our ways, and His thoughts deeper than our thoughts. We are called to surrender our limited perspectives and embrace God's sovereign design, knowing that His plans are always for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse also offers immense comfort and assurance: if God is faithful to His covenant promises across millennia, we can trust Him with the details of our lives. Our hope is not in fleeting earthly kingdoms or human achievements, but in the stable, eternal kingdom of God, established and maintained by His unfailing power. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which truly lasts—the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's reversal of David's plan (building a house for God vs. God building David a house) challenge your own assumptions about serving God?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be trying to "build a house for God" in your own strength or according to your own limited vision, rather than trusting in God's greater, eternal plan?**
* **How does the "for ever" promise of the Davidic Covenant strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness, especially when facing uncertainties or setbacks?**
* **Considering the ultimate fulfillment of this verse in Jesus Christ, how does this passage shape your understanding of true, lasting security and hope?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "He" who "shall build an house for my name" in 2 Samuel 7:13?**

Answer: The immediate and primary fulfillment of "He" refers to Solomon, David's son and successor. Solomon indeed built the first Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon builds the Temple"). However, the promise of "I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever" extends beyond Solomon to include the entire Davidic dynasty, and ultimately, points to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David.

**How can the throne be "for ever" if the earthly Davidic kingdom eventually fell?**

Answer: The "for ever" promise in 2 Samuel 7:13 has both an immediate, conditional aspect (related to the behavior of David's descendants, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's discipline of David's house")) and an ultimate, unconditional, and eternal aspect. While the earthly kingdom of Judah, ruled by David's descendants, eventually fell to Babylon, the divine promise of an everlasting throne was not nullified. Instead, it pointed to a future, spiritual, and eternal fulfillment in the person and kingdom of the Messiah. The New Testament clearly identifies Jesus Christ as the one who fulfills this eternal aspect, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus inherits David's throne")).

**What is the significance of the "Davidic Covenant" established in 2 Samuel 7?**

Answer: The Davidic Covenant is a crucial unconditional covenant in biblical theology, promising David an enduring dynasty, an eternal throne, and an everlasting kingdom. It signifies God's commitment to establish a righteous king from David's lineage who would rule forever. This covenant becomes the foundational hope for the coming Messiah in the Old Testament, shaping the expectations of a king from the line of David who would bring eternal salvation and establish a perfect kingdom. It highlights God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan to bring about redemption through a chosen line.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Samuel 7:13 finds its ultimate, glorious, and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and the true Son of David. While Solomon built the physical temple, the promise of an everlasting throne and kingdom could not be fully realized by any earthly king, whose reigns were finite and often marred by sin. The "for ever" aspect of God's promise transcends the limitations of human history and points directly to Christ. Jesus, born of the lineage of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), is the one upon whom the everlasting throne is established. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary explicitly echoes this covenant: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Gabriel's prophecy to Mary about Jesus inheriting David's throne")). Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, declares that David "foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption" and that God had sworn to him that He would set one of his descendants on his throne ([Acts 2:29-36](/acts/2-29 "Acts 2:29-36 - Peter's sermon on David and Christ")). Jesus is the perfect King whose kingdom is spiritual, universal, and truly eternal, fulfilling every dimension of God's promise to David. He is the one who truly builds God's "house"—His church, the spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's dwelling")), and whose reign will never cease ([Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3-5 - The eternal reign of God and the Lamb")).

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 8:19

Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

1 Kings 5:5

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

Psalms 89:4

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