2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

And thine house {H1004} and thy kingdom {H4467} shall be established {H539} for {H5704} ever {H5769} before {H6440} thee: thy throne {H3678} shall be established {H3559} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Thus your house and your kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set up forever.'"

Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”

And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Commentary

2 Samuel 7:16 is a pivotal verse in the Old Testament, forming the heart of the Davidic Covenant, God's solemn promise to King David. It declares the eternal nature of David's dynasty and kingdom, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse comes as part of God's response to King David's desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord. Through the prophet Nathan, God declines David's offer, stating that He will instead build David a "house" – not a physical structure, but a lasting lineage and kingdom. The preceding verses, such as 2 Samuel 7:12-13, explain that God will raise up David's offspring, establish his kingdom, and build a house for His name, emphasizing a continuous royal line rather than a temporary reign.

Key Themes

  • The Davidic Covenant: This is a foundational covenant in biblical theology, promising an eternal dynasty to David. Unlike the Mosaic Covenant, it is largely unconditional, resting on God's faithfulness rather than human obedience for its ultimate establishment.
  • Eternal Kingdom and Throne: The repeated phrase "established for ever" underscores the perpetuity of David's royal line and authority. This promise transcends the earthly reign of David and his immediate successors.
  • Messianic Prophecy: The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is a direct descendant of David. His kingdom is indeed eternal, fulfilling the divine decree that "of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end" (Isaiah 9:7). The angel Gabriel's words to Mary confirm this, stating that Jesus "shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32-33).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "for ever" is `olam (Χ’Χ•ΦΉΧœΦΈΧ). While it can sometimes refer to a very long period or an age, in this context, especially when paired with God's divine promise and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, it conveys a sense of true eternity and unending duration. This emphasis on perpetuity is crucial to understanding the scope of God's plan for David's lineage.

Related Scriptures

  • For further insight into the nature of this covenant, explore Psalm 89:3-4, which reiterates God's oath to David.
  • The New Testament frequently affirms Jesus's lineage from David, reinforcing His claim to the eternal throne. See Revelation 22:16 where Jesus Himself identifies as "the root and the offspring of David."

Practical Application

This verse offers profound assurance of God's faithfulness and the stability of His divine plan. It teaches us that God keeps His promises, even across generations and through challenging circumstances. For believers today, it provides comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that His kingdom is an everlasting one, providing ultimate hope and security. It underscores the reliability of God's word and His sovereign control over history, leading to the establishment of His eternal reign.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 89:36 (13 votes)

    His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

  • Psalms 89:37 (13 votes)

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Luke 1:32 (12 votes)

    He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  • Luke 1:33 (12 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 7:13 (9 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 9:7 (8 votes)

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

  • Psalms 45:6 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre.