2 Samuel 7:19

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And [is] this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

And this was yet a small thing {H6994} in thy sight {H5869}, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; but thou hast spoken {H1696} also of thy servant's {H5650} house {H1004} for a great while to come {H7350}. And is this the manner {H8452} of man {H120}, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}?

Yet in your view, Adonai ELOHIM, even this was too small a thing; so you have even said that your servant's dynasty will continue on into the distant future. This is [indeed] a teaching for a man, Adonai ELOHIM -

And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?

And this was yet a small thing in thine eyes, O Lord Jehovah; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of men, O Lord Jehovah!

Commentary

2 Samuel 7:19 KJV Commentary: God's Enduring Promise to David

Context

This verse is part of King David's profound prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 7. It immediately follows the prophet Nathan's delivery of God's covenant promise to David. David had expressed a desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord, but God, through Nathan, instead promised to build David a "house" – not a physical dwelling, but an enduring dynasty and an everlasting kingdom. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of this divine favor, David enters into a prayer of humble adoration and astonishment at the Lord's boundless grace. Verse 19 captures his awe at God's generosity, which extends far beyond his lifetime.

Key Themes

  • God's Exceeding Generosity: David marvels that the promise of an enduring dynasty ("thy servant's house for a great while to come") is not merely a grand gesture but, in God's sight, "yet a small thing" compared to His ultimate plans. This highlights God's propensity to bless far beyond human expectation or desert.
  • The Davidic Covenant: This verse underscores the foundational promise of the Davidic Covenant, which guaranteed an eternal throne and kingdom for David's lineage. This covenant ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would inherit David's throne and reign forever (Luke 1:32-33).
  • God's Transcendence and Uniqueness: David's rhetorical question, "And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?" expresses his profound realization that God's ways, His love, and His faithfulness are utterly unlike human custom or behavior. Humans do not bestow such unconditional, long-lasting favor. This emphasizes God's sovereign and unique nature.
  • Humility in Response to Divine Favor: David's prayer is a model of humility. He is not puffed up by the promise but humbled and astonished by God's unmerited favor, recognizing his own unworthiness and God's greatness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "O Lord GOD" translates the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh. Adonai signifies absolute Lordship and mastery, while Yahweh (often rendered LORD in KJV) is God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His faithfulness and self-existence. The combination highlights God's supreme authority and His commitment to His promises.

The query "is this the manner of man" (Hebrew: torah ha'adam) can be understood in several ways: "the custom of man," "the instruction of man," or even "the destiny of man." In this context, it powerfully conveys that God's actions are far above and beyond human standards or expectations. It's not typical for a human king to grant such an eternal, unconditional legacy to a servant, especially one who began as a humble shepherd.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 7:19 serves as a powerful reminder of God's boundless grace. Just as He lavished promises upon David, He continues to bless His people in ways that far exceed their merits or even their wildest dreams. This verse encourages us to:

  • Recognize God's Extravagant Love: Reflect on how God's blessings in your life, especially the gift of salvation through Christ, go far beyond anything you could earn or imagine. He is not limited by human "manner" or expectation.
  • Cultivate Humility: Like David, respond to God's goodness with genuine humility and worship, acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17).
  • Trust God's Promises: If God's promises to David were so vast and enduring, we can trust that His promises to us in Christ are equally sure and far-reaching, extending into eternity.
  • Marvel at His Ways: God's thoughts and ways are indeed higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This verse invites us to stand in awe of His divine plan and His unique character, which always seeks to bless and restore.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:8

    For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 55:9

    For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:17

    And [yet] this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast [also] spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.

  • Psalms 36:7

    How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

  • 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.

  • 2 Samuel 7:16

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

  • Ephesians 3:19

    And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.