2 Samuel 7:19

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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 -

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:19 captures King David's profound astonishment and humble adoration in response to God's covenant promise. Having just heard through the prophet Nathan that God, not David, would build an enduring "house"—a dynasty and an eternal kingdom—David marvels at the sheer magnitude of divine favor. He recognizes that what seems an immeasurable blessing to him is, from God's infinite perspective, "yet a small thing," hinting at even grander, eternal purposes. David's rhetorical question, "And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?", underscores his realization that God's ways, His generosity, and His faithfulness far transcend any human custom or expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within David's prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18-29 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). It immediately follows the prophet Nathan's delivery of the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:8-17](/2_samuel/7-8-17 "2 Samuel 7:8-17 - The Davidic Covenant")), where God reveals His intention to build David an eternal "house" (dynasty) rather than allowing David to build a physical "house" (temple) for Him. David's initial desire to build a dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, expressed in [2 Samuel 7:1-3](/2_samuel/7-1-3 "2 Samuel 7:1-3 - David's Desire to Build a Temple"), is met with a divine reversal: God will establish David's throne forever. Verse 19 encapsulates David's overwhelmed and humbled response to this extraordinary, unmerited promise, extending beyond his lifetime and even beyond human comprehension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel, with Jerusalem established as its political and religious capital. The concept of a dynastic succession was common among ancient Near Eastern kings, but the *unconditional* and *eternal* nature of God's promise to David was utterly unique. Unlike human covenants, which often depended on the vassal's obedience, the Davidic Covenant, as revealed here, is presented as an unconditional divine initiative. David's astonishment reflects a deep understanding of the typical "manner of man," where such enduring, unmerited favor is not bestowed, especially on one who began as a humble shepherd ([2 Samuel 7:8](/2_samuel/7-8 "2 Samuel 7:8 - God's Remembrance of David's Humble Beginnings")). This covenant would shape Israelite messianic expectations for centuries, pointing to a future king from David's lineage who would reign forever.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") is foundational for several major theological themes. The **Davidic Covenant** itself is paramount, establishing an eternal dynasty and throne for David's lineage, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This chapter also highlights **God's exceeding generosity and grace**, demonstrating His propensity to bless far beyond human expectation or desert, as David observes that even this grand promise is "yet a small thing" in God's sight. Furthermore, David's rhetorical question, "And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?", powerfully conveys **God's transcendence and uniqueness**, emphasizing that His ways, His love, and His faithfulness are utterly unlike human custom or behavior. Finally, David's prayer models **humility in response to divine favor**, as he is not puffed up by the promise but humbled and astonished by God's unmerited grace, recognizing his own unworthiness ([2 Samuel 7:18](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18 - David's Humble Response")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **small thing (Hebrew, _qâṭôn'_):** This word (H6994) typically means "small," "insignificant," or "unimportant." In this context, David uses it to express his awe at God's perspective. What is an immense, incomprehensible blessing from a human viewpoint—an eternal dynasty—is considered by the omnipotent God as merely a "small thing" in the grand scope of His divine plan. This highlights God's boundless capacity for blessing and His eternal, cosmic perspective that dwarfs even the most significant human achievements or aspirations.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) carries a deliberate double meaning in 2 Samuel 7. Initially, David desired to build God a "house" (a physical temple). However, God, through Nathan, declares that He will build David a "house," referring not to a physical dwelling but to a lasting **dynasty** or lineage. In verse 19, David understands this promise of an enduring "house" "for a great while to come" as the establishment of his royal line, a promise of an eternal succession that far exceeds the typical lifespan of human kingdoms.
* **manner of man (Hebrew, _tôwrâh ʼâdâm'_):** This phrase (H8452 + H120) is somewhat ambiguous but profoundly significant. _Tôwrâh_ can mean "instruction," "law," "custom," or "way." _ʼÂdâm_ means "a human being," "mankind," or "person." Thus, "manner of man" can imply "the custom of man," "the law for man," or even "the destiny of man." In David's rhetorical question, it powerfully conveys that God's actions are entirely outside the realm of human custom, expectation, or capability. Humans do not typically bestow such unconditional, long-lasting, and far-reaching favor upon their servants. It underscores the unique, sovereign, and utterly transcendent nature of God's grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD;":** David begins by acknowledging the incredible magnitude of God's promise of an eternal dynasty. Yet, he immediately contrasts this with God's perspective, recognizing that for the Almighty, even such a monumental blessing is considered "a small thing." This reveals David's profound insight into God's infinite power and boundless generosity, suggesting that God's ultimate plans and blessings extend far beyond what any human could conceive or receive. The address "O Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.
* **"but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come.":** This clause specifies the content of the divine promise that has so overwhelmed David. God has not merely blessed David in his lifetime, but has spoken of an enduring "house"—a dynasty—that will last "for a great while to come," implying an indefinite or even eternal future. This refers to the establishment of David's lineage on the throne, a promise of continuity and stability for his royal line, which was unprecedented and highly coveted by ancient kings.
* **"And [is] this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?":** This is a rhetorical question that expresses David's utter astonishment and awe. He is essentially asking, "Is this how humans typically act, O Lord GOD?" The answer is a resounding "No." David recognizes that God's way of dealing with humanity, His unmerited favor, His unconditional promises, and His eternal perspective are entirely alien to human custom, law, or behavior. This highlights the unique, divine character of God, whose love and faithfulness operate on a plane far above human limitations and expectations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?"), which David uses not to seek information but to express his profound awe and emphasize the unique, incomparable nature of God's actions compared to human behavior. There is also a subtle form of **Hyperbole** or divine **Understatement** in "this was yet a small thing in thy sight." From a human perspective, an eternal dynasty is an immeasurable gift, but from God's infinite perspective, it is merely a "small thing," hinting at the even greater, eternal plans He has. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between human limitations and divine boundlessness. The repeated address, "O Lord GOD," serves as a form of **Repetition** that underscores David's reverence and the solemnity of his prayer, reinforcing God's absolute authority and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:19 stands as a profound testament to God's boundless grace, His unique nature, and the eternal scope of His redemptive plan. David's astonishment at the "small thing" in God's sight, which to him is an incomprehensibly vast promise of an enduring dynasty, reveals a key theological truth: God's generosity and His capacity to bless far exceed human imagination or merit. This verse underscores the unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant, a divine initiative rooted in God's faithfulness rather than human performance. It challenges us to reconsider our own understanding of God's blessings, recognizing that even what we perceive as immense gifts are but glimpses of His infinitely greater purposes. The "manner of man" is limited by time, self-interest, and finite resources, but God's "manner" is defined by eternity, selfless love, and infinite power, always working toward a grander, more glorious fulfillment than we can possibly conceive.

* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God Does Immeasurably More")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 7:19 invites us into David's posture of humble awe before a God whose ways and generosity transcend all human understanding. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith, where blessings are earned, to embrace a posture of profound gratitude for God's unmerited favor. Just as God lavished an eternal promise upon David, He continues to bless His people in ways that far exceed our merits, our expectations, or even our wildest dreams. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's promises, knowing that if His plans for an earthly dynasty were so vast and enduring, His promises to us in Christ are infinitely more sure and far-reaching, extending into eternity. It calls us to marvel at His unique character, to recognize that His thoughts and ways are indeed higher than ours, and to respond to His extravagant love with genuine humility, worship, and obedient faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's "small thing" perspective challenge your understanding of His generosity and the scope of His blessings in your life?**
* **In what specific ways has God's grace in your life exceeded your expectations or what you thought was "the manner of man"?**
* **How does David's humility and astonishment in response to God's promise inform your own prayer life and worship?**
* **What does "the manner of man" reveal about the uniqueness of God's character, and how does this uniqueness inspire your trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**What does David mean by "this was yet a small thing in thy sight"?**

Answer: David is expressing his profound awe at God's perspective. From a human viewpoint, the promise of an eternal dynasty is an immense, almost unbelievable blessing. However, David recognizes that for God, who is infinite in power and wisdom, even such a grand promise is considered "a small thing." This highlights God's boundless capacity for blessing and His eternal, cosmic plan that far surpasses any earthly kingdom or human aspiration. It suggests that God's ultimate purposes are even grander than this incredible covenant with David.

**How does 2 Samuel 7:19 relate to the Davidic Covenant?**

Answer: This verse is David's personal, astonished response to the core promise of the Davidic Covenant, delivered by Nathan in [2 Samuel 7:8-17](/2_samuel/7-8-17 "2 Samuel 7:8-17 - The Davidic Covenant"). Specifically, it refers to God's promise to build David an enduring "house" (a dynasty) that will last "for a great while to come." David's prayer in [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18-29 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer") is a testament to his understanding and acceptance of this foundational covenant, which guaranteed an eternal throne and kingdom for his lineage, ultimately pointing to the Messiah.

**Why does David ask, "And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?"**

Answer: This rhetorical question underscores David's realization that God's actions and promises are entirely unlike anything a human would do or could even conceive. "The manner of man" refers to human custom, law, behavior, or expectation. David is essentially saying, "Humans do not act with such unconditional generosity, eternal foresight, or unmerited favor." It emphasizes God's unique, transcendent, and sovereign nature, whose love and faithfulness operate on a plane far above human limitations and self-interest. It highlights the divine, rather than human, origin of the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:19, with David's awe at God's promise of an eternal "house" and his rhetorical question about "the manner of man," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "house for a great while to come" is not merely an earthly dynasty, but the eternal spiritual kingdom established by the true Son of David. The angel Gabriel's prophecy to Mary explicitly connects Jesus to this covenant, declaring, "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/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). What was a "small thing" in God's sight—an earthly dynasty—was merely a foreshadowing of the infinitely greater reality of Christ's eternal, heavenly reign. The "manner of man" is to establish temporary kingdoms and fallible lines, but God's "manner" is to establish an everlasting, perfect kingdom through His Son, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and reigns forever. The New Testament writers consistently present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the one who sits on David's throne ([Acts 2:29-36](/acts/2-29-36 "Acts 2:29-36 - Peter's Sermon on David and Christ")) and whose kingdom is indeed without end ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - The Son's Eternal Throne")). Thus, David's astonishment becomes our own, as we behold the infinitely greater "house" God has built, not of stone, but of redeemed souls, ruled by the eternal King, Jesus Christ, who is the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star")).

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

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.