2 Samuel 7:25

KJV

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, O LORD {H3068} God {H430}, the word {H1697} that thou hast spoken {H1696} concerning thy servant {H5650}, and concerning his house {H1004}, establish {H6965} it for {H5704} ever {H5769}, and do {H6213} as thou hast said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, ADONAI, God, establish forever the word you have spoken to your servant and his house; do what you have promised.

Berean Standard Bible

And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised,

American Standard Version

And now, O Jehovah God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, confirm thou it for ever, and do as thou hast spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:25 captures King David's profound and humble prayerful response to God's magnificent covenant promise, delivered through the prophet Nathan. Having just received an astounding revelation concerning the eternal establishment of his lineage and kingdom, David immediately turns to the Lord, acknowledging God's sovereign word and earnestly petitioning for its everlasting fulfillment. This verse encapsulates David's faith-filled acceptance of God's unmerited grace and his active desire to see divine promises brought to fruition, demonstrating a model of faithful engagement with God's revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of David's extended prayer of thanksgiving and petition, which spans from [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). It immediately follows the pivotal divine message delivered to David by the prophet Nathan in [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant"). In this foundational passage, God, through Nathan, makes an unconditional covenant with David, promising to establish his "house," "kingdom," and "throne" forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant Promise")). This divine declaration, entirely unsolicited by David, is a unilateral act of God's grace. David's prayer, beginning in [2 Samuel 7:18](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18 - David's Humble Response"), is his deeply reverent and humble response, expressing awe, gratitude, and a profound desire for God to fulfill His word. Verse 25, specifically, marks a transition from thanksgiving and reflection on God's greatness to a direct, specific petition for the covenant's establishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign signifies a crucial period in Israelite history, transitioning from a loose tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. By this point, David has successfully consolidated his kingdom, established Jerusalem as the capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant there, symbolizing God's presence at the heart of the nation. His expressed desire to build a "house" (temple) for God, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a Temple"), is met not with permission, but with a counter-promise from God to build David an eternal "house" (dynasty). This promise was revolutionary, establishing a new covenantal framework for the monarchy, distinct from the Mosaic Covenant. Culturally, the concept of a "house" (בַּיִת, _bayith_) could refer to a physical dwelling, a lineage, or a dynasty, and God's promise plays on this double meaning, elevating David's earthly desire to a divine, eternal purpose. The prayer itself reflects the typical ancient Near Eastern practice of kings acknowledging divine favor and seeking the perpetuation of their dynasty, but here it is uniquely framed within the context of Yahweh's specific, unconditional promise to David, emphasizing His sovereign initiative.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** to His promises. David's prayer is not born of doubt but of absolute assurance that God is true to His word and capable of performing what He has said, echoing principles found in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie"). Secondly, it highlights the immense significance of **The Davidic Covenant**, which promises an enduring dynasty for David and finds its ultimate, messianic fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the "Son of David," whose kingdom is eternal ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thirdly, David's response models a **Prayer of Faith**, demonstrating how believers should react to God's promises—not passively, but by actively praying for their fulfillment, thereby engaging with God's will. This active petition demonstrates confidence in God's word and a deep desire to see His purposes established, aligning with the principle of asking according to God's will found in [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer"). Finally, it illustrates the dynamic interplay between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, where God makes the unconditional promise, but David's humble prayer shows his participation and alignment with God's sovereign plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. From the root meaning "to be" or "to exist," it conveys God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises and covenant relationship. David's use of "O LORD God" (Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym) emphasizes both God's personal commitment to His people and His supreme authority as the one true God, making His promises utterly reliable.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** More than just a spoken utterance, _dâbâr_ encompasses a word, a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. In this context, it refers to God's specific, authoritative declaration—His divine promise or decree concerning David's house. David is not asking God to merely remember a casual statement, but to establish a weighty, binding, and active divine pronouncement that carries the full force of His will and power.
* **establish (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The verb _qûwm_ carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to stand up," "to arise," "to confirm," "to fulfill," "to make firm," or "to bring into being." David is not merely asking for God's word to passively exist, but for God to actively confirm, validate, bring to pass, and uphold the magnificent promises He has just spoken. It implies a divine act of bringing permanence and reality to the covenant, ensuring its enduring truth and power. This is a prayer for God to actualize His declared will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O LORD God,"**: This opening phrase signifies a transition from David's initial expressions of humility and awe (in [2 Samuel 7:18-24](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18-24 - David's Humble Prayer")) to a direct, specific petition. The address "O LORD God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים, _Yahweh Elohim_) combines the personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh) with the general name for God (Elohim), emphasizing both His relational faithfulness and His supreme power and authority. It is a reverent and intimate address to the One who has just revealed His glorious plan.
* **"the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house,"**: This clause directly references the Davidic Covenant delivered by Nathan in [2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). David precisely identifies the subject of his prayer: God's specific promise regarding his own person ("thy servant") and, crucially, his "house" (dynasty or lineage, referring to his descendants and their royal line). This demonstrates David's attentive listening and comprehension of God's revelation, acknowledging the source and content of the divine promise.
* **"establish [it] for ever,"**: This is the core petition. David asks God to "establish" (קוּם, _qûwm_) the word, to make it firm, permanent, and enduring. The phrase "for ever" (לְעוֹלָם, _l'olam_) echoes God's own repeated promise of an eternal house and kingdom in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - Your Throne Shall Be Established Forever") and [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - Your Kingdom Shall Be Established Forever"). David is not asking God to change His mind or to do something new, but to fulfill His already declared, eternal purpose, bringing it into concrete, lasting reality.
* **"and do as thou hast said."**: This concluding phrase is a powerful reiteration and confirmation of the preceding petition. It emphasizes David's desire for God to act in accordance with His own spoken word. It reflects profound trust in God's integrity and power, acknowledging that God's promises are not mere words but declarations that will be brought to pass by His sovereign hand. It is a prayer that God's will, as revealed, would be perfectly executed, underscoring His faithfulness and omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 7:25 is rich in literary devices that underscore its theological depth. Primarily, it functions as a **Petition** within a broader **Prayer of Thanksgiving**, showcasing David's direct address to God and his earnest request. The verse employs profound **Covenant Language**, directly referencing "the word that thou hast spoken" and "thy house," echoing the specific terms of the Davidic Covenant just revealed. The phrase "establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said" demonstrates a form of **Parallelism** or **Emphasis through Repetition**, where two clauses convey a similar idea with slightly different phrasing, intensifying the plea for permanence and fulfillment. David's self-identification as "thy servant" is a profound act of **Humility**, acknowledging his subordinate position before the sovereign God, despite his royal status. The entire prayer, including this verse, serves as a **Model** for how believers should respond to divine revelation: with gratitude, humble acceptance, and active prayer for the fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:25 stands as a profound theological statement, illustrating that God's unconditional promises do not negate the need for human prayer; rather, they invite and empower it. David's prayer is not an attempt to persuade God to do something He is reluctant to do, but an act of faith that aligns human desire with divine will. It demonstrates that true faith actively engages with God's revealed word, trusting in His faithfulness to perform what He has promised. This dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, showing that God often chooses to work through the prayers and actions of His people, even when His plans are already decreed. David's earnest petition for God to "establish" His word underscores the reality that God's promises, while certain, are often realized through a process that involves the faithful participation of those who believe, highlighting the partnership God desires with humanity in the outworking of His redemptive plan.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Forever Settled in Heaven")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:25 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as a timeless model of faith and engagement with God's revealed will. It teaches us that when God speaks a promise, our appropriate response is not passive waiting, but active, humble, and persistent prayer for its fulfillment. Just as David, having received an astounding, unmerited promise, immediately turned to God to ask Him to "establish" it, so too are we called to pray God's promises back to Him. This act of prayer strengthens our faith, deepens our reliance on God, and aligns our hearts with His divine purposes. It reminds us that our prayers are not meant to change God's mind, but to participate in the outworking of His sovereign plan, demonstrating our trust in His faithfulness and our desire to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. By praying according to God's revealed word, we step into a partnership with the Almighty, confident that He hears and answers prayers that are in perfect alignment with His eternal decrees.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate prayerful response to God's unconditional promise challenge my own understanding of prayer and divine sovereignty?**
* **What specific promises has God given in His Word that I can confidently pray back to Him for their establishment in my life or in the world?**
* **In what areas of my life am I waiting passively instead of actively engaging God in prayer for the fulfillment of His will?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:25 in light of God's unconditional promise?**

Answer: The significance lies in demonstrating that God's unconditional promises do not negate the need for human prayer and active faith; rather, they invite and empower it. While God's promise to David was sovereign and certain, David's prayer is an act of humble submission and faith. It shows that David fully embraced the promise and desired its fulfillment, aligning his will with God's revealed purpose. This prayer is not an attempt to convince God, but a confident appeal to God's character and faithfulness, acknowledging His power to bring His word to pass. It models how believers should respond to God's grace: not with passivity, but with fervent engagement and trust in His ability to do "as thou hast said" ([2 Samuel 7:25](/2_samuel/7-25 "2 Samuel 7:25 - David's Prayer for God to Establish His Word")). It highlights that God often chooses to accomplish His sovereign will through the active, believing prayers of His people, demonstrating the beautiful paradox of divine sovereignty and human participation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:25, a petition for the establishment of God's promise to David's house, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Davidic Covenant, which promised an eternal throne and kingdom to David's lineage, was not merely about an earthly dynasty but pointed forward to the Messiah. Jesus, uniquely identified as the "Son of David" from the very opening of the New Testament ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the true and eternal heir to David's throne. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary explicitly states that her son, Jesus, "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 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, David's prayer for God to "establish [it] for ever" is answered definitively and perfectly in the person and work of Christ. Every promise of God finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making the divine promises utterly reliable and eternally secure in His redemptive work. The eternal kingdom David envisioned, and for which he prayed, is now a spiritual reality in Christ's present reign, a kingdom that will one day be fully consummated when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")).

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

Psalms 119:49

¶ ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

Ezekiel 36:37

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

Genesis 32:12

And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Jeremiah 11:4

Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

Jeremiah 11:5

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.