2 Samuel 7:28

KJV

And now, O Lord GOD, thou [art] that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, thou art that God {H430}, and thy words {H1697} be true {H571}, and thou hast promised {H1696} this goodness {H2896} unto thy servant {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, Adonai ELOHIM, you alone are God; your words are truth; and you have made this wonderful promise to your servant.

Berean Standard Bible

And now, O Lord GOD, You are God! Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.

American Standard Version

And now, O Lord Jehovah, thou art God, and thy words are truth, and thou hast promised this good thing unto thy servant:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 7:28, King David articulates a profound prayer of thanksgiving and affirmation, immediately following the Lord's astonishing covenant promise delivered through the prophet Nathan. This verse serves as the theological bedrock of David's response, encapsulating his humble acceptance and unwavering belief in God's unique character, the absolute veracity of His word, and the magnificent "goodness" promised to him and his lineage. It is a moment of deep spiritual insight where David acknowledges the divine initiative and faithfulness underlying the Davidic Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's extended prayer of thanksgiving found in [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). It directly follows the monumental revelation of the Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant"). Prior to this, David had expressed his desire to build a "house" (temple) for the Lord, feeling it inappropriate that he, the king, lived in a palace of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant resided in a tent ([2 Samuel 7:1-2](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-2 - David's desire to build a temple")). However, through Nathan, God rejected this offer, not out of displeasure, but because He had a grander plan: God Himself would build a "house" (dynasty) for David, establishing his throne and kingdom forever ([2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - God's Promise to David")). David's prayer, beginning in [2 Samuel 7:18](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18 - David's Humble Response"), is his astonished and grateful response to this unexpected and overwhelmingly gracious divine initiative. Verse 28 specifically grounds his thanksgiving in the unchangeable nature of God and the truthfulness of His promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marks a pivotal point in Israelite history, transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a unified monarchy with Jerusalem as its capital. The concept of a covenant was prevalent in the ancient Near East, often involving treaties between a suzerain (superior king) and a vassal (subordinate king), outlining mutual obligations. However, the Davidic Covenant, like earlier biblical covenants, is predominantly unilateral, initiated by God and based on His unconditional promise, rather than human merit or performance. David, though a powerful king, understood his position as God's "servant," a common designation for rulers in the ancient world who served a greater deity. This context highlights the immense significance of God's promise to establish an eternal dynasty, a concept that would have resonated with the desire for stability and continuity in a world often characterized by political upheaval and dynastic changes. The promise of a "house" for David was far more enduring than any physical temple he could construct.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 7:28](/2_samuel/7-28 "2 Samuel 7:28 - David's Affirmation of God's Truth") powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the chapter and the broader book. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute faithfulness and truthfulness**. David's declaration, "thy words be true," is a testament to God's unwavering reliability, contrasting with the fallibility of human promises. This theme is central to the entire biblical narrative, affirming that God is not a man who lies ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")). Secondly, it highlights **God's unique identity and sovereignty**. David's address, "O Lord GOD, thou art that God," is a profound statement of monotheism, acknowledging Yahweh as the incomparable, true, and supreme deity, distinct from all other gods or human powers. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **divine initiative and unmerited grace**. The "goodness" promised to David was not earned but freely given, a demonstration of God's benevolent and proactive engagement with His people. This promise of an enduring lineage and kingdom, far exceeding David's own aspirations, sets the stage for the future hope of Israel's Messiah. Finally, the verse showcases **David's humility and grateful acceptance**. Despite his royal status, David responds as a humble "servant," recognizing the immense privilege and unmerited favor bestowed upon him by the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _Adonai Yahweh_):** This composite title is highly significant. _Adonai_ (אֲדֹנָי) means "Master" or "Lord," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, authority, and ownership. _Yahweh_ (יְהוָה), often rendered "LORD" in English Bibles, is God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM")). It signifies God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant-keeping nature. David's use of this combined title underscores his recognition of God's supreme authority over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly the covenant just revealed.
* **true (Hebrew, _emet_):** The Hebrew word אֱמֶת (_emet_) conveys a rich sense of reliability, faithfulness, firmness, and reality. When applied to God's words, it means they are utterly dependable, consistent with His character, and will unfailingly come to pass. It speaks to God's integrity and the certainty of His declarations. David's affirmation here is not merely a statement of fact but an an expression of profound trust in the unchangeable nature of God's word.
* **goodness (Hebrew, _tov_):** The Hebrew word טוֹב (_tov_) is broad, encompassing concepts of good, pleasant, prosperous, beneficial, and favorable. In this context, it refers specifically to the magnificent and benevolent promises of the Davidic Covenant – an enduring dynasty, a perpetual kingdom, and a lasting "house" for David's lineage. It signifies the profound blessing and favor God has bestowed upon David, far exceeding any human expectation or merit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O Lord GOD":** This opening phrase marks a transition from the reception of God's word through Nathan to David's personal, prayerful response. The "And now" indicates a direct and immediate reaction to the preceding divine revelation. The address "O Lord GOD" is a solemn and reverent invocation, highlighting David's recognition of the unparalleled majesty and authority of the One who has spoken.
* **"thou art that God, and thy words be true":** This clause is a powerful theological affirmation. "Thou art that God" declares God's unique and incomparable identity as the one true God, distinct from all other deities or human powers. It is a statement of monotheistic conviction. The subsequent "and thy words be true" directly connects God's nature to the reliability of His pronouncements. David is stating that because God *is* who He is – the sovereign, covenant-keeping Yahweh – His words are inherently and absolutely trustworthy. This provides the foundation for David's faith in the covenant.
* **"and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant":** This final clause brings the theological affirmation to a personal application. David specifically references "this goodness," referring to the extraordinary promises of the Davidic Covenant. He acknowledges that this "goodness" is not something he earned or initiated, but something God "hast promised" (literally, "spoken") to him. The designation "thy servant" underscores David's humility and his understanding of his role in God's grand plan, emphasizing that the covenant is an unmerited gift from a sovereign God to His chosen instrument.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. **Apostrophe** is prominently used as David directly addresses God ("O Lord GOD"), creating an intimate and personal tone for his prayer of thanksgiving. This direct address underscores the personal relationship between God and His "servant." The verse is also rich in **Affirmation**, with David making strong, declarative statements about God's nature ("thou art that God") and the veracity of His word ("thy words be true"). This emphatic declaration functions as a theological confession, solidifying the foundation of David's faith and the certainty of the covenant. Furthermore, the language reflects **Covenant Language**, particularly through the reference to God's "promises" and David's identity as "thy servant," which are recurring motifs in biblical covenants. The use of "goodness" (Hebrew _tov_) to describe the covenant's benefits is a form of **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, as the promises of an eternal dynasty and kingdom are far more profound than the simple term "goodness" might imply, yet it captures the essence of divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:28 stands as a pivotal statement on the character of God, affirming His absolute truthfulness and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. David's prayer demonstrates a profound understanding that God's identity as "that God" inherently guarantees the reliability of His word. This divine attribute—God's inability to lie or renege on His promises—is the bedrock of all biblical hope and assurance. The "goodness" promised to David is not merely a temporal blessing but a foundational covenant that shapes the future of Israel and ultimately, the entire plan of salvation. David's response exemplifies the proper human posture before divine revelation: humble acceptance, fervent gratitude, and unwavering trust in the One who speaks and acts. This verse underscores that God's promises are not contingent on human merit but flow from His own sovereign will and benevolent character.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie")
* [Psalm 33:4](/psalms/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - My word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:28 offers a powerful model for our own response to God's revealed word. In a world where promises are often broken and truth is relative, David's unwavering declaration, "thy words be true," serves as a profound anchor. We are called to cultivate a similar conviction regarding the Scriptures, recognizing that the God who spoke to David is the same God who speaks to us through His inspired Word. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, heart-level trust in God's character and His unfailing promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. It invites us to respond to God's goodness with genuine humility and gratitude, acknowledging that every blessing and every promise is an unmerited gift from His sovereign hand. Just as David found security in the certainty of God's covenant, we too can find peace and purpose in resting on the immutable truth of His declarations for our lives and for the future of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's declaration, "thy words be true," challenge or affirm your own trust in God's promises in Scripture?**
* **What specific "goodness" has God promised you in His Word, and how does meditating on His truthfulness strengthen your faith in those promises?**
* **In what ways can you adopt David's posture of humility and gratitude ("thy servant") in your daily walk with God?**
* **How does understanding God's unique identity as "that God" influence your worship and prayer life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David addressing God as "O Lord GOD" in this context?**

Answer: The address "O Lord GOD" translates the Hebrew _Adonai Yahweh_, a profoundly significant composite title. _Adonai_ emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and David's recognition of Him as supreme Master. _Yahweh_ is God's personal, covenantal name, revealing His self-existent and covenant-keeping nature. By combining these, David is acknowledging God as both the ultimate authority and the faithful, personal God who keeps His promises. In the context of the Davidic Covenant, it underscores David's understanding that the magnificent promises are not from a generic deity but from the specific, reliable God of Israel who is bound by His own character to fulfill His word. It's a declaration of profound theological insight and worship.

**What "goodness" is David referring to when he says, "thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant"?**

Answer: The "goodness" David refers to is the extraordinary and unmerited favor of the Davidic Covenant, revealed in [2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - God's Promise to David"). This covenant promised David an enduring dynasty ("I will make thee a great name"), a secure and peaceful kingdom ("I will appoint a place for my people Israel...and will give thee rest from all thine enemies"), and, most significantly, an eternal "house" or lineage ("I will set up thy seed after thee...and I will stablish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever"). This was far beyond David's own desire to build a temple for God; instead, God promised to build an eternal "house" for David. This "goodness" is the foundation of the messianic hope, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ.

**How does David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:28 relate to the broader theme of God's covenant faithfulness throughout the Bible?**

Answer: David's prayer in [2 Samuel 7:28](/2_samuel/7-28 "2 Samuel 7:28 - David's Affirmation of God's Truth") is a powerful affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness, a central theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. From the covenant with Noah [Genesis 9:8-17](/genesis/9-8 "Genesis 9:8-17 - The Noahic Covenant") to Abraham [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant") and Moses [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - The Mosaic Covenant"), God consistently demonstrates His commitment to His promises. David's declaration "thy words be true" echoes the truth found in [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips"), where God states He will not violate His covenant. This verse in 2 Samuel 7:28 thus serves as a crucial link in the chain of divine fidelity, demonstrating that God's character guarantees the fulfillment of His redemptive plan across generations, culminating in the new covenant established through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:28, with David's affirmation of God's truthfulness and the promised "goodness," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "goodness" promised to David—an eternal "house" and an everlasting kingdom—is fully realized not in a physical temple or a mere earthly dynasty, but in the spiritual and eternal reign of the Son of God. Jesus is the true Son of David, the one through whom God's covenant promises are definitively established and eternalized ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, the Son of David")). David's declaration, "thy words be true," resonates with the very nature of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and whose words are spirit and life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life")). The "goodness" promised to David ultimately points to the redemptive work of Christ, through whom believers receive not just an earthly kingdom but an eternal inheritance and reconciliation with God ([Ephesians 1:3-7](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-7 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, David's prayer becomes a prophetic echo of the New Covenant, where God's promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's promises are 'Yes' in 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

John 17:17

¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;