2 Samuel 7:29

KJV

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore now let it please {H2974} thee to bless {H1288} the house {H1004} of thy servant {H5650}, that it may continue for ever {H5769} before {H6440} thee: for thou, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, hast spoken {H1696} it: and with thy blessing {H1293} let the house {H1004} of thy servant {H5650} be blessed {H1288} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So may it please you to bless the family of your servant and thereby cause it to continue forever in your presence. For you, Adonai ELOHIM, have said it. May your servant's family be blessed forever by your blessing."

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.”

American Standard Version

now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee; for thou, O Lord Jehovah, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:29 serves as the profound climax of King David's prayer of thanksgiving, offered in humble yet confident response to God's unilateral and unconditional promise of an eternal dynasty. In this verse, David petitions the Lord to confirm and perpetually establish the "house" (dynasty) that God Himself has pledged to build. It encapsulates David's deep faith in God's unwavering faithfulness and his earnest desire for the perpetual fulfillment of the divine covenant, demonstrating a model of prayer firmly grounded in God's revealed word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes David's extended prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18 "2 Samuel 7:18-29 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). This prayer is a direct, awe-filled, and humble response to the Lord's astonishing covenant promise delivered through the prophet Nathan earlier in [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - The Davidic Covenant"). Crucially, God, not David, promises to build David a "house" (a lasting dynasty) and establish his kingdom and throne forever. David's prayer is characterized by profound gratitude and a recognition of God's sovereign initiative and unprecedented grace. Verse 29 functions as the climactic plea, where David, having fully absorbed the magnitude of God's promise, asks God to bring to fruition what He has already declared, emphasizing the eternal nature of the blessing. It is a prayer of affirmation, not of persuasion, aligning human desire with divine decree.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was customary for kings to establish their own legacy by building magnificent temples to their gods or erecting grand palaces for themselves, thereby securing their dynasty and divine favor. David initially harbored a similar ambition to build a "house" (a temple) for the Lord, as expressed in [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a Temple"). However, God remarkably reverses this expectation, declaring that He, the Lord, will build David a "house" (a dynasty) instead, one that will endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - God Promises David an Eternal Dynasty")). This divine initiative highlights God's sovereignty over human endeavors and His unique covenant relationship with Israel and its king. David's prayer, therefore, is not a demand but a humble acknowledgment of God's superior plan, aligning his desires with the divine will. The concept of "blessing" (Hebrew: *barak*) in this context signifies the bestowal of divine favor, prosperity, and the empowerment for continued existence and flourishing, ensuring the perpetuity of the promised lineage.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Divine Faithfulness**, as David's entire prayer, and especially verse 29, is predicated on the unshakeable truth that "thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]." David's confidence stems from God's character as a covenant-keeping God, whose word is reliable and eternally binding, as seen in passages like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). Another crucial theme is the **Eternal Nature of God's Promises**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which promises an everlasting kingdom and throne ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise of an Enduring Throne")). David's repeated plea for his "house" to "continue for ever" echoes and embraces this divine decree, looking beyond his lifetime to a perpetual lineage. Finally, **Humble Petition** is evident in David's self-identification as "thy servant" ([2 Samuel 7:27](/2_samuel/7-27 "2 Samuel 7:27 - David's Humble Acceptance")), acknowledging his complete dependence on God's grace and power, rather than any inherent merit. His prayer is a model of aligning human desire with divine revelation, trusting God to fulfill His own magnificent purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, used frequently in David's prayer, is profoundly significant. *ʼĂdônây* (Lord) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, mastery, and authority over all creation and human affairs. *Yᵉhôvih* (GOD, often rendered as Yahweh or the LORD) is God's personal, covenantal name, revealing His relational faithfulness, self-existence, and unwavering commitment to His promises. The combination "Lord GOD" powerfully underscores that the One who has spoken the covenant is both the supreme Ruler of the universe and the faithful, personal God who keeps His word. David's use of this title expresses his deep reverence and trust in the One who is both mighty and intimately involved in His people's history.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word carries a crucial double meaning throughout [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Initially, David desires to build a "house" (a physical temple) for God ([2 Samuel 7:5](/2_samuel/7-5 "2 Samuel 7:5 - God's Rejection of David's Temple Plan")). However, God responds by promising to build David a "house" (a lasting dynasty or lineage) ([2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "God Promises to Build David's House")). In verse 29, "the house of thy servant" refers unequivocally to David's royal lineage, his descendants, and the kingdom established through them. David's prayer is for the perpetual establishment and blessing of this dynasty, which God Himself has promised. The term *bayith* can refer to a family, household, or even a palace, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the promised dynastic stability.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** To "bless" in this context signifies the bestowal of divine favor, power, and prosperity, leading to flourishing and enduring existence. When God blesses, He empowers. David's repeated plea, "let it please thee to bless... let the house of thy servant be blessed," is a request for God to actively bestow His life-giving, sustaining, and prospering power upon his lineage. It's not merely a wish but a petition for God's active, ongoing, and eternal divine intervention to uphold the promised dynasty. The root *bârak* implies kneeling, suggesting a posture of adoration and humble reception of divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant":** David opens with a humble yet confident petition. The introductory "Therefore now" links directly to God's preceding promises, indicating that David's request is not arbitrary but rooted in God's revealed will and covenant. "Let it please thee" acknowledges God's sovereign prerogative and gracious disposition while expressing David's earnest desire for God to act. The request is for God to actively bestow His divine favor, power, and prosperity upon David's "house," specifically his royal lineage and future dynasty.
* **"that it may continue for ever before thee":** This clause articulates the desired outcome and the eternal scope of God's blessing: the perpetual establishment and enduring existence of David's dynasty. The phrase "before thee" implies that the enduring nature of the house is entirely dependent on God's presence, oversight, and sustaining power. It echoes God's own promise in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - Your House and Your Kingdom Shall Endure Forever"), demonstrating David's full reception and embrace of the covenant's eternal scope and its divine foundation.
* **"for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]":** This is the foundational rationale and ultimate ground for David's prayer. His confidence is not in his own merit, strength, or human efforts, but solely in the integrity, power, and unchangeable nature of God's word. The phrase "thou... hast spoken [it]" underscores God's faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His promises. It is precisely because the sovereign and covenant-keeping God has declared it that David can confidently ask for its fulfillment, knowing God is true to His word.
* **"and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and emphatic summation of David's plea. The repetition of "blessing" (H1293 *Bᵉrâkâh*) and "for ever" (H5769 *ʻôwlâm*) reinforces the depth of David's desire for the perpetual, divinely-empowered flourishing of his dynasty. It underscores that the endurance of his "house" is entirely contingent upon God's ongoing favor and active blessing, sealing the prayer with an appeal to God's own character and covenantal commitment.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 7:29 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the word "house" (referring to David's dynasty) appearing multiple times, emphasizing its central role in the covenant and David's prayer. The phrase "for ever" is also repeated, highlighting the eternal nature of God's promise and David's hope. This repetition creates a sense of solemnity and reinforces the enduring quality of the divine blessing. The verse is a prime example of **Petitionary Prayer**, where a supplicant humbly requests divine action based on divine character and promise. It utilizes **Covenant Language**, directly echoing and affirming the terms of the Davidic Covenant previously revealed by Nathan. There is also a subtle **Irony** present in the broader chapter context, where David's initial desire to build a "house" (a temple) for God is superseded by God's promise to build David a "house" (a dynasty), demonstrating God's sovereign initiative and reversal of human expectation. The entire prayer, culminating in this verse, functions as a powerful **Theological Affirmation** of God's faithfulness and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:29 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of prayer grounded in divine revelation. David's petition is not a desperate plea for something unknown, but a confident request for the fulfillment of God's explicit promises. This highlights the theological principle that true prayer aligns with God's will and character, trusting in His faithfulness to perform what He has spoken. The "eternal" nature of the blessing David seeks points forward to the enduring quality of God's covenants, which transcend human limitations and earthly reigns. This verse underscores God's commitment to His people and His grand redemptive plan, setting the stage for the progressive unfolding of the Davidic Covenant throughout biblical history, ultimately finding its complete and final realization in the Messiah.

* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David Confirmed")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary about Jesus' Eternal Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:29 provides a profound model for believers today. It teaches us to approach God's throne not with demands, but with humble gratitude and confident expectation, grounding our petitions in His revealed word and character. Just as David prayed for the fulfillment of a promise God had already given, we are called to pray in alignment with God's will, trusting that He is faithful to complete what He has begun in our lives and in the world. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, understanding God's promises, and then boldly, yet humbly, asking Him to bring them to pass. Our prayers should reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Furthermore, David's focus on the "eternal" nature of the blessing reminds us to lift our gaze beyond immediate circumstances and temporal desires, seeking God's enduring purposes and His everlasting kingdom, which is ultimately established in Christ. This posture of prayer transforms our desires, aligning them with God's perfect and eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's prayer, based on God's prior promise, influence your understanding of effective prayer?**
* **In what areas of your life can you pray with greater confidence, knowing that God "has spoken it" through His Word?**
* **What does David's humility in referring to himself as "thy servant" teach us about our posture before God, even when asking for great things?**
* **How does the "eternal" nature of God's blessing on David's house shape your perspective on God's plans for your own life and the world, particularly in light of Christ's eternal reign?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David's repeated use of "for ever" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "for ever" (Hebrew: *leʿôlām*) emphasizes the eternal and perpetual nature of the Davidic Covenant. It directly echoes God's promise in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise of an Enduring Throne") and [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - Your House and Your Kingdom Shall Endure Forever") that David's "house," "kingdom," and "throne" would be established forever. David's prayer is not merely for a long reign, but for an enduring dynasty that transcends human lifespans, recognizing the divine, eternal scope of God's promise. This points forward to the ultimate, unending reign of the Messiah.

**How does David's prayer for blessing relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?**

Answer: David's prayer beautifully illustrates the harmonious relationship between God's sovereignty and human prayer. David is not attempting to manipulate God or coerce Him into action. Instead, his prayer is a humble affirmation and request for the fulfillment of what God, in His sovereign grace, has already promised. David recognizes that God is the ultimate source of all blessing ("with thy blessing") and that the perpetuity of his house depends entirely on God's active, sovereign will. His prayer is an act of faith and submission, aligning his will with God's revealed purpose, rather than challenging God's authority. It demonstrates that genuine prayer is a response to God's initiative, trusting in His power to accomplish His declared purposes.

**What does "the house of thy servant" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Samuel 7:29, "the house of thy servant" refers specifically to David's royal dynasty—his lineage and the succession of kings that would descend from him. While the word "house" (Hebrew: *bayit*) can also mean a physical dwelling (like a temple), in this verse, and throughout the latter part of [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), it is used in the sense of a family line, a dynasty, or a lasting royal succession. David is praying for the eternal establishment and blessing of his future descendants who will sit on the throne of Israel, as promised by God. This dynastic promise is central to God's redemptive plan, ultimately culminating in the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:29, with David's earnest plea for his "house" to "continue for ever," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Davidic Covenant, which promises an eternal king and kingdom, was not merely about a perpetual earthly dynasty but pointed forward to a Messianic heir whose reign would truly be without end. Jesus, as the son of David according to the flesh ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the promised descendant who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's covenant with David. The angel Gabriel's prophecy 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/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary about Jesus' Eternal Reign")). David's prayer for an eternal blessing on his house is answered in Christ, whose spiritual kingdom transcends all earthly limitations and whose reign as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")) is truly eternal. Thus, David's humble petition, rooted in God's faithfulness, ultimately anticipates the coming of the Messiah, the one true and everlasting King, who brings eternal blessing not just to a physical lineage, but to all who believe in Him, establishing a spiritual "house" that will endure for all eternity ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ as Son Over God's House")).

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

1 Chronicles 17:27

Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and [it shall be] blessed for ever.

Numbers 6:24

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

Numbers 6:26

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

2 Samuel 22:51

[He is] the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Psalms 115:12

The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us]; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

Psalms 115:15

Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.