Big Idea: The Lord blesses his chosen servants when they rely on his protection and seek to reflect his character in their dealings with others.

Understanding the Text

The narrator’s positive portrayal of King David continues in these chapters. Once David became king over all Israel, he conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and then turned the tables on the Philistines. He brought the ark to Jerusalem and intended to build a house (temple) for it. But then the Lord surprised David by announcing that he intended to build a house (dynasty) for David. He promised to establish David’s throne and assured him that, even if his descendants are disobedient, this will not nullify the promise. Armed with the Lord’s assuring promise to make the nation secure (2 Sam. 7:10–12), David now emb…