II Samuel

aThis chapter is found, with variations, also in 1 Chron. 17. When the king was settled in his palace and GOD had granted him safety from all the enemies around him,

the king said to the prophet Nathan: “Here I am dwelling in a house of cedar, while the Ark of GOD abides in a tent!”

Nathan said to the king, “Go and do whatever you have in mind, for GOD is with you.”

But that same night the word of GOD came to Nathan:

“Go and say to My servant David: Thus said GOD: Are you the one to build a house for Me to dwell in?

From the day that I brought the people of Israel out of Egypt to this day I have not dwelt in a house, but have moved about in Tent and Tabernacle.

As I moved about wherever the Israelites went, did I ever reproach any of the tribal leadersbleaders Understanding shibṭe as “scepters”; so Kimhi. 1 Chron. 17.6 reads “chieftains”; cf. below, v. 11. whom I appointed to care for My people Israel: Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?

“Further, say thus to My servant David: Thus said GOD of Hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be ruler of My people Israel,

and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut down all your enemies before you. Moreover, I will give you great renown like that of the greatest men on earth.

I will establish a home for My people Israel and will plant them firm, so that they shall dwell secure and shall tremble no more. Iniquitous people shall not oppress them anymore as in the past,

ever since I appointed chieftains over My people Israel. I will give you safety from all your enemies.“GOD declares to you: GOD will establish a housechouse I.e., a dynasty; play on “house” (i.e., temple) in v. 5. for you—

When your days are done and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own issue, and I will establish his kingship.

He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish his royal throne forever.

I will be a father to him,dI will be a father to him I.e., I will provide protection and guidance, while expecting loyalty in return. And he shall be a son to Me.When he does wrong,I will chastise himWith the rod of mortalsAnd the blows of humankind.eWith the rod of mortals / And the blows of humankind I.e., as a human father chastises a wayward son. Or “With the scepter of [hostile] parties and the afflictions of mortals,” i.e., respectively, foreign adversaries and disease.

“But I will never withdraw My favor from him as I withdrew it from Saul, whom I removed to make room for you.fto make room for you Lit. “from before you.”

Your house and your kingship shall ever be secure before you;gbefore you Septuagint reads “before Me,” i.e., “by My favor.” your throne shall be established forever.”

Nathan spoke to David in accordance with all these words and all this prophecy.

Then King David came and sat before GOD, and he said, “What am I, O Sovereign GOD, and what is my family, that You have brought me thus far?

Yet even this, O Sovereign GOD, has seemed too little to You; for You have spoken of Your servant’s house also for the future. May that be the law for the people,hMay that be the law for the people Meaning of Heb. uncertain. O Sovereign GOD.

What more can David say to You? You know Your servant, O Sovereign GOD.

For Your word’s sake and of Your own accordiFor Your word’s sake … accord Meaning of Heb. uncertain. You have wrought this great thing, and made it known to Your servant.

You are great indeed, O Sovereign GOD! There is none like You and there is no other God but You, as we have always heard.

And who is like Your people Israel, a unique nation on earth, whom God went and redeemed as a covenanted people, thus winning renown and doing great and marvelous deeds for themjthem Heb. “you,” apparently denoting Israel. [and] for Your land—[driving out]k[driving out] So 1 Chron. 17.21. nations and their gods before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt.

You have established Your people Israel as Your very own people forever; and You, O ETERNAL One, have become their God.

“And now, O ETERNAL God, fulfill Your promise to Your servant and his house forever; and do as You have promised.

And may Your name be glorified forever, in that men will say, ‘GOD of Hosts is God over Israel’; and may the house of Your servant David be established before You.

Because You, O GOD of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed to Your servant that You will build a house for him, Your servant has ventured to offer this prayer to You.

And now, O Sovereign GOD, You are God and Your words will surely come true, and You have made this gracious promise to Your servant.

Be pleased, therefore, to bless Your servant’s house, that it abide before You forever; for You, O Sovereign GOD, have spoken. May Your servant’s house be blessed forever by Your blessing.”