The Lord’s remarkable promise to King David recorded in 2 Samuel 7:4-17 (compare 1 Chr 17:3-15) may justifiably be described as the theological pinnacle of the Old Testament. With pledges such as "I will make your name great" (v. 9) and "I will provide a place for my people Israel" (v. 10), the Davidic promise of 2 Samuel 7 recalls the covenant first made with Abraham (Gn 12:1-3) and refocuses it on David. And with pledges such as "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (v. 13) and "I will be his father, and he will be my son" (v. 14), it anticipates the messianic hope that becomes increasingly dominant in the pages of the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the advent of "Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham" (Mt 1.1).
David wanted to do something for God; but God insisted, rather, on involving David in something wonderful that he was doing for David—and ultimately for us! In and through Jesus, the greater son of David, we are brought into a "kingdom (that] will endure forever" (v. 16). To such grace we can only respond as David did: "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD!" (v. 22)
Lord, how astonishing is your care for your people. Though we might wish to do something for you, you ever outdo us with blessings that we could never have anticipated and can never repay. Thank you!