Read: 2 Samuel 5:12; 2 Samuel 7:8-16; 2 Samuel 7:22-29; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36; Psalm 89:19-37.
David believed that God’s promise to establish David’s family forever on the throne of Israel was part of the fulfillment of the promises with Abraham and the Israelites. David was selected as God’s chosen king, as the Israelites were selected as God’s chosen people. Through this kingship, God would protect and bless them forever. He would use Israel to demonstrate to the other nations his love, holiness, and sovereignty so that all people would know and worship him.
As with the other covenants with Abraham and the Israelites, this special privilege included certain responsibilities. A list of expectations for the king had been given to Moses in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, just as expectations had been given to Abraham and the law had been given to the Israelites. As God’s mission has a universal scope, the king and Israel also would be expected to be a living witness to the nations about God.
- Compare the covenant made with David to those made with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 18:17-19; Genesis 22:17-18,) and the Israelites (Exodus 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 14:1-12 and 26:16-19). What privileges and responsibilities are in each?
- In 2 Samuel 7, God promises to establish David’s throne forever. Matthew 1:1-17 traces the lineage from Abraham to David to the Messiah. How would you explain to someone how David’s kingdom is still established today? Which privileges and responsibilities apply today?
- There are many instances in scripture where David calls to the Israelites, other kings and nations, different members of the creation, and the whole earth to praise and worship God. See Psalm 40:9-10; Psalm 86:9; Psalm 103:22; Psalm 138:4-5; Psalm 145:10-12 and 145:21. In what ways do you and your church encourage different groups in all the earth to do the same?