16 The phrase your house and your kingdom is a hendiadys which can be translated “your royal house” (McCarter); see 1 Sam. 25:28 for “an enduring house” that refers to the Davidic dynasty. Note that the eternity of the Davidic throne is especially emphasized here with the final clause your throne will be established forever. Even if David’s sons are like Saul and unworthy to sit on the throne of their father, the throne will not remain empty. A line of succession of David’s throne is here promised, until the real son, the messiah, eventually comes.[1]
7:16 — “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”
The Lord ultimately fulfilled this promise in the “Son of David,” Jesus Christ, who rules forever.[2]
7:16 Your house … your kingdom … your throne. Lk 1:32b, 33 indicates that these 3 terms are fulfilled in Jesus, “… 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.” forever. This word conveys the idea of 1) an indeterminately long time or 2) into eternity future. It does not mean that there cannot be interruptions, but rather that the outcome is guaranteed. Christ’s Davidic reign will conclude human history.[3]
| 7:16 The three promises in this verse—the permanence of David’s dynasty, kingdom, and throne—summarize Yahweh’s 10 promises in 2 Sam 7:9–15. They are mentioned three times in Psa 89:4, 29, 36. Central to the nt is the understanding of Jesus as the culmination and ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. All four Gospels recognize Jesus as the Son of David (especially Luke; see Luke 1:32, 69). The “kingdom of God” (or “kingdom of heaven”) language of the Gospel accounts also affirm the other aspects of 2 Sam 7:16, identifying Jesus’ kingdom as inaugurated on earth but not yet fully realized—with its full realization happening in Jesus’ return. Paul likewise testifies to Jesus’ Davidic heritage, particularly in Rom 1:3 and 2 Tim 2:8. In addition, Revelation acknowledges Jesus’ ancestry (see Rev 5:5; 22:16). By identifying Jesus as a descendant of David, the nt authors affirm their conviction that Jesus is Yahweh’s ultimate anointed ruler (Messiah or Christ) from the Davidic line.[4] |
7:16 Beginning with v. 10, Nathan announces the terms of an unconditional promise from God to David. This Davidic covenant was not based upon what David would do or fail to do, but upon what God through His eternal purpose of grace determined to do for David (cf. Gen. 9:13, note). The promise encompassed the following terms: (1) the kingdom of David’s son Solomon would be established after David’s death (v. 12); (2) that son would build the temple which David wished to construct (v. 13); (3) David’s house (family) would never end (v. 16); and (4) David’s throne would be eternally established (v. 16). The first two promises were fulfilled during Solomon’s reign; the last two were messianic, anticipating the future millennial reign of David’s Son, the Christ (cf. Ps. 89:3, 4, 26–37; Ezek. 34:23, 24; Lk. 1:32).[5]
[1] Tsumura, D. T. (2019). The Second Book of Samuel (E. J. Young, R. K. Harrison, & R. L. Hubbard Jr., Eds.; p. 139). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[2] Stanley, C. F. (2005). The Charles F. Stanley life principles Bible: New King James Version (2 Sa 7:16). Nelson Bibles.
[3] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Sa 7:16). Thomas Nelson Publishers.
[4] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (2 Sa 7:16). Lexham Press.
[5] Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen, E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J., eds. (1991). Believer’s Study Bible (electronic ed., 2 Sa 7:16). Thomas Nelson.
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