March 18, 2024 - 2 Samuel 7-8

God’s covenant with David.  After reminding David about all that he has done for him up to this point, God promises David:  a great name, a place and protection for Israel, peace, and a royal dynasty.  Regarding this last, the Lord declared:  “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (7:16).  An eternal kingdom with an eternal ruler!  The Son of David!

David’s response:  “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?  And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord? . . . Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness . . . you are great, O Lord God.  For there is none like you” (7:18,19,21,22).  That’s about the right response, I think.  David is so small but God is so great.  It is always good to acknowledge the Lord’s gifts and to display a grateful heart.  Our God is good!

Fain would my soul with wonder trace

Thy mercies, O my God;

And tell the riches of Thy grace--

The merits of Thy blood.

With Israel’s King, my heart would cry,

While I review Thy ways,

Tell my, my Saviour, who am I,

That I should see Thy face?

Formed by Thy hand, and formed for Thee,

I would be ever Thine:

My Saviour, make my spirit free,

With beams of mercy shine.

Fain would my soul with rapture dwell

On Thy redeeming grace;

Oh for a thousand tongues to tell

My dear Redeemer’s praise.   -- Joel Abraham Knight (1810)