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)