Who is God speaking about in 2 Samuel 7:14?
In 2 Samuel 7:14, God speaks first of Solomon, but the promise is not limited to him. The context extends to the nation of Israel, the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whom God will chasten when they commit iniquity.
Les teaches that in 2 Samuel 7, God is speaking to David through the prophet Nathan about the coming Kingdom. Verse 13 refers to Solomon building the Temple and having his kingdom throne established forever, not merely for forty years. But Les explains that verse 14 does not stop with Solomon; the father-son language also points to the nation of Israel, the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If they commit iniquity, God says He will chasten them with the rod of men, using other nations, which is exactly what happened when Israel became rebellious and steeped in unbelief or idolatry.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
What was the promised consequence of iniquity for Solomon or the nation in 2 Samuel 7:14?
In 2 Samuel 7:14, God promised that if Solomon or the nation committed iniquity, He would chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men. The context notes this discipline, then moves to a 'but' in verse 15.
Who is God really addressing in 2 Samuel 7:14, Solomon or Israel?
God is ultimately addressing the nation of Israel in 2 Samuel 7:14. Though the verse primarily speaks of Solomon in the immediate wording, the Davidic covenant looks to the long view of Israel as a whole. The chastening described applies to the nation, whom God would chasten through enemies and other means.
More Questions
Who is the "son" in II Samuel 7:14 that God says He will be a father to?
In II Samuel 7:14, "I will be his father, and he shall be my son" refers to the nation of Israel, and God's fatherly discipline of that son is like a good earthly father who disciplines his children, as the book of Hebrews makes plain.
Who does 'if he commit iniquity' refer to in 2 Samuel 7:14?
In 2 Samuel 7:14, God's statement 'if he commit iniquity' is not talking just about Solomon; it is also talking about the nation of Israel.
Who is the 'He' in 2 Samuel 7:14 who commits iniquity and is chastened?
Israel is the 'He' in 2 Samuel 7:14 who commits iniquity and is chastened by God with the rod of men and stripes of the children of men.
What will God do if the king or nation commits iniquity in 2 Samuel 7:14?
If he commits iniquity, God will chasten or discipline him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men.