Who was God referring to in 2 Samuel 7 when he spoke to David through Nathan?
God was referring first and foremost to Solomon, who would build a house for God's name and begin the royal family whose throne God would establish forever. The passage also refers to the nation of Israel, which God would chasten with the rod of men when it committed iniquity.
Les explains that in 2 Samuel chapter 7, God speaks to David through the prophet Nathan and is referring first and foremost to Solomon. In verse 13, speaking of Solomon, God says, “He shall build a house for my name.” Les notes a two-fold meaning: Solomon would build the temple in Jerusalem, and he would also be the beginning of this royal family. God says, “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever,” which Les says goes beyond human history into eternity, dealing again with the realm of the Spirit. In verse 14, God says, “I will be his father, he shall be my son.” Les then says this is not talking just about Solomon but also about the nation. If he commits iniquity, God will chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men. Les points out that God has done this to the nation over and over because of Israel’s unbelief and sin.
He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
More Questions
What does 'he shall build a house for my name' mean in 2 Samuel 7:13?
The phrase 'he shall build a house for my name' in 2 Samuel 7:13 has a two-fold meaning: Solomon would build the temple in Jerusalem, and he would also be the beginning of the royal family.