What does the 'But' at the start of II Samuel 7:15 teach about God's mercy toward Israel?
The 'But' in II Samuel 7:15 contrasts Israel's failures and God's discipline with His unwavering mercy. Even when the nation falls short or becomes unbelieving, God declares that His mercy shall not depart from them. Though He chastens them repeatedly with the rod of men, they remain under His thumb.
Les teaches that II Samuel 7 is where the covenant begins, as God speaks to David through the prophet. God promises that after David sleeps with his fathers, He will set up David's seed from his innermost being and establish his kingdom. This is not merely Solomon's 40 years of rule, but the royal bloodline carrying through history to the New Testament. In verse 14 God says He will be Israel's father and they will be His son; if they commit iniquity, He will discipline them as a good earthly father disciplines, using other nations, the rod of men, and the stripes of men. Then verse 15 opens with 'But.' Les explains that no matter how far Israel falls short or how unbelieving the nation becomes, God says His mercy shall not depart from them. History shows God has chastened them time after time, yet they are still under His thumb. The 'But' therefore marks the assurance that divine mercy remains even when discipline is required.
But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
More Questions
What does the "But" in II Samuel 7:15 show about God's mercy toward Israel even when they fail?
The word "But" at the start of II Samuel 7:15 means that even though Israel falls short and is often unbelieving, God says His mercy shall not depart from them.
What does the But in 2 Samuel 7:15 mean for Israel?
The opening But of 2 Samuel 7:15 means that even if Israel falls short or is unbelieving, God's mercy will not depart from them.
In 2 Samuel 7:15, does God ever take His mercy away from Israel?
Even though Israel falls short and is often unbelieving, God says 'My mercy shall not depart from them,' so his mercy to Israel is permanent.