What does it mean that David will sleep with his fathers in 2 Samuel 7:12?
It means David would die a normal physical death and be gathered to his ancestors, not live forever on earth. God would not prevent his death, but would continue the promise by raising up his own descendant—ultimately Christ—whose kingdom and throne would be established forever.
Les explains that God was not going to intervene in the physical element of death; David would die and sleep with his fathers. But the promise continued: God would set up David's seed after him, which would proceed out of his bowels—in other words, His own Son. God would establish His kingdom, and He would build a house for God's name, with the throne of His kingdom forever. Les ties this to the kingly line promised from David down to the coming of Christ the King, the house of David. In verse 14 God says, “I will be His Father, and He shall be My Son,” and if He commits iniquity, God will chasten Him with the rod of men. Les points out Israel experienced such discipline repeatedly—as in Judges, where the nation went up and down spiritually—yet God never gave up on them.
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
More Questions
Who is the seed that proceeds out of David's bowels in 2 Samuel 7:12?
The seed that proceeds out of David's bowels is God's own Son (Jesus).