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.
Les teaches that II Samuel chapter 7 records the Davidic covenant, which God made with David concerning his offspring, the nation of Israel. The royal line of David's house would lead to the coming King, the Christ, the Messiah, coming down through Solomon on one side and Nathan on the other. Les explains that verse 14 speaks primarily of Solomon: 'I will be his father, 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.' Yet even though it sounds like God is only addressing Solomon in particular, Les says God is looking at the long view of the whole nation of Israel—that is who He is really talking to. God would chasten the nation of Israel through their enemies and various other ways. Then verse 15 begins with 'But,' which Les calls the flip side: yes, He will chasten them, dealing harshly with them when they come into unbelief and abject behavior.
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:
More Questions
How does God discipline Israel according to 2 Samuel 7:14?
God will discipline His Son, the nation of Israel, just as a good earthly father disciplines his children, as Hebrews makes plain.
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.