2<\/strong>. Nathan the prophet<\/em> ] The first mention of one of the most eminent men in the reigns of David and Solomon. It was he who rebuked David for his sin with Bathsheba (ch. 2Sa 12:1<\/span> ff.); who became Solomon’s tutor (ch. 2Sa 12:25<\/span>, note), and took a leading part in securing his succession to the throne (1Ki 1:22<\/span> ff.); who wrote a history of the reign of David and of part at least of the reign of Solomon (1Ch 29:29<\/span>; 2Ch 9:29<\/span>), from which in all probability a large portion of the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, is derived.<\/p>\n within curtains<\/em> ] The term applied in Exo 26:1<\/span> ff; Exo 36:8<\/span> ff., to the coverings of the tabernacle.<\/p>\n Nathan the prophet – <\/B>Here first mentioned, but playing an important part afterward (e. g. 2Sa 12:1<\/span>; 1Ki 1:10<\/U><\/span>; 1Ch 29:29<\/span>; 2Ch 9:29<\/span>). From the two last passages it appears that he wrote the history of Davids reign, and a part at least of Solomons. His distinctive title is the prophet, that of Gad the seer (compare 1Sa 9:9<\/span>). He was probably nuch younger than David. In 2Sa 7:3<\/span>, he spoke his own private opinion; in 2Sa 7:4<\/span>, this was corrected by the word of the Lord.<\/P><\/p>\n Verse 2<\/span>. I dwell in a house of cedar<\/B><\/I>] That is, a house whose principal beams, ceiling, and wainscot, were cedar.<\/P> <\/P> Dwelleth within curtains.<\/B><\/I>] Having no other residence but the tabernacle, which was a place covered with the skins<\/I> of beasts, Ex 26:14<\/span>.<\/P> <\/p>\n i.e. In a tent or tabernacle, 1Sa 7:6<\/span> composed of several curtains, Exo 26:1<\/span>, &c. <\/P> <\/p>\n 2. the king said unto Nathan theprophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar<\/B>The palace whichHiram had sent men and materials to build in Jerusalem had beenfinished. It was magnificent for that age, though made wholly ofwood: houses in warm countries not being required to possess thesolidity and thickness of walls which are requisite for dwellings inregions exposed to rain and cold. Cedar was the rarest and mostvaluable timber. The elegance and splendor of his own royal mansion,contrasted with the mean and temporary tabernacle in which the ark ofGod was placed, distressed the pious mind of David.<\/P><\/p>\n That the king said unto Nathan the prophet<\/strong>,…. This is the first time this prophet is made mention of, but often afterwards, yet who he was, and from whence he came, is not known; he appears to be a man of great piety and prudence, as well as endowed with a prophetic spirit, and was very familiar with David, and perhaps dwelt in his palace; being a man on all accounts fit for conversation with princes, to whom David imparted what he had been meditating upon in his heart. The Jews have a tradition t that he was the same with Jonathan the son of Shimea, the brother of David, 2Sa 21:21<\/span>; which is not very likely:<\/p>\n see now, I dwell in an house of cedar<\/strong>; made of the cedars of Lebanon; see what a spacious palace it is:<\/p>\n but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains<\/strong>; in a tabernacle within curtains, as the Targum; not the tabernacle of Moses, for that was at Gibeon, 1Ch 21:29<\/span>; but that which David had made for it, which consisted of curtains that were drawn around it, 2Sa 6:17<\/span>. It gave him a concern that he should dwell in so magnificent a palace, and the ark of God should have so mean an habitation; wherefore it was upon his mind to build a grand edifice for it, and this he suggested hereby to Nathan, and so he understood him, as appears by what follows; and the rather he was led to such a thought, being now at rest and in peace; for then it was an house was to be built for God, in which he would cause his name to dwell, as David might easily learn from De 12:9<\/span>; and who so proper to set forward such a work as a king, and he when at rest from his enemies?<\/p>\n t Hieron. Trad. Heb. in 2 Reg. fol. 79. M. & in lib. Paralipom. fol. 89. B. F.<\/p>\n (2) Nathan.<\/strong>This is the first mention of him, but he was already a confidential counsellor of the king, and became prominent later in this reign and in the opening of that of Solomon (2 Samuel 12<\/span>; 1Ki. 1:10<\/span>; 1Ki. 1:12<\/span>; 1Ki. 1:34<\/span>; 1Ki. 1:38<\/span>). Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer wrote parts of the history of this and the succeeding reign (1Ch. 29:29<\/span>; 2Ch. 9:29<\/span>).<\/p>\n Within curtains.<\/strong>This is the word used in Exodus 26<\/span> and 36 for the covering of the tabernacle. The ark was not now within that, but in a similar temporary structure. Davids heart is moved by a comparison of his own royal residence with the inferior provision for the ark. Compare the opposite state of things among the returned exiles in Hag. 1:10<\/span>.<\/p>\n 2<\/strong>. <\/strong> I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark within curtains <\/strong> A compunctious thought and feeling. He had housed himself right royally, while the sacred symbol of Jehovah’s presence had been quite neglected. <\/p>\n Within curtains <\/strong> Literally, in the midst of the curtain, <\/em> (1Ch 17:1<\/span>,) under curtains, <\/em> that is, tent-coverings, woven of goat’s hair. Exo 26:7<\/span>. On the tent in which the ark then abode, see note on<\/p>\n 2Sa 6:17<\/span>.<\/p>\n 2Sa 7:2<\/span><\/em><\/strong>. <\/strong>Nathan the prophet<\/em><\/strong><\/strong> Nathan was both polite and prudent, and knew how to temper the severity of wisdom with the sweetness of good manners. Grotius compares him to Manlius Lepidus, who is celebrated by Tacitus, “for diverting the emperor Tiberius from such cruel purposes, as the vile flattery of others was apt to instigate him to.” He compares him likewise to Piso, the chief priest of the Romans, who is described by the same historian as one who was never guilty of the least degree of servile adulation, but upon all occasions truly master of his tempter. It must be confessed, however, that Nathan went beyond these two celebrated personages; he knew how to reprove princes with authority, and yet without offence, without losing the least degree of interest or influence, or affection from his sovereign: on the contrary, he increased in both so much, that, as tradition tells us, David named one son after him, and committed another, even his favourite and successor, to his tuition and instruction. <\/p>\n 2Sa 7:2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.<\/p>\n Ver. 2. That the king said unto Nathan the prophet.<\/strong> ] This he said out of that ardent devotion and zeal kindled and increased in him by his late religious joy at the removal of the ark; by the presence whereof he tasted more and more how good the Lord was: and thereupon consulted with himself and Nathan about a fit retribution: saying in effect as Psa 116:12<\/span> . The building of a temple non tantum voluit, sed et vovit,<\/em> he both designed and vowed, Psa 132:2 but herein he failed, that he would run before the Lord’s commandment. So hard it is to hold the golden mean, and not to mingle some sin with our best actions. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n See now, I dwell in an house of cedar.<\/strong> ] Ahab dwelt in a palace of ivory, and yet had no thoughts of heart for God and his service. The thoughts of the wicked are little worth. Pro 10:20 <\/p>\n Nathan. The first occurrence of his name. Compare 1Ch 29:29. An important figure in David’s reign, and associated with his son Solomon (verses: 2Sa 7:12, 2Sa 7:13; 2Sa 12:25. 1Ki 1:10-45). <\/p>\n See now. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6. <\/p>\n of. Genitive of Material. App-17, <\/p>\n God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. <\/p>\n curtains. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for the tent formed by them. Compare 2Sa 6:17. <\/p>\n Nathan: 2Sa 12:1, 1Ch 29:29 <\/p>\n I dwell: 2Sa 5:11, 1Ch 14:1, Jer 22:13-15, Hag 1:4 <\/p>\n the ark: Psa 132:5, Joh 2:17, Act 7:46 <\/p>\n curtains: 2Sa 6:17, Exo 26:1-14, Exo 40:21, 1Ch 16:1, 2Ch 1:4 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: Exo 26:2 – curtain Exo 35:17 – The hangings 1Sa 1:9 – General 2Sa 11:11 – The ark 2Sa 15:25 – habitation 2Sa 16:11 – came forth 1Ki 1:8 – Nathan 1Ki 1:26 – General 1Ki 4:5 – son of Nathan 1Ki 8:17 – General 1Ch 3:5 – Nathan 1Ch 13:2 – and that it be 1Ch 17:1 – as David 1Ch 22:7 – it was in 1Ch 28:2 – I had in mine heart 2Ch 6:7 – General 2Ch 29:25 – Nathan Psa 30:1 – at the Jer 22:14 – ceiled with cedar Hos 12:9 – yet Zec 12:12 – Nathan<\/p>\n WHICH IS GRANDER? GODS HOUSE OR MINE?<\/p>\n I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.<\/p>\n 2Sa 7:2<\/p>\n I. The first lesson we should note is how well David employed his time of rest.He was at peace just then, and all was well with him, yet his heart was full of the glory of the Lord. Erasmus, in one of his witty letters, tells a story about a storm he had been in. One of the passengers, when the ship was like to sink, was overheard praying to the Virgin very earnestly, and vowing to her any number of great candles if only she would bring him safe ashore. Some one upbraided him for such a vow, knowing well he had no money to fulfil it. But the man said, Hush! If I once get ashore, catch me giving her a single candle. Now as this passenger acted towards the Virgin, so do a great many people act towards God. In times of peril or distress or illness they are ready to promise all kinds of strange obedience; but when the quiet days come, and when the sun is shining, and when they are free from pain and are at rest, how quickly they forget the eager promise and the vows they so passionately uttered in the storm! But David was a man after Gods own heart. He cried to Him when the sky was black as midnight. When the lion and the bear came up to rend his flock, when he stood against the champion Goliath, then he relied upon Jehovahs help. But when all was at rest with him, he did not forget. When the peril was over, he walked with his Redeemer. And it is that stability, through storm and peace, that is the sure sign-manual of the saint.<\/p>\n II. Learn how God honours a good purpose.God said to David, It was good that it was in thine heart (1Ki 8:18). Not for David was the building of the Templenever by his hands was it to be rearedyet the fact that he had dwelt on such a scheme was very pleasing in the eyes of heaven. So God refuses Davids offer to build Him a house, but He wraps up His refusal in such a burst of grace and glory and revelation that David forgets to be disappointed, and can only marvel at the greatness and goodness of God. It was not that God was displeased with Davids desire to build Him a house; indeed, He said, Thou didst well that it was in thine heart.<\/p>\n III. The last lesson is how God tempers and illuminates His disappointments.This was a very sore disappointment to King David, yet what a chapter of glorious promises conveys it! God shows him how he had watched him in the past. God tells the honour and glory of the future. He opens the eyes of David to the wings of love that are arched over the whole of his career. He says to him, To-day I disappoint you; but do not think of to-day all by itself. Lay it against the background of a love that never failed you yet, and never will. But God had another plan for His loved servant; and when David saw it, it was so much better than his own plan that he cried out in an ecstasy: Wherefore, Thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.<\/p>\n Illustrations<\/p>\n (1) I knew a girl who made the early resolve that she would give her life to foreign missions. But as she grew to womanhood her health gave way, and she knew that never could she build her temple. Yet that early purpose so impressed her character, and so filled her with loving interest in Christs kingdom; it made her such a blessing to her friends, and touched so many with missionary zeal: that she has heard God saying not once, but fifty times, It was good that it was in thy heart. <\/p>\n (2) When neas, in the tale of Virgil, flies from Troy, he makes his father, Anchises, carry the sacred things. Fresh from carnage as neas was, he felt it would be impiety to touch them. And a similar feeling broods upon this story, and keeps David from his cherished purpose, as if the hands which were imbrued in slaughter, must not erect the house of heavenly mercy. (See 1Ch 22:8.)<\/p>\n (3) Note the gentleness and considerateness of Gods dealings with His people. David seems surprised, almost overwhelmed, by the graciousness of the message which he received. His disappointment was so sweetly tempered by recallings of past mercies, and assurances of continual favour. Illustrate from the expressions used in Psa 18:25-27. If we can plainly see that Gods ways with us are gracious at one time, we can trust that they are gracious at another time, when they may seem strange to us. He doeth all things well. <\/p>\n (4) How good it is to sit before the Lordnot exactly praying or asking, but communingspeaking as a man with his friend. We can but say, Do as Thou hast said, and may solace ourselves on the absolute certainty that every word will be fulfilled.<\/p>\n (5) Here we meet him in a new light. He is devout as well as daring. He has his hour and his place for prayer as well as for statesmanship. If David and Daniel, men of business, were also men of prayer, surely we have no excuse for neglecting this privilege. He who makes a business of prayer will be pretty sure to make a prayer of business. We need learn the lesson with which our study opens. The busiest man in all that land was the man who went in and sat before the Lord.<\/p>\n For we, brought forth and reared in hours<\/p>\n Of change, alarm, surprise,<\/p>\n What shelter to grow ripe is ours,<\/p>\n What leisure to grow wise?<\/p>\n 7:2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within {a} curtains.<\/p>\n (a) Within the tabernacle covered with skins, Exo 26:7.<\/p>\n That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. 2. Nathan the prophet ] The first mention of one of the most eminent men in the reigns of David and Solomon. It was he who rebuked David for his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 7:2”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8194"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8194\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"