2 Samuel 7:25-29
Verse 26 …so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight.
Having pointed out God’s greatness, David now continues his prayer of praise by pointing out that God’s promise, though directed at David and his family is really a promise for all of God’s people and it will be something that will bring awe into the hearts of even those who are not of the tribes of Israel. This promise is bigger than David and his people could have imagined.
David begins this section of his prayer by telling the Lord not to forget His promise to His servant. It isn’t that the king actually thought God would forget to do what He had said, he knew God well enough to know He made happen what He had planned, but David was showing the Lord that his hope was in Him. The king had witnessed firsthand how God orchestrates as He worked it out that David was now king of the united kingdom of Israel.
The nation also knew the Lord’s nature of promise keeping as there were stories handed down from generation to generation about God keeping His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and so many more. God had proven Himself over and over and David knew He would continue on for generations to come. As he was seeing his own sons grow, he was likely envisioning what it would be like for his sons and grandsons to be on his throne reigning over God’s people.
David mentions it is because of the Lord being a promise keeping God that he has the boldness to pray this prayer of praise. There is a courage that comes from knowing and understanding the various characteristics of the Lord. When we know what He is capable of doing and have seen Him do it in the past, there will be a joy to bring Him the things He has promised, reminding Him we haven’t forgotten.
David finishes his prayer by telling the Lord to be pleased with fulfilling His promises. He is saying he knows God will be happy with the results of His promise keeping which will continue forever because He has promised what will give Him pleasure. We tend to think about God’s promises being for our pleasure but that is only part of it, God makes promises that will bring Him joy.
Making It Personal
Do you keep your promises? Which of God’s promises brings you the greatest joy? Why do you think that promise pleases Him?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you keep your promises? What are some of Jesus’ promises? Why do you think those promises make Jesus happy?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your promises and for being a promise keeper. Give us the wisdom to keep our promises and to hold tightly to Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.