Sunday, September 21, 2013 - 2 Samuel 7:4-7

[Tek7]

But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: “Go to My servant David and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you to build a house for Me to live in? From the time I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have been moving around with a tent as My dwelling. In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’

2 Samuel 7:4-7, HCSB

I think there's a popular notion among Christians in the United States that if you have a strong desire for something good, especially something related to ministry, then it must be God's plan for your life. I would guess this notion originates with a certain interpretation of Psalm 37:4, but this notion, in my estimation, does not line up with a longer view of Scripture.

David was a man after God's own heart and he passionately desired to build a temple--a house for God. The desire was a good one, as evidenced by God's loving reaction even while denying David's request.

God's reasons are later revealed in 1 Chronicles 22:6-10, HCSB, but I haven't found a clear indication that God explained His reasoning for choosing Solomon to David immediately after giving His reply.

David's desires were good. Nathan recognized that. God recognized that. But God's answer remained "no." God still used David in a mighty way, but not in the way that David was hoping for or expecting.

I don't expect everyone to agree with my refuting the popular reading of Psalm 37:4, but I hope this post will at least encourage a deeper study and a thoughtful review of a wider range of Scripture.

 

[Abba San]

I think there's a popular notion among Christians in the United States that if you have a strong desire for something good, especially something related to ministry, then it must be God's plan for your life. I would guess this notion originates with a certain interpretation of Psalm 37:4, but this notion, in my estimation, does not line up with a longer view of Scripture.

That is so true. Thanks, Tek.