2 Samuel 7
On Monday, the Tampines Neighborhood fellowship had a sharing session on prayers. We were asked to share our experiences of how God answered or did not answer our prayers.
We shared openly about our understanding regarding prayers, and even some of our weaknesses in our prayers.
To me, that session was a very edifying one and as I pondered while listening to the brethren’s sharing, I asked myself, “what kind of attitude must I have if God were to refuse to answer my prayers?”
So as I read today’s chapter, it struck me that David has given me a very good answer to my question.
Let me share how I feel about David’s good attitude when the Lord refused to allow him to build a temple for God.
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 7
David had the heart to build a Temple for God, but God refused his good intention. All of us can see that David was totally disappointed, but he dealt with it very wisely, even in a Godly manner.
Total Submission To God’s Greatness
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
2Samuel 7:18
After Prophet Nathan related to David all that God had told him, David must have felt very disappointed that his zeal for God had been turned down.
If we visualize the scenario in the above verse, I think it can be very touching. It is like a troubled son talking intimately with his father.
I see David walking slowly into the Tabernacle with his head drooping, after entering, he sat down (probably on the floor) and pondered for a great while over what God had said through the prophet. Then he opened his mouth to pray to God.
But as he prayed to God, his initial tone may sound sad and disappointed, but as he continued, his prayer was gradually filled with thanksgivings and praises.
David humbly accepted all of God’s words through Prophet Nathan, and he did not try to change the mind of God by pleading with Him; for David truly knew that God knew what were the best things for him.
Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
2Samuel 7:22
God had not appointed David for the matter of building a Temple for His Name, but to bring about peace for the children of Israel. (ref. 7: 1)
In fact, God said “No” to David in this matter of building a Temple for His Name, so that He could say “Yes” to something better in David’s life – establishing his throne forever through his offspring. (ref. 7: 12 & 13)
Knowing We Are Precious In God’s Sight
“Who am I, O Lord GOD?” And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
2Samuel 7:18
“And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God
went to redeem for Himself as a people,…”
2Samuel 7:23
David knew that man is not worthy of God’s attention, yet God had done great and awesome deeds for His people.
David’s military success was well-known among the nations, and now with such great blessing bestowed upon him, but he humbly attributed all these goodness to the Lord.
Indeed when we understand the greatness of God, and also how He showers His great love upon those whom He called to be His children, there is nothing that we need to be anxious about.
There are times when we feel so zealous in doing something for God, but we face apparent hindrances and even failures, do we quickly get discouraged that God is not pleased with our zeal?
Or sometimes when we pray hard for certain desires in us, desires not of selfish satisfaction, but there seems to be no answers from God, do we quickly feel that God doesn’t love us?
Let us be encouraged by the records in this chapter, of David’s prayer, that God doesn’t see us as insignificant, but He knew very well what He has appointed us for, and He also knows what are the best for us.
A very apt and favorite verse that we often come across:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
In all things, we must know that God is in control and always remember that we must allow God to do His will, for “This is my Father’s world” not ours. He knows what are the best things for us and for His people, for those who love Him.
May God enlighten us in regards to our prayers, to always know that God listens to our every prayer, and with a steadfast faith, let God decide the rest.
Shalom!
One Comment
PS
When David told Nathan that he wanted to build a dwelling place for God, Nathan supported David and even blessed him (2 Sam 7:3).
The word of the LORD came to Nathan in the night (2 Sam 7:4).
2 Sam 7:17 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.
The message was delivered with no hesitation and no distortion. Nathan was a faithful servant of God.
May be David could accept God’s will that he was not the one to build a house for God’s name bec God told him that his son was to build it. David had the hope that his zeal to serve God would be accomplished by his son.
2 Sam 7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”
David reflected on his life and counted his blessings. David realised that it was God who brought him to where he was. In front of God who brought him thus far, David could not and would not insist on his idea.
May be Hope + Self-realization spurred David’s total submission to the will of God.
In Nathan’s message from God, God said,”Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant (chinese bible:栽培) them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously.” (2 Sam 7:10)
David was a king bec there were Israelites. The Israelites were people of God. The people of God were to dwell in the place where God appointed. God would let them take root and grow in that place.
God is spirit. He does not need a house to dwell. But His workers and prophets needed places to stay and teach His people.
Wonder where did Nathan stay?
Wonder whether David had done anything for the prophets at Naioth in Ramah where Samuel used to stay and lead them? (1 Sam 19:18 and 20) Or the city of Nob? (1 Sam 21:1, 22:19)