"And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."-2 Samuel 7:16 (NKJV)
The Israelites were governed by a series of judges after they settled in the Promised Land. This period in Israel's history is recorded in the book of Judges and was marked by a deficiency of strong moral leadership among the people as they went through a cycle of falling away and returning to the Lord. Eventually, the Israelites cried out for a king to rule over them. So they appointed Saul, who had the "look" of a king but lacked the spiritual character to lead the nation.
Enter David. God forsook Saul and raised up David to assume the throne. David was a skilled warrior, but his most valuable attribute was a heart after God (1 Samuel 13:14), which anchored him throughout the ups and downs of life. It sparkles and shines like a precious gem amid the rest of the Old Testament.
There was a special bond between God and David, so much so that the Lord gave him a personal prophecy concerning his lineage. Although there would be periods of failure and even captivity, God promised David that his kingdom would be established forever. Unlike other empires the earth has witnessed, the kingdom David established will extend into eternity. At first, this seems impossible because every man is mortal, but not when your heir is the King of Eternity!
Jesus perfectly fulfilled the prophecy that David's throne would last forever because He came into this world as an heir of David (Matthew 1:6) as well as the Son of God who will rule for all eternity.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth . . . .-Philippians 2:9-10 (NKJV)
Discuss with your group the relationship between David and the Lord. David was described as “a man after God’s heart.” What does this statement mean to you? Who do you know that could be described that way?
Dig into 2 Samuel 7:8–16. What do you find interesting about this prophetic message? How was the prophecy concerning David’ s kingdom fulfilled? How does this declaration from Nathan reflect the generous heart of God? How does this passage deepen your appreciation for God’s chosen people?
Decide as a group how you might support and encourage those who are leading your church. Bless them by praying for them and offering some expression of thanks or service back to them.
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