Introduction

King David unquestionably reigns as one of the premier characters in all of Old Testament literature.  He was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14), and God chose him as the initial recipient of an everlasting covenant.  Nathan the prophet comes to David in 2 Samuel 7:8-16 with a message from God concerning the future of his house and kingdom.

8 “Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel.
9 “I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth.
10 “I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly,
11 even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you.
12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men,
15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.
16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” ’ ”

This passage, and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 17:7-14, provides the formal statement of the covenant promises from God to David.  The covenant is anticipated in the times of the patriarchs and again during the exodus.  The Lord adds supplemental material in the histories of the kings (1 Kings-2 Chron.) and in the Psalms, helping to clarify the nature of the covenant and its relation to other covenants of God.  Finally, the prophets continue to allude to this covenant either directly or indirectly throughout Israel’s history leading up to the time of Christ.  The Davidic Covenant as given in 2 Samuel 7 formally establishes the promises and conditions concerning the kingship of Israel, resulting in hope for an abiding relationship with the Lord and national prosperity.