God’s Covenant with David – Youth STS Lesson 237

“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom”

2 Samuel 7:12 (Memory Verse)

Introduction

The covenant between God and David was a special one that affects him, his descendants and the world. Through this covenant, Christ came and established a better covenant based upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). He is the only Mediator of the new covenant. It is interesting to know that both the Davidic covenant and the new covenant were based on the mercy of God. “But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee” (2 Samuel 7:15). “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

Question 1: What gave rise to the Davidic covenant?

David was king over Israel. He discovered that the ark of God was not where it should be. He then desired to prepare a place or build a house for the ark. He was passionate, prayerful and prepared adequately for the project. When we have a desire to serve the Lord, He also will fulfil His promises to us. From this desire of David, he received greater promises from the Lord. The Scripture says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Be part of God’s plan, then you will enjoy His promises.

DAVID’S PROPOSAL TO BUILD GOD’S HOUSE

2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-8; Acts 7:44-46; 1 Chronicles 22:6-12; 29:1-5; Haggai 1:7,8; 2:18,19

“And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies” (verse 1). Progress and prosperity take place when there is peace. No individual or nation can make progress without peace. Here, David enjoyed rest and peace in his kingdom. This enabled him to think of carrying out infrastructural development for God. No wonder God commands His children to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psalm 122:6,7).

“…The king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” (verse 2). It is wonderful and great to have a spiritual leader who counsels and gives direction. Youths should be grateful to God for giving them leaders who take care of the spiritual and other aspects of their lives. David called Nathan to consider his proposal, whether it was right. Nathan responded quickly thus: “Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee” (verse 3). Counsellors should hear from the Lord before giving response to counsellees. In the case of Nathan, God rejected David’s proposal to build Him a house. “Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?” (verse 5). Nathan went back to deliver the corrected message to David. Leaders should be humble to correct their mistake whenever it is discovered.

However, God’s rejection of David’s intention did not mean that He rejected him. Second, David also did not feel bad or dejected because of God’s rejection. He accepted God’s plan and followed His programme which brought about the Davidic covenant for the benefit of the whole world. The main reason for God’s refusal was that David had shed a great deal of blood.

Question 2: Why did God reject David’s proposal to build Him a house?

“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight” (1 Chronicles 22:7,8). Though David did not build the house he proposed, he made adequate and abundant provisions for the building which Solomon later constructed. He did not only make provisions, he also called on others to consecrate for God’s service. “The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” (1 Chronicles 29:5).

Question 3: Should Christian youths be involved in the building construction of their churches?

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD” (Haggai 1:7,8). It is scripturally right for youths to get involved in the construction work in their churches. They can do this by making financial, professional or moral contributions. This is a divine way to breakthrough and prosperity in life.

DIVINE PROMISES FOR DAVID AND HIS HOUSE

2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15; Psalm 89:1-4,20-37

“Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel” (verse 8). Although God rejected David’s request to build Him a house, the Lord still called him His servant. The Lord restated how He appointed him ruler over His people, Israel. Through this appointment, the Lord granted him protection, preservation, promotion, prosperity and progress (verses 8,9). He further promised to build David a house and establish his kingdom forever.

“Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime” (verse 10). On the part of Israel, the Lord promised them permanent inheritance and peace. That is, a place where the children of the wicked will not afflict them anymore. What a great and wonderful promise! “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom” (verse 12). Furthermore, the Lord promised to make David’s son king and to establish his kingdom. If he committed sin, He will correct and restore him by His mercy.

The primary fulfilment of this covenant was for David and his son Solomon. However, permanent and prophetic fulfilment is in Christ. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:16,17). Hence, as the only Mediator of the new covenant, He grants all who accept Him by faith the benefits of the covenant.

Question 4: How does this covenant benefit Christian youths today?

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14). Therefore, today, all those who are saved by faith through Jesus Christ have a part in the covenant including all the promises and blessings God gave to David.

DAVID’S PRAYER FOR FULFILMENT OF DIVINE PROMISES

2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Chronicles 17:16-27; Jeremiah 29:10-13; Ezekiel 36:8-12,37,38; Psalm 132:1-5

“Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” (verse 18). The secret of getting the faithfulness of God to fulfil His promises is revealed in the attitude of King David. Immediately Nathan told him of God’s plan, he “sat before the LORD” in prayer. Prayer is the key to receiving the fulfilment of God’s promises. Youths should endeavour to learn the secret of getting God’s promises fulfilled in their lives from David. Hence, after receiving great promises from God, they must pray for the fulfilment. “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37).

Question 5: What were the essential ingredients of David’s prayer?

David’s prayer had some essential ingredients in it. One, he had a sense of humility (verse 18). He expressed it thus: “Who am I, O Lord GOD?” (verse 18). Two, he appealed to the Scriptures and to God’s faithfulness for His great plan. “For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them” (verse 21). Three, he recognised the supremacy of God (verse 22). Four, he further acknowledged the salvation of Israel from Egyptian bondage by God’s great power (verses 22,23). Five, he declared the faithfulness of God to make Israel a special people, “For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God” (verse 24).

“And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said” (verse 25). After David had recalled God’s mercy, faithfulness, kindness, goodness and love for him, his family and the nation, he called on God to do exactly the words He had spoken concerning His servant and his house. Six, he affirmed the source of his confidence in prayer (verse 25). This is taking the word of the Lord back to Him because He cannot lie. Seven, his prayer focused on God’s name and His plan for Israel (verses 26,27). How we need to learn from David on how to pray with confidence and trust that God will fulfil His word for us.

“And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever” (verses 28,29). The benefits of his prayer still rest on God’s promise today through Jesus Christ. What is the impact and effect of your prayers today?