An Eternal Throne
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With the disappointing word that he was not to build the temple, God promised David that He would sustain David’s family on the throne of Israel forever, and “David was also shown that the Messiah was to come in his lineage (see Acts 2:30).” David was so astonished by the idea that “his” throne would be established forever, he was speechless (1 Chronicles 17:18). “What could David say more to glorify God, in view of the unparalleled honor God had shown to His servant? David was overwhelmed by the high honor God had shown to him, and words failed him to express the feelings of gratefulness that welled up within his heart.” As David sat before the Lord, he finally found words to express his thankfulness (2 Samuel 7:18–29; 1 Chronicles 17:16–27). “O LORD, there is none like thee” (1 Chronicles 17:20).
God is unique in the entire universe. Jehovah is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. “It was a thought of constant comfort and cheer to the true Israelite to know that he belonged to God’s people—a people chosen, protected, and redeemed by Him. However, the same knowledge lulled many into a false security by causing them to ignore two facts: (1) that this status of ‘chosen people’ was also conditional on obedience (Ex. 19:5, 6); and (2) that true Israel included not merely the Hebrews, but people gathered from the ends of the earth, ‘every one that is called by my name’ (Isa. 43:1–7, 21).” David closes his prayer by asking God, if it pleases Him, to honor His promise. “At the same time he was fully aware of the possibility of human failure. But as God wished it, so he desired it to be and so he prayed that it might be.” Is your spirit in tune with God’s will?
