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King David feels uncomfortable that the ark rests in a tent, and he desires to provide a proper residence for the Lord. Since God has demonstrated his presence with David in all previous undertakings, Nathan gives the king approval to build.
God, however, appears to express his disapproval of David’s project. David must delay building the temple and serve in a preparatory role for another king (vv.4-6). Historically, God never commanded the people to construct a permanent sanctuary. A mobile shrine was adequate up to this point, so David need not hurry to build a temple.
In vv.7-14 God promises a house to David. God had lifted David from his flock to become the shepherd of Israel. He had assisted David in defeating the nation’s enemies and will now exalt David’s name. God promises to plant the people in the land and to give rest from opposition. This is a reversal of an exilic situation, which the returnees have experienced. They will find peace in their inherited homeland.
The king’s offspring will come to the throne and build the temple. God will establish an everlasting filial relationship with David’s child. At this point in the narrative the author deletes the correction motif of 2Sa 7:14. David’s throne will last forever unconditionally. In other passages, especially those concerning Solomon and later kings, a provisional component stresses the interplay of divine promise and human response (1Ch 22:6-10; 28:2-10; 2Ch 6:15-17; 7:17-18; 13:5; 21:7; 23:3). Here, however, God stresses that he will set Solomon and his dynasty over Israel forever. Though Israel had a human king, the real ruler was God. Note 1Ch 10:14; 28:5; 29:11, 23; 2Ch 9:8; 13:8. See also the original request for a king as recorded in 1Sa 8:7.
David responds with awe to this remarkable oracle (vv.16-27). He recognizes God’s grace in crowning him. God is now promising to exceed the past and the present blessings to produce a future dynasty. The king affirms God’s lordship over him. The Lord is the incomparable One. He sought Israel to be his unique people. The prayer moves from the miracles of the Exodus to God’s work in establishing the Davidic monarchy. God redeemed the nation and made a name for himself by his awesome deeds in setting up this everlasting kingship. David invites the Lord to accomplish his word regarding the dynasty and the temple. God will establish his name and provide a witness to humankind of his faithfulness to his promises.
David’s final words recapitulate the main concerns of his prayer (vv.25-27). God’s promise, a revelation of divine grace, has provided the occasion for the king’s words. The king affirms the incomparable nature of the Lord. The Lord makes fulfillable promises; whatever he pledges is as good as done.