2 Samuel 7 19

2 Samuel 7:19 kjv

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

2 Samuel 7:19 nkjv

And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

2 Samuel 7:19 niv

And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant?and this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human!

2 Samuel 7:19 esv

And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!

2 Samuel 7:19 nlt

And now, Sovereign LORD, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign LORD?

2 Samuel 7 verses

2 Samuel 7 19 Meaning

2 Samuel 7:19 expresses King David's profound astonishment and humility in response to the extraordinary covenant God has just made with him. David recognizes that God's past blessings have been immense, yet God now promises even greater and enduring favor – not just for David himself, but for his descendants and for a perpetual dynasty. The verse culminates in a powerful declaration that this grand design extends into the far future, reaching even to the ultimate purpose and destiny of humanity, highlighting God's boundless grace that far exceeds human expectation or merit.

2 Samuel 7 19 Context

2 Samuel chapter 7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history and in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. David, now established as king in Jerusalem and dwelling in a palace, desires to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, acknowledging God's holiness. However, God, through the prophet Nathan, clarifies that He does not need a "house" built by human hands. Instead, in an extraordinary display of divine sovereignty and grace, God promises to build a "house" for David – not a physical structure, but an eternal dynasty and an everlasting kingdom through his descendants. This divine oracle, known as the Davidic Covenant, promises an heir whose throne will be established forever. Verses 18-29 record David's humble and awe-filled prayer in response to this astonishing revelation. Verse 19 specifically delves into the incomprehensible scope of God's promise, extending beyond David's immediate future to encompass generations yet unborn, and even a larger purpose for all mankind.

2 Samuel 7 19 Word analysis

• And this: Connecting directly to the covenant God has just pronounced (2 Sam 7:11b-16). David immediately recognizes its profound significance.
• was yet a small thing: The Hebrew is המעט (ha-me'aṭ), meaning "the small thing" or "is it too little?" David views all the blessings God has already bestowed upon him—making him king, giving him rest from enemies, establishing his name—as just a prelude to the infinitely greater promise just revealed. God's generosity surpasses David's greatest expectations or deservingness.
• in Your eyes: An anthropomorphic expression indicating God's perspective and judgment. It means God considers His previous immense blessings as a mere beginning compared to the vastness of the future covenant.
• O Lord GOD: The repetition of אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (Adonai Yahweh) – a dual address emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty ("Master") and His covenant faithfulness ("YHWH"). It underscores David's reverence and acknowledges God's unique authority over history and prophecy. This is David’s respectful and submissive form of address, expressing profound gratitude.
• for You have spoken also: God has not merely acted, but has spoken, which in biblical thought signifies authoritative decree and faithful promise that will undoubtedly come to pass. The addition "also" signifies that this future promise is an extension and amplification of His already given blessings.
• of Your servant's house: The "house" here, בּית עבדך (beyt avdekha), unequivocally refers to David's dynasty, his lineage, and succession of kings, contrasting with the literal "house" (temple) David had wanted to build for God.
• for a great while to come: The Hebrew למרחוק (le-marḥoq) literally means "to a distant place" or "afar off," often referring to time, implying an indefinite future or permanence. It powerfully conveys the eternal scope and far-reaching implications of God's covenant with David's line, hinting at an everlasting kingdom and a never-ending dynasty.
• and this is the Torah of mankind: This is the most debated phrase in the verse: וזאת תורת האדם (ve-zot torat ha'adam).
  • וזאת (ve-zot): "and this is," connecting this statement to the preceding promise.
  • תורת (torat): "teaching," "instruction," "law," or "manner/custom." It can refer to divine instruction, but also to common human practice or destiny.
  • האדם (ha'adam): "the man," "mankind," "humanity."
  • Interpretation Group 1 (God's plan for humanity): Many scholars understand this as referring to God's ultimate redemptive plan for humanity as a whole, specifically through David's line, culminating in the Messiah. It suggests that the Davidic covenant is foundational to the unfolding of God’s purpose for mankind, hinting at a "destination" or "ultimate instruction" for human history. This aligns with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Son of David.
  • Interpretation Group 2 (The custom/way of man): Other interpretations suggest David marveling at God's extraordinary condescension. "Is this the manner/custom of man, O Lord GOD?" (NIV footnote) – implying that such royal treatment and eternal covenant are utterly unprecedented and beyond human norms of interaction. Kings deal with subjects differently, but God, the true King, deals with His "servant" in such a gracious and future-oriented way. It expresses David’s amazement that God relates to humble man in such a high, future-securing way, rather than men dealing with other men in such an extraordinary fashion.
  • Interpretation Group 3 (Making David like great men): A minority view understands תורת האדם as meaning God elevates David to be like the "law-givers" or "princes" among men, conferring great honor.The most robust interpretation emphasizes God’s eternal plan for mankind through David’s seed, recognizing its Messianic overtones.

2 Samuel 7 19 Bonus section

• The stark contrast between David's aspiration to build God a physical "house" and God's sovereign choice to build David an eternal, spiritual "house" (dynasty) is crucial. God’s thoughts are indeed higher than man’s thoughts.
• David's repeated use of "Lord GOD" emphasizes his understanding of God's absolute power and covenant-keeping nature, recognizing the unmerited nature of this divine favor.
• The "great while to come" serves as a key indicator of the prophetic, long-term nature of this covenant. It moves beyond typical human kingly reigns to an eternal dimension, which is only truly fulfilled in Christ's everlasting kingdom.
• This verse underpins the theological backbone of God's progressive revelation. The promise given to David becomes a foundational block upon which subsequent prophecies and ultimately the New Covenant are built. It showcases God's steadfast commitment to His people and His unfolding plan of salvation for humanity.

2 Samuel 7 19 Commentary

2 Samuel 7:19 serves as the climax of David's prayer of gratitude and profound humility following God's monumental Davidic Covenant. David begins by marveling at God's prior blessings, stating they were "yet a small thing" compared to the unprecedented scope of the future promises. This isn't diminishing God's past grace, but magnifying the new revelation: God promises an enduring dynasty for David's house, extending "for a great while to come"—a future so distant and eternal that it points unmistakably towards the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The final phrase, "and this is the Torah of mankind, O Lord GOD," is laden with prophetic significance. It either speaks to the incredible condescension of God, who relates to a human being with such profound covenant faithfulness beyond any human custom, or more powerfully, it unveils the larger divine instruction or destiny for all humanity that is intimately tied to this covenant and David’s eternal lineage. This verse encapsulates David's recognition that God’s plan is not merely for him and his family, but holds cosmic and redemptive implications for all of humanity, far beyond any human request or imagination. It's a testament to God's unfathomable grace and His meticulous sovereignty over history.