I don’t pretend to understand all the events and happenings in the second book of Samuel.  There are a lot of incidents that I would describe as extremely inappropriate behavior.  However, in the end, God vanquished all of David’s enemies and put him into the powerful position of King of Israel. 

Here is an observation about what occurs as David is sitting in his new house of cedar.  David suggests to the prophet Nathan that it doesn’t seem right that God should be living in a wooden tabernacle and traveling around in a tent, while he, David, lives in a comfortable, secure and cozy dwelling. David decides that he will build God a new house.  Nathan tells him to do as he will because he has God’s favor.

Later that night, God has a word with Nathan.  Basically, God says, “Look, Nathan, I didn’t ask for a new house.  I’m doing quite well in my tent, traveling from town to village and in between; visiting with the people and living among them.  I will let David know when it is time to build the new house.”  (Of course, you do know that this is my paraphrase.  I like to think that God often speaks to us in an understandable vernacular.)

An important note about this section of Holy Scripture is that this chapter outlines the covenant that God makes with David and his people.  God talks about establishing His kingdom with one of David’s descendants, “who will build a house in my Name” (2 Samuel 7:13) forever.  The promises made in this chapter prompt David’s Prayer in which a commitment is made to God and the covenant is acknowledged.

Even with this wonderful contract with God, I am intrigued by the concept of God continuing to live, not solely in the beautiful edifices that man has built for His glory, but in a tent, on the village greens, on mountain tops, travelling the highways and byways, alleys and streets, entering the hovels and mansions of the world.  God living among us!  God loving among us!  In today’s world, God’s light shining in all the corners and crevices.  Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Let’s build a House for God that doesn’t need walls of cedar or brick.  That doesn’t need a roof of tile or shingle.  That doesn’t need seats and vestments but needs only loving people moving together to worship the God who loves them and, that means you, unconditionally.

Read 2 Samuel 7 and cherish the promises made to you.

Terri

First published in 2018