Stroll through Scripture for October 20, 2024

Based on 2 Samuel 7:1–17

The Narrative Lectionary jumps us from Hannah’s story to God’s covenant with David — that his family line would continue on forever. The lectionary moved us past Samuel’s role as prophet, Saul’s kingship, and the early years of David as king. The kingdom is united under David, there is relative peace in the land, and all seems to be going well. It is at this point that David decides that God needs a temple, rather than a portable tent.

Nathan, who is now the prophet, initially blesses David in this endeavor. But God gives Nathan a word to share with David — the Davidic covenant. It starts off with these words — “Are you the one to build me a house to live in?” In a way, this is God reminding David of who is really in charge. While David might have a secure throne, it is only because of God’s doing. But this isn’t a pure rebuke of David. Instead, God offers a covenant with David to continue his family line in charge of Israel forever.

The interesting thing about this is that the covenant is told to Nathan, rather than directly to David. It is Nathan who then tells David what God has said and promised.

It’s important to remember roles here too. A prophet speaks on behalf of God to the people. A priest speaks on behalf of the people to God. In both cases, there is an intermediary between God and the people. In this case, Nathan is the intermediary between God and the leadership of God’s people.