The steadfast love of the Lord - for David

We have been looking at David's use of "the steadfast love of the Lord" throughout the Psalms. It is one key theme of the entire psalter, used by a number of the authors. "The steadfast love" is so common in David's psalms, as to appear axiomatic. I have argued that David is reflecting on the Torah, and specifically on God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 33 and 34). Of all the appearances in the psalms, it is only in David's that Exodus 34:6 is quoted entire and intact.

But there is certainly a more personal element here as well. Today we look at 2 Samuel 7, a foundational episode in David's life, and a theologically rich touchpoint. At the opening of the chapter, David is dwelling secure in his own lovely house. He feels he must do something for God, who has done so much for him. God's presence in Israel was represented by the ark of the covenant, which was housed in an elaborate tent (the tabernacle). "See now," David said to his prophet, Nathan,  "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent." And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you." (2 Samuel 7:2,3)

Imagine Nathan's surprise when, that very evening, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, correcting his advice to the king, and delivering a message for David. A house for God was clearly not God's idea, or he would have mentioned it. (verses 6-7)

David wanted to do something for God. Now imagine David's surprise when he hears the word of the Lord: namely, that God is far from done with doing for David! After reviewing what he has already done, he continues: "And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth ... And I will give you rest from all your enemies ... the Lord will make you [emphasis added] a house." (verses 9-11)

"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him [emphasis added], as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever." (verses 12-17)

David's following prayer (vv. 18-29) recounts the evidence of God's steadfast love for Israel, and for the house of David. It looks back with thanksgiving, and looks forward in faith. In this word to David, he understands that God has made a promise guaranteed by his own character, "my steadfast love." How could this not shape David's praise for all the years to come?

We know full well that Solomon failed, and the long history of David's line includes outrageous failures and surprising successes. Through it all, God reminds his people through the prophets that he remains faithful to this promise given to David. His steadfast love for his people prevails even in the preservation of their flawed rulers. To what end? The ultimate "offspring" of David turns out not to be Solomon at all (who built a fabulous "house" for God), but the King whose birth we celebrate in just one month - our Lord Jesus Christ. King Jesus is building a greater house for God, with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation; living stones being built into a temple for his glory ... the church!

David's meditation on God's steadfast love helps us, who read and sing the psalms, to look back and see God's work in history. And it helps us look especially at God's greatest work - the incarnation, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness!) And it helps us to look forward to his coming again. The steadfast love of the Lord will keep us until we are united with him, by our death or his return.

Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!

Sing on