7:1
“The Lord had given him rest from all his enemies”. Chapter 8 will record more battles, and it is likely that chronologically the events in chapter 8 preceded the events recounted in this chapter. This chapter has been placed before chapter 8 for thematic reasons. In the previous chapter we read of the eventual return of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. This only happened after an initial ill-fated attempt. This chapter too tells of David’s own plans being mistaken, and telling us what God’s actual plans are. In chapter 6 there was a harsh rebuke from God, in the death of Uzzah, and David seems to work out for himself what the correct way to do things was, i.e. follow the pattern set out in the Law. Now David is rebuked again, but in a far gentler fashion, and the revelation goes beyond the Law.
7:2,3
Nathan the prophet is introduced for the first time. There is no information regarding his background. David speaks to Nathan and tells him that he thinks it is wrong that he, David, is living in “a house of cedar” (i.e. is living in very comfortable surroundings) while the ark remains in a tent. Nathan’s initial response is “whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you”. This response is well meaning, but was not inspired by the Lord. Not everything a prophet says is a word from God.
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