When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.  (2 Samuel 7:12)

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back to my series on “Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation.” Last week, we began discussing “Understanding Faith in Christ Jesus.” Given the depth of this topic, we split Part 1 into two posts (Part 1.0 and Part 1.1). In Part 1.0, we covered:

The Joshua Generation:

God is raising a generation that will worship Him sincerely, honouring His true nature. This generation, known as the Joshua Generation, is being shaped to truly understand and see God.

Faith in Christ Jesus:

We explored Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s question in Matthew 11:6. The discussion emphasized having steadfast faith in the Messiah, even during challenging times.

In Part 1.1, we will explore the connection between the Old and New Testaments to understand Jesus Christ’s role in our salvation.

Let’s start by examining the narrative of 2 Samuel 7:1-16:

The Davidic Covenant

2 Samuel 7:1-16 is a significant passage in the Bible, often referred to as the Davidic Covenant. Here’s a brief background:

Context: King David, having secured his reign and peace, wishes to build a temple for God. He feels it’s inappropriate to live in a cedar house while the Ark of the Covenant remains in a tent. Cedar, described in the Bible as a tree planted by God, symbolizes strength, beauty, and durability. David’s cedar house reflects these qualities, showcasing his pride.

Nathan’s Reply: In 2 Samuel 7:3, Nathan tells David, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” David shares his desire to build a temple with Nathan, but this is not God’s will. Are all our desires aligned with God’s will? Sometimes, we act on our own will rather than God’s. Was Nathan wrong in his response? Is the Lord always with us in our plans, even if they feel right in our spirit?

God’s Response: In 2 Samuel 7:4-11, God responds to David’s desire to build a house for Him through the prophet Nathan. Initially, Nathan supports David’s plan, but God later reveals a different intention. Instead of David building a house for God, God promises to establish a house for David.  

God’s Promises to King David 

“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.  But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.  Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” (2 Samuel 7:11-16)

God’s Declaration: The Lord promises to establish a house for David, ensuring his lineage will continue. David’s offspring will build a house for God’s Name, and his kingdom will be established forever.   

The Covenant: This covenant guarantees that David’s lineage will endure forever. It promises that David’s son will build the temple. This act foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. 

Significance: This covenant is crucial as it ties together the promises made to Abraham and the future hope of a Messiah. While David wanted to build a physical temple, God’s promise shifts the focus to a spiritual legacy. The “house” God promises to build for David is not a physical structure but a lasting dynasty and spiritual heritage.  

Unlike other covenants that required human obedience, the Davidic Covenant is unconditional. God’s promise to David is based on His own faithfulness and not on David’s actions, highlighting God’s grace and sovereignty. This covenant ties together the promises made to Abraham and the future hope of a Messiah. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through David’s lineage. 

From David to the New Testament   

The narrative of 2 Samuel 7:1-16 serves as a pivotal junction in the biblical story. It connects the covenant made with David to the overarching message of the New Testament. It’s a celebration of continuity, where the faithfulness of the Lord transcends generations.  

The emergence of the New Testament is deeply rooted in the traditions and revelations of the Old Testament. It’s not a replacement but rather a fulfillment—a blossoming of seeds planted long ago. The Old Testament is the foundation upon which the New Testament unfolds. It reveals the consistent and unchanging nature of God’s promises.  

Belief in the New Testament is integral to the Christian faith. It is here that the narrative of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is told. Through these accounts, believers encounter the risen Christ. Matthew 28:7 depicts the angel instructing the disciples. They are told to share the news of Jesus’ resurrection and His journey ahead into Galilee.  

The New Testament introduces us to Jesus Christ. He is a figure who fulfills Old Testament prophecy. He is also the embodiment of God’s love and salvation. The New Testament is Christ Jesus and out of the Old Testament came Christ. To embrace the New Testament is to embrace Christ Himself. It means to understand His teachings and to recognize His divine role in bridging humanity with the divine.  

The mission of Christ, as outlined in the New Testament, is multifaceted:  

 – He unites us in love, breaking down barriers and fostering a spirit of unity.  

– He delivers us from adversity, offering freedom from the forces that seek to harm.  

– He guides us to a closer relationship with God, inviting us into a deeper spiritual connection.  

– He renews our hearts, inspiring transformation and purity within.  

– He imparts His teachings directly to our hearts, nurturing a personal and communal understanding of His word.  

– He inaugurates the Kingdom of God, establishing a realm characterized by justice, peace, and righteousness.  

This continuity from the Old Testament to the New Testament is not merely a historical or theological concept. It is a living reality. This shapes the faith journey of every believer. It’s a testament to the enduring love and commitment of God to His people, from the days of David to the present and beyond. 

Bridging the Old and New Testaments 

The Christian Bible is divided into the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT), each with distinct characteristics. The OT is rooted in laws for God’s chosen people. It highlights a covenant and the anticipation of a Messiah. The NT focuses on grace and salvation through Jesus Christ’s narrative. The OT contains 39 books written in Hebrew over centuries, whereas the NT has 27 books in Greek, written within a shorter span. Historically, the OT covers from creation to Abraham. This sets the stage for the NT. The NT follows from Abraham to Jesus and the early Church.   

How do we transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament? 

How can we move from believing in God’s promises to seeing them fulfilled in our lives? 

To transition from the Old Testament (OT) to the New Testament (NT), one must understand who Jesus is. It also involves recognizing God’s promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7. God declares that it is not our role to build a house for Him; instead, He will build a house for His name. Our responsibility is to inherit the house He has established for us, which represents the future of our faith. In this house, our faith is nurtured and sustained by God. 

From Genesis to Revelation  

The Bible opens with the book of Genesis, detailing the creation of the universe, and concludes with the book of Revelation, which speaks of the end of days. These two books present complex themes that challenge our understanding. In my view, teaching and understanding Genesis is simpler compared to Revelation.   

As you progress through the books of the Bible, the complexity of comprehension increases. This is particularly evident when transitioning from the Old Testament (OT) to the New Testament (NT). As you transition to the New Testament (NT), understanding becomes more challenging due to the nature of Christ. Many struggle to grasp who Christ is, making it difficult to comprehend His identity and person. The NT reveals the identity of Christ and defines Him in Jesus. To truly understand Christ, one must delve into the NT.

Understanding Christ makes the New Testament the most challenging part of the Bible to read. Many misbeliefs stem from the New Testament, as people grapple with comprehending or doubting Christ. While many grasp the concept of Christ, understanding Jesus as a person often poses difficulties. Transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament is a complex journey. This transition requires faith in Jesus Christ’s identity and personhood. It often leads to controversies.

The connection between the OT and NT is further illustrated in 2 Samuel 7:11-14. In this passage, the Lord promises King David that his lineage will endure forever. This prophecy is seen as a reference to Jesus Christ. This link is also echoed in Genesis 49:8-12, where the coming of Shiloh, or the Messiah, is foretold.  

Understanding Christ thus requires an understanding of God’s message throughout the Bible, from the prophecies given to King David to the fulfillment of these prophecies in the NT. It’s a journey that intertwines faith, history, and theology, inviting believers to seek a deeper knowledge of their faith.  

Navigating the Complexity of the New Testament  

Understanding the New Testament (NT) can be more challenging than the Old Testament (OT) because it chronicles the life of Christ, who became flesh in the NT. As you journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, the complexity of God’s Word increases. Contrary to what one might think, teaching and preaching the NT is not easier than the OT. The NT encompasses God’s promise to David (2 Samuel 7), involving the key of the house of David, the kingdom, and the throne, making understanding Christ in the NT intricate.

2 Samuel chapter 7 serves as a bridge between the OT and the NT. It represents the sowing of the seed that connects the two testaments. To grasp the NT, one must start with 2 Samuel 7 to comprehend the kingdom of God. Unlike earthly kingdoms, God’s kingdom is eternal, crafted by His hand.

Understanding God requires understanding His kingdom principles. As stated in verse 14, “I will be his father, and he will be my son.” This principle of father and son is crucial. God promises David in verse 12, “When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.”

How do we establish God in Jesus? This is a crucial question, as highlighted in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. 

The breath of life, freely bestowed by God, is what makes man a living being. In the lineage of David, this divine breath is a metaphor for the spiritual life that is sustained through God’s presence.  

For a person to truly live, they must receive the breath of life, which God generously bestows upon Man (Genesis 2:7). God will breathe life into the descendants of David, making them living beings. This breath embodies the life of Christ. Christ sacrificed Himself. He did this so that we might receive this divine breath of life from God. It is a gift freely given to all. It is the Spirit of God that saves us from death. 

God imparted His spirit to us, granting us the freedom we enjoy today. However, merely associating with Jesus Christ does not guarantee salvation. Actively embodying His teachings and spirit offers true liberation. True salvation comes through worshiping God. Jesus is the key to our salvation. 

The NT, though complex, provides profound insights. It reveals the nature of God’s kingdom and our relationship with God. It challenges us to delve deeper into scripture. We must seek understanding beyond the surface. We are encouraged to live out the principles of faith in our daily lives. The journey through the NT is not just about reading words on a page. It involves experiencing the transformative power of God’s eternal promise. 

Summary 

• Jesus in the Old Testament: The text discusses how Jesus is referenced in the Old Testament, particularly in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David that his offspring will establish an everlasting kingdom. 

• Bridge Between Testaments: It emphasizes the importance of understanding 2 Samuel 7. This is crucial for bridging the Old and New Testaments. It lays the foundation for understanding Jesus’ role and God’s kingdom. 

• Kingdom Principles: The passage highlights the kingdom principles of God. It focuses on the relationship between the Father and the Son, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 7:14. 

We examined God’s promises to King David about his house, his throne, and his kingdom. Understanding Christ is essential to grasping these promises. The New Testament reveals the identity of Christ and who Jesus is. It defines Christ in Jesus.  

Call-to-Action

Join the Journey of Faith! 

As we delve deeper into the Davidic Covenant and its significance in our salvation through Jesus Christ, let’s reflect on God’s unwavering promises and His redemptive plan.

I’ll share with you in the next post “Who is Jesus?” Join us next week as we delve deeper into the essence of faith and explore how we can articulate the presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Don’t miss out on these insightful discussions!  

Subscribe to our blog for more insights. Be part of a community that seeks to understand faith in Christ Jesus. Live out this faith with us. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 

Let’s journey together in understanding and living our faith in Christ Jesus! 🙏 

Written by Eunice Forson 

Stay tuned for post #2 in our series next Monday. 

Did you like this post? Share it! Like it! Leave a comment! Follow us!