Thoughts on the Bible Readings (2 Samuel 7, Jeremiah 12 and Matthew 23) for July 22nd

In 2 Samuel 7 we have a most remarkable reading. The chapter is best known for the promise that the LORD makes with David. One should also look at the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 17. But the chapter is incredible for a range of reasons. As mentioned in yesterday's commentary we have an enacted and protracted parable that extends across 2 Samuel 6-8. In these chapters we have revealed David's understanding about the king-priest Melchizedek and how that man typifies Christ. Verses 1-3 of the chapter tells of David's restlessness when he thinks of his own lavish lifestyle compared to the ark of the Sovereign of the Universe being housed in a tent. He tells the prophet Nathan of his intentions to build a glorious house for God. Nathan endorses the king's love of his LORD. However in verses 4-11 the prophet is told that Yahweh will not allow a man of war to build a temple for a time of peace. David is additionally instructed that although the Almighty understands David's intentions He has not to this point in time sought for a grand place in which He will be worshiped. Is the idea of a magnificent house appropriate? Yes in so far as it reflects the respect of the worshippers and reminds them of the Majesty of the Heavens. For further thoughts on this consider Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple: 1 Kings 8 versex 12-30; and the temple of Ezekiel's prophecy Ezekiel 42-47. The prophet's message says that more importantly than David building a house for God will be his Sovereign building a house - ie household - for David. And that "house" would be founded on the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the message of the remainder of the chapter. Verses 12-16 give the details of our Heavenly Father's promise to David. There is a partial fulfilment of the terms with respect to Solomon; but in their totality they can only be applied to Jesus Christ. David is told that the promise will occur when he is dead and buried - verse 12. Solomon came to the throne when David was still alive. The heir of the kingdom - verse 13 - would be a direct descendant of David, and yet also be the Son of God - verse 14 - see the angel Gabriel's words to Mary in Luke 1:30-35. That this son would suffer for sin (though not his own: John Thomas - Elpis Israel, page 302, translates verse 14: "In his suffering for iniquity... and with the stripes due to the sons of men"). The LORD's chesed - stedfast love - would continue with David's special seed: Christ. And David thought having died would see the fulfilment of the promise - in the kingdom having been raised from the dead. The phrase in verse 16 "before your face" literally means' in your presence': see Psalm 16 and Acts 2 verses 22-36. When David sat before the ark of the LORD he was enacting the role of the king-priest Melchizedek, but he knew that he was symbolising the Lord Jesus Christ as David said in the parallel account, 

1 Chronicles 17 verses 17: "a man of high degree" - Hebrew 'the law of the Adam who ascends' ie to the right hand of His Father. 18-29 tell of David's prayer of gratitude. But we need also to see what he did in the enactment of the parable which tells us what David understood from God's promise to him. The promise to bring greatness to David's house was but a small thing for the Almighty. And, says David, its fulfilment lay in the distant future: 2 Samuel 23 verses1-7. This is because it focuses on the Messiah. In verse 21-29 David magnifies God and praises the LORD's majesty and care for all of His children from the time of Israel's redemption out of Egypt. When we exalt ourselves we make God small; but when the Omnipotent Creator is seen as He truly and rightly is is we take our rightful place.

In Jeremiah 12 verses1-5 the prophet express his complaint to the LORD. Jeremiah sees the wicked seemingly prospering and he calls upon his Sovereign to reward the nation according to their doings. The prophet says that he is confident that the Almighty knows his heart and when he endures trial his God will save him. When the LORD God answers Jeremiah He challenges the prophet by telling Jeremiah that although things are difficult now they will get far worse. In verses 6-13 Yahweh says that He has already forsaken His house and delivered His heritage - Judah - to the ravages of the Babylonian lion. The wild beasts would thrive in the desolate land that was once the glory of all lands and the envy of the world. A nation who were originally shepherds - Babylon - had driven the flock of the LORD from His Land. Judah had sown what they believed to be wheat but the harvest they reaped was thorns. And so God had punished His people. In verses 14-18 Yahweh will punish all of Judah's evil neighbours. This is quoted by James in Acts 15 verses 16-18 where he links this Scripture with Amos 9 verses 11-15. God says that He will restore His nation when they return to Him and forsake the baals that they now swore by.

In Matthew 23 our Lord Jesus pronounced 8 woes, or curses, upon the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees. Indeed Jesus indicated that many of their instructions showed that they had perceived what God's law required of them, but they had failed to practise the law of their Sovereign. Verse 9 tells us that many churches act against Jesus' clear teaching to call no man father, since only One is our Father, God Himself, who is in heaven. Similarly none of us is to be called the Teacher; for Christ our Master is alone to be called that. Humility is the key ingredient for a disciple's life. Christ's outlining of the beatitudes of Matthew 5 stand in stark contrast to the 8 cursings in this chapter. For these reasons Jesus pronounced their house - that is the city of Jerusalem (compare these words with our Jeremiah readings) - desolate (just like the leprous house of Leviticus 14 verses 39-45). This state would continue until our Lord Jesus' second advent which advent would be heralded by the restoration of the state of Israel. Under the reign of Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ the nation will finally be healed - see verses 37-39. The take home message for all who would be God's children is in verses 23-24. The Pharisees were 'penny wise, but pound foolish'. If you wish to focus on minor matters then ensure that you don't impose your values on others and try to focus on the monumental matters. Read the words aloud and ponder their lessons for you.