King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 7:1 Mean?
“And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;”
Context
1
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;
2
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
3
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(1) **Had given him rest.**—No intimation is given of how long this may have been after the events narrated in the last chapter; but it is evident that this narrative is placed here, not because it followed chronologically, but because it is closely related in subject, and the historian, after telling of the removal of the ark, wished to record in that connection David’s further purposes in the same direction. It must have been after the successful close of David’s principal foreign wars—“rest round about from all his enemies”—and the future in 2Samuel 7:10 does not necessarily imply that it was before the birth of Solomon; yet it is more likely to have been in a time of quiet prosperity, before the troubles of his latter years.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Samuel 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Samuel 7:1
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge