2 Samuel 7:1-17

2 Samuel 7:1-17
NL307

BibleHub

NowI when the kingII was settledIII in his houseIV

Notes on verse 1a

I {untranslated} = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
II “king” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
III “settled” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
IV “house” = bayit. Probably from banah (to build, make, set up, obtain children; to build literally or figuratively). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.

and the LordV had given him restVI from allVII his enemiesVIII aroundIX him, 

Notes on verse 1b

V “Lord” = YHVH. Related to {untranslated} in v1. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note I above). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
VI “given…rest” = nuach. This is to rest, calm, camp, free, place, remain, satisfy, settle, station, or wait. It is rest and so implies settling down in a literal or figurative sense. This is perhaps the root verb of the name “Noah.”
VII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
VIII “enemies” = oyeb. From ayab (to hate or be hostile to). This is a foe or enemy as one that you are hostile to.
IX “around” = sabib. From sabab (turning around, going around; to surround, cast, walk, fetch; to revolve or border in a literal or figurative sense). This is a circuit or a circle. It could refer to an environment, one’s neighbors, or a circular path round about.

the king saidX to the prophetXI Nathan,XII “SeeXIII now,XIV

Notes on verse 2a

X “said” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
XI “prophet” = nabi. This is prophet, prophecy, speaker, or someone inspired.
XII “Nathan” = Natan. From natan (to give, put, set, offer; to give literally or figuratively). This is Nathan, meaning “given” or “[God] gives.”
XIII “see” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
XIV “now” = na. This particle is used for requests or for urging. It can be we pray, now, I ask you, oh. This is the same “na” in “hosanna.”

I am livingXV in a house of cedar,XVI but the arkXVII of GodXVIII staysXIX inXX a tent.”XXI 

Notes on verse 2b

XV “living” = yashab. Same as “settled” in v1. See note III above.
XVI “cedar” = erez. Perhaps from araz (made from cedar; to be firm, strong). This is cedar or a cedar tree as strong.
XVII “ark” = aron. Perhaps from arah (to gather or pluck). This is a chest, box, or coffin. It is used for the Ark of the Covenant.
XVIII “God” = Elohim.
XIX “stays” = yashab. Same as “settled” in v1. See note III above.
XX “in” = tavek. This is among, middle, in the midst, the center. Perhaps, properly, to sever.
XXI “tent” = yeriah. From yara (to tremble, fear, quiver). This is a hanging curtain – a tent curtain that can shake.

Nathan said to the king, “Go,XXII doXXIII all that you have in mind,XXIV for the Lord is with you.”

Notes on verse 3

XXII “go” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XXIII “do” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XXIV “mind” = lebab. May be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses). This is the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will. Heart is only used in a figurative sense in the Old and New Testaments.

ButXXV that same nightXXVI the wordXXVII of the Lord cameXXVIII to Nathan,XXIX 

Notes on verse 4

XXV {untranslated} = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
XXVI “night” = layil. Properly, this refers to light twisting away. It is used for night or midnight. Figuratively, this can mean adversity.
XXVII “word” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
XXVIII “came” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
XXIX {untranslated} = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note X above.

“Go and tellXXX my servantXXXI David:XXXII ThusXXXIII says the Lord: Are you the one to buildXXXIV me a house to live in? 

Notes on verse 5

XXX “tell” = amar. Same as “said” in v2. See note X above.
XXXI “servant” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
XXXII “David” = David. From the same as dod (beloved, love, uncle); the root may mean to boil, which is used figuratively to describe love. So, this implies someone you love such as a friend, a lover, or a close family member like an uncle. David’s name likely means something like “beloved one.”
XXXIII “thus” = koh. Perhaps from ki (that, for when, certainly) + hu (he, she, it). This is like this, thus, here, now.
XXXIV “build” = banah. Related to “house” in v1. See note IV above.

I have not lived in a house since the dayXXXV I brought upXXXVI the peopleXXXVII of IsraelXXXVIII from EgyptXXXIX to this day,

Notes on verse 6a

XXXV “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
XXXVI “brought up” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
XXXVII “people” = ben. Literally, “children.” Related to “house” in v1 & “build” in v5.
XXXVIII “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “God” in v2. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (see note XVIII above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
XXXIX “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.

but I haveXL been moving aboutXLI in a tentXLII and a tabernacle.XLIII 

Notes on verse 6b

XL “have” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
XLI “moving about” = halak. Same as “go” in v3. See note XXII above.
XLII “tent” = ohel. Perhaps from ahal (to shine, be clear). This is a tent, covering, home, or side pillar.
XLIII “tabernacle” = mishkan. From shakan (to settle down in the sense of residing somewhere or staying there permanently; to abide or continue). This is a place where one lives – a tabernacle, tent, or other kind of dwelling. It can also be a lair where animals live, the grave, the Temple, or the Tabernacle.

Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speakXLIV a word with anyXLV of the tribal leadersXLVI of Israel,

Notes on verse 7a

XLIV “speak” = dabar. Related to “word” in v4. See note XXVII above.
XLV “any” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few.
XLVI “tribal leaders” = shebet. This is a rod, staff, club, scepter, dart, or tribe. Literally a stick that can be used for punishing, writing, fighting, walking, ruling; thus, used figuratively for a clan.

whom I commandedXLVII to shepherdXLVIII my peopleXLIX Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 

Notes on verse 7b

XLVII “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
XLVIII “shepherd” = ra’ah. This is to tend a flock, pasture, or graze. It can mean to rule or to associate with someone. Figuratively, it can be ruler or teacher.
XLIX “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.

Now thereforeL thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts:LI I tookLII you from the pasture,LIII

Notes on verse 8a

L “now therefore” = attah. Perhaps from et (a period or season; whenever or continually); probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is now, from now on.
LI “hosts” = tsaba. From tsaba (to wage war, serve, assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait on). This is a large group of persons (used figuratively for a group of things). It implies a campaign literally as with army, war, warfare, battle, company, soldiers. Can also be used figuratively for hardship or for worship.
LII “took” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
LIII “pasture” = naveh. From navah (home, beautify, praise) This is home, place where shepherd or sheep live. It is at home – implies a lovely place or a place of satisfaction. It can also be used for the Temple or a pasture as the home of wild animals.

from followingLIV the sheepLV to be princeLVI over my peopleLVII Israel, 

Notes on verse 8b

LIV “following” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
LV “sheep” = tson. This is a flock of sheep and goats.
LVI “prince” = nagid. From nagad (this is to declare, make conspicuous, stand in front, manifest, predict, explain). This is a commander or leader as the one who stands at the front, whether in a military, religious, or civic setting. It can also mean honorable or noble in an abstract sense.
LVII “people” = am. Same as “people” in v7. See note XLIX above.

and I have been with you whereverLVIII you went and have cut offLIX all your enemies from beforeLX you, and I will makeLXI for you

Notes on verse 9a

LVIII “wherever” = kol. Same as “all” in v1. See note VII above.
LIX “cut off” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
LX “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
LXI “make” = asah. Same as “do” in v3. See note XXIII above.

a greatLXII name,LXIII like the name of the great onesLXIV of the earth.LXV 

Notes on verse 9b

LXII “great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
LXIII “name” = shem. May be from sum (to put, place, set). This is name, fame, renown. A name was thought to indicate something essential about a person – something about their individuality. So, this word can also mean honor, authority, or character.
LXIV “great ones” = gadol. Same as “great” in v9. See note LXII above.
LXV “earth” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.

10 And I will appointLXVI a placeLXVII for my peopleLXVIII Israel and will plantLXIX them,

Notes on verse 10a

LXVI “appoint” = sim. Related to “name” in v9. See note LXIII above.
LXVII “place” = maqom. From qum (to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). This is a standing, which is to say a spot or space a place. It can also refer to a locality or a physical/mental condition. HaMaqom is also a Jewish name for God – the place, i.e. the Omnipresent One.
LXVIII “people” = am. Same as “people” in v7. See note XLIX above.
LXIX “plant” = nata. To fix or fasten, establish or plant. This is planting in a literal or figurative sense.

so that they may liveLXX in their own placeLXXI and be disturbedLXXII no more,LXXIII

Notes on verse 10b

LXX “live” = shakan. Related to “tabernacle” in v6. See note XLIII above.
LXXI “own place” = tachat. This is underneath, below, the bottom, instead of.
LXXII “be disturbed” = ragaz. This is shaking from any strong emotion, particularly anger or fear. It can be agitated, excited, perturbed, afraid, quaking, quivering.
LXXIII “more” = odyasaph. Od is from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve). This is still, yet, again, more. Yasaph is to add, increase, continue, exceed.

and evildoersLXXIV shall afflictLXXV them no more, as formerly,LXXVI 

Notes on verse 10c

LXXIV “evildoers” = ben + evel. Literally, “children of wickedness.” Ben is the same as “people” in v6. See note XXXVII above. Evel is perhaps from aval (to deal unjustly, act in a wrongful way, a wrongdoer). This is injustice, wrong, moral evil, acts of violence, or unrighteousness.
LXXV “afflict” = anah. This is to be occupied with. It can also be bowed down. It can refer to a sense of humility or to a sense of being browbeaten, oppressed, afflicted, or depressed. This can be literal or figurative – depressed in mood or circumstance.
LXXVI “formerly” = rishon. From rishah (beginning or early time); from rosh (head, captain, or chief; excellent or the forefront; first in position or in statue or in time). This is first, former, ancestor, beginning, ranked first.

11 from the timeLXXVII that I appointedLXXVIII judgesLXXIX over my peopleLXXX Israel, and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declaresLXXXI to you that the Lord will make you a house. 

Notes on verse 11

LXXVII “time” = yom. Same as “day” in v6. See note XXXV above.
LXXVIII “appointed” = tsavah. Same as “commanded” in v7. See note XLVII above.
LXXIX “judges” = shaphat. This is to judge, defend, pronounce judgment, condemn, or govern. It can refer to God judging or to human judges. This is pronouncing a verdict in favor or against so it implies consequences or punishment. It can also mean to litigate or govern as one with authority.
LXXX “people” = am. Same as “people” in v7. See note XLIX above.
LXXXI “declares” = nagad. Related to “prince” in v8. See note LVI above.

12 When your days are fulfilledLXXXII and you lie downLXXXIII with your ancestors,LXXXIV I will raise upLXXXV your offspringLXXXVI afterLXXXVII you,

Notes on verse 12a

LXXXII “fulfilled” = male. This is fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate. It is fill in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXIII “lie down” = shakab. This is to lie down, lodge. It is lying for sleep, sex, or other reasons.
LXXXIV “ancestors” = ab. This is father, chief, or ancestor. It is father in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXV “raise up” = qum. Related to “place” in v10. See note LXVII above.
LXXXVI “offspring” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
LXXXVII “after” = achar. Same as “following” in v8. See note LIV above.

who shall come forthLXXXVIII from your body,LXXXIX and I will establishXC his kingdom.XCI 

Notes on verse 12b

LXXXVIII “come forth” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXIX “body” = meeh. This is inward parts, belly, heart, womb, intestines, vastness. It can also be figurative for sympathy.
XC “establish” = kun. Properly, this means in a perpendicular position. So, it is set up in a literal sense – establish, fix, fasten, prepare. In a figurative sense, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous.
XCI “kingdom” = mamlakah. Related to “king” in v1. From the same as melek (see note II above). This is kingdom, dominion, sovereignty, rule. It can also refer to the realm.

13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throneXCII of his kingdom forever.XCIII 14 I will be a fatherXCIV to him, and he shall be a sonXCV to me. When he commits iniquity,XCVI I will punishXCVII him

Notes on verses 13-14a

XCII “throne” = kisse. From the same as kese (full moon); perhaps from kasah (to cover, conceal, overwhelm; to cover as clothes do or to hide a secret). This is throne – a seat that is covered or has a canopy. Thus, it is a seat that conveys authority.
XCIII “forever” = ad + olam. Olam is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
XCIV “father” = ab. Same as “ancestors” in v12. See note LXXXIV above.
XCV “son” = ben. Same as “people” in v6. See note XXXVII above.
XCVI “commits iniquity” = avah. 17x in OT. This is to bend, turn, be crooked in a literal or figurative sense. So, it can refer to committing iniquity.
XCVII “punish” = yakach. This is to decide, be right, argue, or convince. It can also be to decide, convict, reason together, or reprove.

with a rodXCVIII such as mortalsXCIX use, with blowsC inflicted by human beings.CI 

Notes on verse 14b

XCVIII “rod” = shebet. Same as “tribal leaders” in v7. See note XLVI above.
XCIX “mortals” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
C “blows” = nega. From naga (touch, reach, arrive, come near, strike; touching for any reason including sexual or violent). This is a blow or stroke, wound, sore, mark plague. It can refer to someone with leprosy or to dress.
CI “human beings” = ben + adam. Literally, “children of humanity.” Ben is the same as “people” in v6. See note XXXVII above. Adam is perhaps from adam (to be red, make ruddy); related to adamah (ground, dirt, earth). This is man, humankind, also Adam’s name. It refers to a human individual or humanity.

15 But I will not takeCII my steadfast loveCIII from him, as I tookCIV it from Saul,

Notes on verse 15a

CII “take” = sur. This is to turn aside in a literal or figurative sense – to depart, decline, rebel, remove, or withdraw.
CIII “steadfast love” = chesed. From chasad (being good, kind, merciful; may mean bowing one’s neck as is done in the presence of an equal for courtesy’s sake; so, if one in a superior position is treating you like an equal, that is what is captured here). This is favor, goodness, kindness, loving kindness, pity, reproach, or a good deed. When done by God to humanity, this is mercy/loving kindness. When done by humanity to God, it is piety.
CIV “took” = sur. Same as “take” in v15. See note CII above.

whom I put awayCV from beforeCVI you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sureCVII forever beforeCVIII me; 

Notes on verses 15b-16a

CV “put away” = sur. Same as “take” in v15. See note CII above.
CVI “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v9. See note LX above.
CVII “made sure” = aman. This is to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful. It is to put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid. This is where the word “amen” comes from.
CVIII “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v9. See note LX above.

your throne shall beCIX established forever.” 17 In accordance with all these words and with all this vision,CX CXINathan spoke to David.

Notes on verses 16b-17

CIX “be” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
CX “vision” = chizzayon. 9x in OT. From chazah (to gaze at – to see or behold; perceiving as a mental process or looking at something with pleasure; seeing a vision). This is a vision or revelation that comes in a dream.
CXI {untranslated} = ken. Related to “establish” in v12. Perhaps from kun (see note XC above). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.


Image credit: “The Tower of David” by Jorge Láscar, 2013.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply