II Samuel 7:1-11, 16

We turn from our journey through the Book of the Prophet Isaiah to read a more ancient story from The Second Book of Samuel, chapter 7, verses 1-11 and verse 16.

 The setting is early in the reign of King David. The Israelites have finally settled in Jerusalem. They have gone from being nomadic, and hunting and foraging wherever food might present itself to first beginning to domesticate animals and plant crops in established farms. This significant shift allows David time to consider “housing” God as well.

 How does the Lord respond to David’s proposal to build God a house?

 What do you suppose motivated David to want to do this?

 Consider God’s vow in verse 16. Now consider how terribly Israel strayed from sharing the love of God as kings became more and more rich and powerful. Finally, consider how the Lord allowed Israel (and Judah) to be utterly destroyed by Babylonian invaders. But God’s promise was never broken!

 What does this say about God’s redeeming love for us today?