Wesley Corpus

Chapter VII Nathan approves David's design of building an house for God, ver. 1 - 3. God forbids it, but promises to bless him and his seed, ver. 4 - 17. His prayer and thanksgiving, ver. 18 - 29. Sat - That is, was settled in the house which Hiram's men had built for him, then he reflected upon the unsettled state of the ark. Curtains - That is, in a tent or tabernacle, ver.6, composed of several curtains. Nathan said - Pursue thy intentions, and build an house for the ark. The design being pious and the thing not forbidden by God, Nathan hastily approves it, before he had consulted God about it, as both he and David ought to have done in a matter of so great moment. And therefore Nathan meets with this rebuke, that he is forced to acknowledge his error, and recant it. For the holy prophets did not speak all things by prophetic inspiration, but some things by an human spirit. The word of the Lord came - Because David's mistake was pious, and from an honest mind, God would not suffer him to lie long in it. Shalt thou - That is, thou shalt not. Tent and tabernacle - These two seem thus to be distinguished, the one may note the curtains and hangings within, the other the frame of boards, and coverings upon it. My servant - Lest David should be too much discouraged, or judge himself neglected of God, as one thought unworthy of so great an honour, God here gives him the honourable title of his servant, thereby signifying that he accepted of his service, and good intentions. Appoint - That is, I will make room for them, whereas hitherto they have been much distressed by their enemies. Or, I will establish a place for them, that is, I will establish them in their place or land. My people - Among the favours which God had vouchsafed, and would vouchsafe to David, he reckons his blessings to Israel, because they were great blessings to David; partly, because the strength and happiness of a king consists in the multitude and happiness of his people; and partly, because David was a man of a public spirit, and therefore no less affected with Israel's felicity than with his own. Before time - Namely in Egypt.