Reading through the Old Testament isn't always very encouraging. Israel has enemies, and their enemies seem to enjoy many victories over them. In 2 Samuel 8, however, God, through His anointed king, David, wins unprecedented victories. This coincides with the promise regarding David's descendent. It gives us a clue as to what he will accomplish - a complete victory over the enemies: sin, death, and Satan. This chapter points us to King Jesus.

It is amazing how little it takes to get a reaction from our hearts. A single word can lead to a conversation that lasts 30 minutes. However, our hearts aren't always so quick to respond to God's kindness; we can be slow to praise. In the latter part of 2 Samuel 7, we see David react to the news that God will establish his house forever. It's a fitting response, from which we can learn a lot.

In 2 Samuel 7, we learn that God's Covenant with David includes great blessings. As we read through these, we can be nodding our heads in agreement - they are truly great blessings. And then we arrive at v. 14, which speaks of chastening. The subject hasn't really changed, however. God blesses His people by chastening them. God loves them enough to put them through grevious chastening that they might emerge out on the other end purified, for His glory.

In this amazing OT chapter of 2 Samuel 7, we read of God’s Covenant with David; and we see why this chapter became the basis of so many Messianic hopes. What is happening in David’s life is a glimpse at what is yet to come. A descendent of David’s will have a great name, He will provide great blessings for all who trust in Him; and will ultimately lead them to a place which is too great to describe.

2 Samuel 7 is a significant chapter in the storyline of the Bible. David now lives in a nice house. Meanwhile, the Ark of the Covenant, where God dwells, is in a tent. David proposes to build a Temple; the prophet Nathan seconds his motion. However, God vetoes the project. It's His house, and He gets to decide. He has His purposes and His timing - He choose a tent so show His desire to walk with His people. The stunning goodness of God's plans and purposes comes shining through: He is going to build David a house - a dynasty; that will last forever. From this will come the Word made flesh, Who 'tented' among us, that through His life, death, and resurrection He might indwell His people - walking with them through every valley and trial. This chapter displays the stunning goodness of God; and implores us to come to God, in the Son, and to live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and be led by the Spirit.

As David makes his 2nd attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, his approach is very different to the first time. His fresh awareness of God's holiness produces reverence. This time he proceeds with carefulness, sacrifice, and humility. He finds that a true awareness of God's moral brilliance and transcendence doesn't dampen or dilute his joy. Rather, it deepens it. The God who enters Jerusalem to dwell there is the holy, holy, holy God of Creation - who David can approach and dwell with, by means of sacrifice. This causes a volcano of joy to erupt in David's heart.

2 Samuel 6 is one of the most shocking passages; where Uzzah dies as a result of touching the ark. Even King David is stunned by it. Here, we explore what took place and are reminded that God is holy, holy, holy. If we're shocked at this - what words can describe our reaction to the events of Calvary? Where a man who never put a food wrong, dies - suffering under the wrath of God? In our shock at this scene; we realize that the more clearly we see God's holiness, the more clearly we see the depth of His love.

This is a chapter of breakthroughs. In a world of set-backs, here we see the God at work, through His anointed, for the blessing of His people. The 11 tribes who had resisted David’s rule come to recognise him as their shepherd-king. They immediately recognise the benefits. David wins a decisive victory over the Philistines, Israel's long-time foes. He names the place Baal-perazim, “God of the breakthrough.” David also takes the fortress city of Jersualem from the Jebusites.  For centuries, they had held this citadel - during Joshua's time, and the Judges, and Saul. This points us to the greater David, the Lord Jesus, who will enter the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey and die on a cross. In so doing, he will breakthrough and defeat the greatest enemies of humanity - death, and sin, and hell. All who receive him, benefit from these victories. One day, they will walk the streets of the New Jerusalem; where King Jesus will reign, God’s presence pervade, and sin and death be banished.

The Word of God is inspired (breathed out) by God (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, it is good, holy, and precious. It provides us with a special revelation from God - showing us His nature and ways. It exposes sin in our hearts (Heb. 4:12). It points us to the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:39). However, the human heart is so deceitful that it can use God's Word in all kinds of self-serving ways; even as a cover for selfish deeds. In 2 Samuel 4, we see the danger of this - and the devastating consequences. It gives us a longing to see the glory of God so clearly in Scripture, that we prostrate ourselves before Him - that we might "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2).