When we arrive at 2 Samuel 7, we are at one of the mountain peaks of the Old Testament. Theologians refer to it as the chapter detailing the Davidic covenant. In it, God guarantees to David a dynasty, descendants, dominion, and a destiny. Its prospect is thrilling and its promises comforting. In response to God’s grace, we read that David went in and sat before the Lord. Lost in wonder, he began to worship.
Among the many expressions of thanksgiving and worship is one which has been the subject of much discussion among the commentators. “And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?” (2Sam 7:19, KJV). Translations vary and range from, “Is this the law for man?” (Newberry); “Is this instruction for mankind?” (ESV); “And this [is] the law of the Man, Lord Jehovah (YLT).” The meaning may lie somewhere in the thought, “This is your plan for mankind, O Lord.”
God has a plan – a thrilling plan. As we scan the daily headlines or receive the latest “breaking news” from our iPhone, we can hardly imagine a different world, a world without all that now assails our ears. We live in a world where God has been marginalized, sin has been glorified, and true Christianity has been vilified. Each day reminds us that we do not belong here. We are totally out of sync with our society.
Yet, a day will soon come which will be far different. A day is about to dawn in which a Man with the wisdom to settle every problem will sit upon the throne of David. He is the Wonderful Counselor and will not require a cabinet or advisors. The great men of earth reel under the weight of need in our world, lacking both answers and resources.
He is also the Mighty God (Isa 9:6) and will not suffer from any inability to implement His programs of change. With unchallenged authority, He will usher in a new world order which will lead to 1000 years of a benign and prosperous time to mankind. His rule will not be the harsh regime of monarchs and dictators. As the Everlasting Father, He will rule with all the sympathy and care of a loving father to His children. He is the Shepherd-King who will carry the lambs in His arms and gently lead those with young (Isa 40:11).
This plan which God has for humanity will usher in an age of peace. He is not only the Wonderful Counselor possessed of all wisdom, the Almighty God having all power and authority, and the Everlasting Father marked by tenderness and care, but He is also the Prince of Peace. Having paid the price to procure peace, He assures its reign during the Kingdom and for eternity.
So, close your eyes and allow your mind to travel to that day when God’s plan for humanity will come to fruition. It is not escapism. It is the ultimate reality. God has a plan for mankind involving the Son of David, and until that day when He reigns, the world will not know peace.
