2 SAMUEL 7 – WHEN GOD SAID “NO”
· What are some of the situations in which a parent should say “No” to a child?
· What are some guidelines for knowing when to say “No” to a child?
· Should a parent ever change his or her mind after saying “No”?
· What are some of the situations in which God says “No” to His children?
· When has God said “No” to you?
· What must we remember when God says “No” to us?
In 2 Kings 7 we see that David had plans to build God a house (temple). God said, “No”. As we study this passage we will see that even when God says “No”, He does not cease to be gracious and to have good reasons for the refusals that He makes.
THERE WAS GOOD RESOLVE – Vss. 1-3
· Vs. 1 – David had a time of peace. What are times of peace good for?
· One of the things that David did in his time of peace was to think and plan.
· How are thinking and planning good things?
· Vs. 2 – Nathan the Prophet was a spiritual advisor to King David. Nathan was a faithful friend who was not afraid to stand up for what is right. Why do we all need such people in our lives?
· David’s statement in this verse implied that he was planning to build a permanent building to be the house of God.
· David realized that he, David, was living in a nice house made of cedar, while God’s house was a tent. Remember the ark was a box containing the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron, and a jar of manna. On top of the ark was the mercy seat. God made his physical presence known by dwelling above the mercy seat.
· Why was David’s resolve a good resolve?
· Vs. 3 – Nathan was probably thrilled with the prospects of a new house for the Lord. He could see no reason why God would say “No”. There are times in our lives when we too have thought something was a good idea until we prayed about it or gave it more consideration.
· Perhaps Nathan should have prayed about this before he gave his approval.
THERE WAS A SURPRISING REFUSAL– Vss. 4-9
· Vss. 4-5 – Notice how God refers to David. Even though God was about to turn David down, it did not mean that David had been demoted in God’s eyes. Just because God says “No” to us, it does not mean that he thinks any less of us. We just do not have His plans.
· David’s motives were actually pure and commendable before God. 2 Chronicles 6:8 – But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:
· God is even clearer in his refusal of David’s plans in 1 Chronicles 17:4, where it says, Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:
· Vss. 6-7 – What is God’s point in these verses? What lesson is in it for us?
· Vss. 8-9 – How had God blessed David? Why is it important for us to remember how God has blessed us, especially when He says, “No”?
· Remember that God has different jobs for each one of us. David was primarily a warrior, not a builder. David’s son was to be the builder. 1 Chronicles 22:8-9 – But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. [9] Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
· We need to remember that God will not give us every job. He has not qualified us for every job. But whatever job God has given us we should do well for Him. Colossians 3:17
THERE WAS COMFORTING REASSURANCE – Vss. 10-17
· Vss. 10-11 – How are these verses phenomenal promises?
· David is assured of God’s ultimate plan for Israel and for his house. David should have been able to relax.
· What Scriptures assure us of God’s ultimate plan for us?
· Vss. 12-15 – God’s house would be built by Solomon. David’s desire would be fulfilled. How should we feel when God chooses to do through someone else what we wanted to do ourselves?
· Vs. 16 – There will be a time when David’s Kingdom will be established through one of his descendants. Luke 1:30-33 – And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. [31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. [32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: [33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
· How would you sum up God’s “No” answer to David? How would you sum up God’s “No” answers to us?
THERE WAS AN AWED RESPONSE – Vss. 18-29
· Vs. 18 – David was awed by what God had done for him.
· Vs. 19 – David was awed by the future promises for his family.
· Vss. 20-21 – David was awed at God’s revelation towards him.
· Vs. 22 – David was awed at God’s greatness.+
· Vss. 23-24 – David was awed at God’s greatness towards Israel.
· Vss. 25-29 – In these closing requests David expressed acceptance, faith, and desire before God.
· In what ways should our responses be similar when God says “No” to us?
· 1 Chronicles 29:1-9 shows David’s personal commitment of his own resources to the building of the temple. Although he would not build the temple, he did what he could to make the building easier. In these verses we also see David’s influence on others in the gathering of resources. David was not bitter because he couldn’t build the temple. He was enthusiastic.