Page 507 - The MacArthur Daily Bible

TN_05_MacArthur_Bible_May.qxd 8/8/03 15:41 Page 488

MAY 19
DAY 18:What was the Davidic Covenant?
Second Samuel 7:1–17 record the establishment of the Davidic Covenant, God’s uncondition-
al promise to David and his posterity.While not called a covenant here, it is later (23:5).This prom-
ise is an important key to understanding God’s irrevocable pledge of a king from the line of David
to rule forever (v. 16). It has been estimated that over 40 individual biblical passages are directly
related to these verses (see Pss.89;110;132);thus,this text is a major highlight in the Old Testament.
The ultimate fulfillment comes at Christ’s Second Advent when He sets up His millennial kingdom
on earth (see Ezek.37; Zech.14; Rev.19).This is the fourth of 5 irrevocable,unconditional covenants
made by God.The first 3 include: 1) the Noahic Covenant (Gen.9:8–17); 2) the Abrahamic Covenant
(Gen. 15:12–21); and 3) the Levitic or Priestly Covenant (Num. 3:1–18; 18:1–20; 25:10–13).The New
Covenant,which actually provided redemption,was revealed later through Jeremiah (Jer.31:31–34)
and accomplished by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Specifically, 2 Samuel 7:8–16 state the promises the Lord gave to David.Verses 8–11a give the
promises to be realized during David’s lifetime.Verses 11b–16 state the promises that would be ful-
filled after David’s death.During David’s lifetime,the Lord:1) gave David “a great name”; 2) appoint-
ed a place for Israel; and 3) gave David “rest”from all his enemies.After David’s death,the Lord gave
David: 1) a son to sit on his national throne, whom the Lord would oversee as a father with neces-
sary chastening, discipline, and mercy (Solomon); and 2) a Son who would rule a kingdom that will
be established forever (Messiah). This prophecy referred in its immediacy to Solomon and to the
temporal kingdom of David’s family in the land. But in a larger and more sublime sense, it refers to
David’s greater Son of another nature, Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:8).

8 Then he bowed himself, and said, “What is
May 19 your servant, that you should look upon such
a dead dog as I?”

2 Samuel 9:1–10:19
Now David said, “Is there still anyone who
9 is left of the house of Saul, that I may show 9:8 dead dog. A “dead dog” was considered
him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” contemptible and useless. Mephibosheth saw
And there was a servant of the house of Saul
2 himself as such in that he knew that he had
whose name was Ziba. So when they had not merited David’s kindness and that there
was no way for him to repay it. David’s offer
called him to David, the king said to him, “Are was an extraordinary expression of grace and
you Ziba?” beauty to his covenant with Jonathan (1 Sam.
He said, “At your service!”
3 Then the king said, “Is there not still some- 18:3; 20:15,42).
one of the house of Saul, to whom I may show
the kindness of God?” 9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant,
And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a and said to him, “I have given to your master’s
son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.”
4 So the king said to him, “Where is he?” son all that belonged to Saul and to all his
10
And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is in house. You therefore, and your sons and your
the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo servants, shall work the land for him, and you
shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s
Debar.”
Then King David sent and brought him out
5 son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth
of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, your master’s son shall eat bread at my table
from Lo Debar. always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty
Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jona-
6 servants.
than, the son of Saul, had come to David, he 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to
fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then all that my lord the king has commanded his
David said, “Mephibosheth?” servant, so will your servant do.”
And he answered, “Here is your servant!” “As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he
7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will shall eat at my table like one of the king’s
12
surely show you kindness for Jonathan your sons.” Mephibosheth had a young son whose
father’s sake, and will restore to you all the name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the
land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.
eat bread at my table continually.” 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he
488