Biblical Reflection (11): 2 Samuel, Established on Zion – Found Him
The second book of Samuel detailed in the life of David which the most important significance of David’s kingship was the reception of the eternal covenant from God, the covenant in which Jesus Christ would fulfill in the New Testament.
“And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever” (2 Sam 7:16). For Jesus’ coming to earth is an immense event in which God willed to prepare for it over centuries (CCC 522), including the figures and the holiness in the genealogy of the Messiah. Not only did the LORD promise David on the everlasting kingship in his house, the LORD also promised that He would not take away His merciful love from David like how it was for Saul (2 Sam 7:15).
However, David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, her innocent and continent husband, had displeased the LORD (2 Sam 11:27). For adultery is an injustice (CCC 2381) and the deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary (CCC 2261) that whoever commits these sins fails in his commitment to the LORD.
The LORD being the Father, if the son committed iniquity, He would still chasten him with the rod of men (2 Sam 7:14). Although the LORD had put away David’s sins and did not take his life (2 Sam 12:13), He still punished David by raising up evils into his family, i.e. death of the child Bathsheba bore to David (2 Sam 12:14-18); raping of his daughter, Tamar, by his son, Amnon (2 Sam 13:1-22); the murder of Amnon by his son and full brother of Tamar, Absalom (2 Sam 13:23-36); Absalom usurped the throne (2 Sam 15) and raping of his concubines in the sight of all Israel (2 Sam 16:22).
Having realized what he had committed against the LORD, David immediately admitted his sins and asked for pardon (Psalm 51). “To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults” (CCC 1847). Therefore, despite the faithlessness of David’s sin and the punishment he deserved, the LORD is “rich in mercy” (CCC 211) and “a forgiving God” (CCC 210) that He kept His covenant promises to David and showed “mercy to His anointed, to David, and his descendants forever” (2 Sam 22:51).
Published on O Clarim, 9 February, 2018