“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.”
Cedar. Such were esteemed the most magnificent, ver. 6. See 2 Kings vii.
“Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,”
A place permanent and secure, while I have had no fixed abode. (Calmet) — No more, for a long time: and unless they provoke me by their crimes, as they did afterwards, and were exposed to more severe chastisements. Constant rest is not always expedient. (Tirinus)
“And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.”
Seed, even till Christ shall be born of the Blessed Virgin, of the family of David.
“He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.”
Ever often means only a long duration. The dominion of Christ shall have no end. (Calmet) — The Church founded by this true David, (Haydock) falls heir to these promises. (Du Hamel)
“I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:”
Thee. The posterity of Saul lost the throne. (Haydock) — If Solomon was reprobated, his children were permitted to reign. It is also presumed that he did penance; though this is not certain.
“And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.”
Men. Who was ever more favoured by God than David? Hebrew, “Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree.” (Protestants) (Haydock)
“What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.”
Known him. Treating him with love and tenderness, as a friend. How can David sufficiently testify his gratitude?
“And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?”
Himself. Hebrew adds, “and to make thee a name.”
“Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever. let: or, it hath pleased thee”
Begun. Hebrew, “be pleased, (Haydock) or thou hast had the goodness to bless.” Syriac, “I pray thee bless.