2 Samuel 7:22

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Original Language Analysis

עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 1 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֥ן H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
גָּדַ֖לְתָּ Wherefore thou art great H1431
גָּדַ֖לְתָּ Wherefore thou art great
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 3 of 15
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יְהוָ֣ה O LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהִים֙ God H430
אֱלֹהִים֙ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵ֣ין H369
אֵ֣ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 7 of 15
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
כָּמ֗וֹךָ H3644
כָּמ֗וֹךָ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 8 of 15
as, thus, so
וְאֵ֤ין H369
וְאֵ֤ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 9 of 15
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
אֱלֹהִים֙ God H430
אֱלֹהִים֙ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
זֽוּלָתֶ֔ךָ beside H2108
זֽוּלָתֶ֔ךָ beside
Strong's: H2108
Word #: 11 of 15
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
בְּכֹ֥ל H3605
בְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 13 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ thee according to all that we have heard H8085
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ thee according to all that we have heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 14 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃ with our ears H241
בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃ with our ears
Strong's: H241
Word #: 15 of 15
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

Analysis & Commentary

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Davidic Covenant, emphasizing eternal promises, Messianic hope. The Davidic Covenant represents one of Scripture's most significant theological developments, promising an eternal dynasty culminating in Messiah. The Hebrew bayit (בַּיִת, 'house') functions as wordplay—David wanted to build God a house (temple), but God promises to build David a house (dynasty). Cross-references to Psalm 89, 2 Samuel 23:5, and New Testament passages (Luke 1:32-33, Acts 2:30) demonstrate this covenant's centrality to redemptive history.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 7 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding eternal promises, Messianic hope provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Questions for Reflection

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