2 Samuel 7:18

“Then went King David in, etc.] Into the tabernacle where the ark was, which he had prepared for it, (<100617>2 Samuel 6:17); and sat before the Lord; before the ark, the symbol of his presence, and prayed, and gave thanks, as follows: from whence it appears that a sitting posture was sometimes used in prayer, of which we have other instances, (<021711>Exodus 17:11,12 <111904>1 Kings 19:4). It is said f124 that Pythagoras, and also Numa, ordered that worshippers should sit. So that this act of devotion is not to be limited to any particular posture, though it seems most agreeable either to stand or kneel; and the Jews look upon this to be a peculiar case, and infer from hence that none were…”

“DAVID'S PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING. (Sa2 7:18-29) Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord--Sitting was anciently an attitude for worship (Exo 17:12; Sa1 4:13; Kg1 19:4). As to the particular attitude David sat, most probably, upon his heels. It was the posture of the ancient Egyptians before the shrines; it is the posture of deepest respect before a superior in the East. Persons of highest dignity sit thus when they do sit in the presence of kings and it is the only sitting attitude assumed by the modern Mohammedans in their places and rites of devotion.”

“Sat before the Lord - In the tent where the ark was. Standing or kneeling was the usual attitude of prayer (1Ki 8:22, 1 Kings 8:54-55; but compare Exodus 17:12). Modern commentators mostly take the word here in the sense of waiting, abiding, not sitting: but sat is the natural rendering. David sat down to meditate, and then rose up to pray. return to 'Top of Page'”

“In - Into the tabernacle. Sat - He might sit for a season whilst he was meditating upon these things, and then alter his posture and betake himself to prayer. Who am I, &c. - How infinitely unworthy am I and my family of this great honour and happiness! 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 7:19”

“7:18-29 David responded prayerfully to God’s promise of a dynasty, repeatedly acknowledging God’s true kingship as Sovereign Lord. 7:18 David’s question, “Who am I?” was an expression of genuine humility (cp. Exod 4:11).”

“sat: Ch1 17:16; Isa 37:14 Who am I: Gen 32:10; Exo 3:11; Jdg 6:15; Sa1 9:21, Sa1 15:17, Sa1 18:18; Psa 8:4; Eph 3:8 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 7:19”

“David's prayer and thanksgiving. - Sa2 7:18. King David came, i.e., went into the sanctuary erected upon Zion, and remained before Jehovah. ישׁב, remained, tarried (as in Gen 24:55; Gen 29:19, etc.), not "sat;" for the custom of sitting before the Lord in the sanctuary, as the posture assumed in prayer, cannot be deduced from Exo 17:12, where Moses is compelled to sit from simple exhaustion. David's prayer consists of two parts - thanksgiving for the promise ( Sa2 7:18-24), and supplication for its fulfilment ( Sa2 7:25-29). The thanksgiving consists of a confession of unworthiness of all the great things that the Lord had hitherto done for him, and which He had still further increased by…”