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2 Samuel 7:4

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 7:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass the same night, that the word of Jehovah came unto Nathan, saying,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of Jehovah came unto Nathan, saying,
2 Samuel 7:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And it came to pass, when the king dwelt in his house, and Jehovah had given him rest from all his enemies round about,
2that the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
3And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy heart; for Jehovah is with thee.
4And it came to pass the same night, that the word of Jehovah came unto Nathan, saying,
5Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith Jehovah, Shalt thou build me a house for me to dwell in?
6for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.
7In all places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel, spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying, Why have ye not built me a house of cedar?
← 2 Samuel 7:32 Samuel 7:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass that night, etc.] The same night following the day in which David and Nathan had had the above conversation, that neither of them might continue long in their error and mistake, and especially lest David, in his great zeal and warm affection, should take an hasty and improper step: that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan; the word of prophecy, as the Targum; before he was not under a prophetic influence, but spoke in his own words, and had not the word of God; but now it came to him: saying; as follows.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“GOD APPOINTS HIS SUCCESSOR TO BUILD IT. (Sa2 7:4-17) it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan--The command was given to the prophet on the night immediately following; that is, before David could either take any measures or incur any expenses.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The word of the Lord came - Because David's mistake was pious, and from an honest mind, God would not suffer him to lie long in it. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 7:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that night: Num 12:6; Ch1 17:3; Amo 3:7 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 7:5”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The revelation and promise of God. - Sa2 7:4. "That night," i.e., the night succeeding the day on which Nathan had talked with the king concerning the building of the temple, the Lord made known His decree to the prophet, with instructions to communicate it to the king. וגו האתּה, "Shouldest thou build me a house for me to dwell in?" The question involves a negative reply, and consequently in the Chronicles we find "thou shalt not." 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 7:6”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 7 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification