New Scofield Reference Bible: C. I. Scofield D.D., Editor
Scofield Notes: p.95 "The Davidic Covenant"
Referenced to 2 Samuel 7:16
The Davidic Covenant (vv. 8 - 17) upon which the future kingdom of
Christ, "as to his human nature . . . a descendant of David" (Rom 1:3), was to
be founded, provided for David: (1) the promise of posterity in the Davidic
house; (2) a throne symbolic of royal authority; (3) a kingdom, or rule on
earth; and (4) certainty of fulfillment, for the promises to David "will be
established forever."
Solomon, whose birth God predicted (v. 12), was not promised a perpetual seed,
but only assured that (1) he would build "a house for my Name" (v. 13); (2) his
kingdom would be established (v. 12); (3) his throne, i.e. royal authority,
would endure forever; and (4) if Solomon sinned, he would be chastised but not
deposed.
The continuance of Solomon's throne, but not Solomon's seed, shows the accuracy
of the prediction. Israel had nine dynasties; Judah had one. Christ was born of
Mary, who was not of Solomon's line (Jer 22:28 - 30); He was a descendant of
Nathan, another son of David (cp. see Luke 3:23 - 31; and note at Luke 3:23).
Joseph, the husband of Mary, was descended from Solomon and through him the
throne legally passed to Christ (cp. Mat 1:6,16). Thus the throne, but not the
seed, came through Solomon, which is in precise fulfillment of the LORD's
promise to David.
In contrast with the irrevocable promise of perpetual fulfillment made to David,
Solomon illustrates the conditional character of the Davidic Covenant as applied
to the kings who followed him. Disobedience on the part of David's descendants
would result in chastisement, but not in annulment of the covenant (2 Sam 7:15;
Ps 89:20 - 37; Isa 54:3,8,10). So chastisement fell, first in the division of
the kingdom under Rehoboam, and finally in the captivities (2 Ki 25:1 - 21).
Since that time but one king of the Davidic family has been crowned at
Jerusalem, and He was crowned with thorns. But the Davidic Covenant, given to
David by the oath of the LORD and confirmed to Mary by the Angel Gabriel, is
immutable (Ps 89:20 - 37); and the LORD will yet give to that thorn-crowned One
"the throne of his father David" (Luke 1:31 - 33; Acts 2:29 - 32; 15:14 - 17).
Both David and Solomon understood the promise to refer to a literal earthly
kingdom (2 Sam 7:18 - 29; 2 Chr 6:14 - 16).
For notes on other major covenants, see: Edenic (Gen 2:16); Adamic (Gen 3:15);
Noahic (Gen 9:16); Abrahamic (Gen 12:2); Mosaic (Exo 19:5); Palestinian (Deu
30:3); New (Heb 8:8).
<Kingdom> (O.T.): vv. 8 - 16; 2 Sam 23:1. (Gen 1:26; Zech 12:8)
Ps 89:36 - 37
New Scofield Reference Bible: C. I. Scofield D.D., Editor
Scofield Notes: p.95 "The Davidic Covenant"
Referenced to 2 Samuel 7:16
Used by permission