The Hebrew words in this sentence literally read as follows: This Torah The Adam Lord Lord. Interpreters have long struggled to translate this sentence. The NIV translation suggests that David is marvelling at the fact that the Lord has provided him insight into the fate of his family and that this was an unusual occurrence.1 Others understand Torah
to refer to a charter, instruction,2 or privilege that is granted to David for the benefit of mankind.3 The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 17:7 is of interest. The NIV translates the words of David as, You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O Lord God.
A literal translation of the Hebrew is: You Have Seen Me According To Torah About The Ascending Man Lord God. Combining both passages together, it appears as if David has understood that the promise which the Lord has made to him is the promise of the Messiah to come from his line.4 David recognizes that the promises made by the Lord to him have Messianic implications (see also Psalm 132:17–18; 1 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19; 2 Chronicles 21:7 where the lamp refers to the Messiah who will come from David’s line).5
19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!