1. 2 Samuel 7:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean for the Lord to refer to David as his servant?

2 Samuel 7:5 (ESV)

5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?

The phrase my servant as it is used for David here (2 Samuel 3:18) is only used in the Bible of Abraham (Genesis 26:24), Moses (Numbers 12:7–8; Joshua 1:2, Joshua 1:7), and Caleb (Numbers 14:24). The phrase highlights the important position of David and his status as a servant subordinate to God.1