The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you. 2 Samuel 7:11b NASB
King David longed to build a temple for God in Jerusalem. God said that since it was in David’s heart to build Him a house, God would build David a “house.” God was not promising a physical house with walls and a roof. The “house” God promised David was a family lineage that would endure forever (v. 12).
This covenant promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Jesus is the Son of David to Whom God gave the throne of David, and Who will reign forever (Luke 1:31-33).
However, I believe that God also promises an enduring house to all who keep His covenant. If we will build God a temple in our hearts and in our lives (1 Cor. 3:16-17), then He will build us a house – a family lineage that will endure in His Kingdom. God will be a Father to our children (2 Sam. 7:14; John 1:12-13). God will shower our children with covenant love (2 Sam. 7:15; Eph. 3:17-19). God will cause our generations to continue before Him forever (2 Sam. 7:16; Matt. 18:10).
King David did not see his children continuing in God’s Kingdom during his lifetime. His sons were adulterers and murderers. Even Solomon who started out well, ended in idolatry. However, God provided descendants who turned towards Him (Jotham, Hezekiah, Josiah, etc.).
Samuel, who is perhaps the greatest prophet in the Old Testament, also had evil sons. They took bribes and perverted justice (1 Sam. 8:3). Yet, God gave Samuel a faithful grandson, Heman. King David appointed two worship leaders to lead the singers and musicians in praising God 24/7 in the Tabernacle. One of those leaders was Heman, Samuel’s grandson (1 Ch. 6:22-38). God gave Heman 14 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom served God by singing in the house of the Lord (1 Chr. 25:5-6).
Jonathan Edwards, one of the most respected preachers of the 1700’s, left a legacy of godly children and grandchildren. A study of his descendants 150 years after his death lists 100 pastors, 80 public servants, 60 doctors and more (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15623/15623-h/15623-h.htm). Of course, not every descendant was faithful to the Lord, God will not override free will. However, the results of the study are remarkable.
Parents, take heart! Your faithfulness to the Lord blesses you and your children with His compassion and mercy. His mercies are from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him. His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant (Ps. 103:17-18). We may not see our children following the Lord in our lifetime, like King David. However, we can trust in God’s covenant promises. He will build us an enduring “house.”