THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
In the second book of Kings, David expresses, “Thou hast yet declared the house of Thy servant afar off” (2 Sam. 7:19), which connects to the present psalm (Ps. 88). Shortly thereafter, he declares, “Now begin and bless the house of Thy servant... for ever,” as he anticipates the birth of a son from whom his lineage would extend to Christ. Through Christ, this lineage is destined to be everlasting, becoming simultaneously the house of David and the house of God. Christ embodies the house of David by virtue of his descent, yet simultaneously represents the dwelling of God, who resides not in mere stone edifices but among humanity. In this house, the people will eternally dwell with their Creator, and God will dwell among them, filling the believers with His presence.
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Thus, God's essence and the essence of His people become intertwined, with God being the ultimate reward in life and the bravery found in spiritual battles. Consequently, when Nathan proclaims, “The Lord proclaimeth unto thee that He will make a house for thee,” David responds: “Thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to Thy servant, saying, ‘I will build thee a house’” (2 Sam. 7:11, 27). We contribute to the construction of this house through our righteous living, with God assisting us in this endeavor. When the time arrives for the house's ultimate sanctification, the promise given through Nathan will be realized with the declaration: “I will make a place for My people Israel, and I will root them up, and they shall dwell quietly in their place, and shall not be troubled any more, nor shall the wicked men press them down any more, as they have done since I set judges over My people Israel” (2 Sam. 7:10-11).