Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. We’re honored to have the opportunity to speak with you about your work. Let’s dive right in with a question about a particular verse in your book, 2 Samuel. In chapter 7, verse 22, you write, “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” Can you share with us the inspiration behind this verse?

Author: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss my writing. The inspiration for 2 Samuel 7:22 derived from a profound encounter I had with God, specifically in the context of King David’s desire to build a house for Him. You see, David, a man of great faith, felt the urge to construct a place of worship for our Sovereign Lord. However, God spoke to the prophet Nathan and expressed that He did not desire David to build Him a physical house.

I was deeply moved by God’s response to David’s intention. It symbolized the Lord’s desire to establish an eternal covenant and a legacy for David’s lineage. It showcased His splendor, magnificence, and the unparalleled Lordship over all. Through that encounter, I couldn’t help but be filled with awe and a realization that there is no one like our Sovereign Lord. The phrase “there is no one like you” was a humble acknowledgement of God’s uniqueness, incomparability, and an expression of gratitude for who He is.

As part of my personal testimony, I highlight how we, as a community, have experienced the works and words of God firsthand. The words “as we have heard with our own ears” convey the significance of our collective experience—a testimony passed down through generations. It’s a proclamation that we have been privileged to hear God’s voice, witness His mighty acts, and declare His supremacy. This verse encompasses my personal response to the extraordinary encounter between God and David, as well as the awe-inspiring presence of the Lord in our lives.

Interviewer: That’s truly captivating. It seems that your encounter and the subsequent verse hold great significance for both you and your readers. How does this verse contribute to the overall message or theme of 2 Samuel?

Author: Excellent question. In 2 Samuel, we delve into the life and reign of King David, who was chosen and anointed by God himself. Throughout the narrative, we witness the victories, trials, and triumphs of David, but we also see his genuine heart for God. The verse 2 Samuel 7:22 captures the essence of the central message of the book.

2 Samuel emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to establishing an everlasting kingdom from David’s lineage. It unveils the divine plan that surpasses any human effort, striving, or accomplishment. In light of this, the verse serves as a reminder of God’s unparalleled greatness and unrivaled power. It reinforces the central theme of wholehearted devotion to God and His desires for His people, presenting Him as the ultimate authority and true provider of all things.

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing those insights. It’s clear that this verse holds significant meaning in the context of 2 Samuel. As we conclude, is there any final thought or message you would like readers to take away from 2 Samuel 7:22?

Author: Absolutely, I’d love to convey a final message. My hope is that readers understand the immeasurable greatness of our Sovereign Lord and recognize Him as the one true God. Through this verse, I aim to inspire awe, reverence, and gratitude towards Him. I want people to understand that despite our human limitations and desires, God’s plans and promises always prevail. By acknowledging His uniqueness and hearing of His works, we can confidently place our trust in Him and revel in the knowledge that there truly is no one like our Almighty God.