Avoiding any Misunderstanding

Scripture:
In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry came to his ears.
2 Samuel 22:7

Observation: David is recounting one of his songs of praise, from when he was under attack from enemies. In this paragraph, he simply states the fact that, in those times when he was in distress, he called on the Lord, and the Lord heard him. However, one small detail is David stating that the Lord was in his temple when he heard David.

The temple in Jerusalem did not exist. It would be built by Solomon, years after David's death. Therefore, this reference is not to "the" temple, but rather it is to a more generic location in heaven ... the throne room of Yahweh, a place where the Lord is honored by the heavenly hosts, and where he sits in absolute authority over all of creation.

So often, it seems the Jews put too much reverence in the temple as the seat of the Lord. Yes, it was specially created to honor the Lord, but it was also a place built by human hands, and not the heavenly home of the creator of the universe. In reading the bible, it seems easy enough to read this passage and think 'well, there is David talking about the temple and the Lord's presence in Jerusalem, invoking the special status of God's chosen nation.' But David isn't talking about the temple at all ... he can't be. So he isn't invoking any special characteristic of God's dwelling in Jerusalem. So he isn't basing his prayer on the Abrahamic promise of Israel as God's chose and favored people. Every assumption that could be quickly - almost dismissively - applied to the invocation of the temple, is inaccurate.

Application: This is an example of how easy it is to read the bible, see a simple word with a clear and understood meaning, and create a collection of inferences that are inaccurate. One word triggers a mental connection, and we run with it to inform our understanding.

It is true that David is the chosen king of the Lord's chosen people, and that the entire scenario concerning them is structured to highlight Messiah, who will come from David's lineage. There is a lot David could say that does invoke the image of God's great favor on David and Israel. However, stating that the Lord heard him from his temple is not one such invocation. It is instead a simple fact demonstrating David's understanding of the Lord and his strong relationship he has as a man after God's own heart ... from his throne room in heaven, the Lord hears the prayers of those who love him, and he responds.

Prayer: Lord, may I seek understanding of you during my daily bible reading. It is easy to adopt simple understandings based on my own mind. I instead ask for your Holy Spirit to reveal your knowledge and wisdom and will to me. May I find your truth, and not mine. Amen.