2 Samuel 7:12 – The Kingdom Established While David Slept

The theory of premillennialism has many elements which are at variance with the Scriptures. One of these is the notion that there will be two resurrections of the dead. The first allegedly will occur at the return of Christ to establish His “millennial kingdom.” Supposedly, this will involve only the righteous dead. The second resurrection, it is argued, will transpire at the end of the Lord’s earthly reign.

This view, of course, contradicts those passages which affirm that all of the dead will be raised at the same time (see John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). In addition, there is a passage in 2 Samuel which clearly is in conflict with the premillennial theory.

The prophet Nathan announced to David: “When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, that shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12). It is conceded that this is a prophecy concerning Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.

According to the premillennial view, the kingdom of Christ will not be established until after the resurrection of the righteous dead (which would include David); however, according to God’s prophet, the kingdom of Christ would be established while David was still sleeping in the grave, hence, before the resurrection of the righteous.

Thus, in 2 Samuel 7:12 underline the word “sleep,” and then underline the clause, “I will establish his kingdom.” Now connect the two with a line, and in your margin record this comment: Kingdom established before the resurrection; not afterward, as per premillennialism.