Kong without Temple 2 Samuel 7 in Tradition and Redaction

In 2 Sam 7 old theological ideas are interpreted in a new way. David's wish to build the temple is sufficient to constitute the promise of his eternal dynasty in itself. Yet, in the later strata of the text the relation between the king and JHWH has been revised: By entering into the covenant not only the king, but also the people of Israel are elected. The people's destination and future lies in the cult and the worship of the Second Temple. In the discussion about God's presence in the temple the theology of his name acts as an intermediary between extreme positions. Finally, 2 Sam 7 is part of a net of reference texts (cf. 2 Sam 6; 24) on the way towards the Chronistic picture of David. © 2011 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden.