If this passage is prophetic of Jesus, why does it say that he sins?

Claim:

God tells David, “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men” (2 Sam. 7:14). The NT informs us that Jesus did not sin (Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 9:14; 1 Pet. 2:22; Jn. 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21). How can this passage predict Jesus, if it says that he would commit sin?

Response:

This passage predicts Solomon—David’s immediate descendant. Since Solomon sinned, this passage predicts Solomon’s error. However, portions of the prediction surpass the life of Solomon. For instance, God was making a prediction about the “house” of David (v.13), rather than just a specific person. Also, God promised that this throne would “be established forever” (v.16). Since Solomon’s reign did not fulfill this, we should expect a future figure to fulfill this—namely Jesus.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.

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