The Last of the Prophets | Matthew 11:1-7

The significance of the unstated...

Sometimes the scriptures speak most powerfully when they don’t speak at all. I know that sounds crazy, but bear with me.

Sometimes, what isn’t said is as important as what is. And sometimes the meaning of a passage, or even the meaning of a book, hinges on what isn’t there.

Let me give you an example.

In the Samuel story and in the Chronicles story you’ll read the promise of God about the son of David.

They’re nearly the same. Nearly.

But if you look closely, you’ll notice something is missing in the second.

I’ll show you.

This is from Samuel:

English Standard Version Chapter 7

When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.

Okay? Strait forward enough. Now let’s look at the same passage, in the Chronicles.

English Standard Version Chapter 17

When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.

Now, here’s the important question:

Did you notice what’s missing?

When your days are fulfilled… Check

Raise up your offspring… Check

Build a house for me… Check