18. Sat before the Lord. Probably in the tabernacle in which the ark rested. David was overwhelmed at the revelation that had been given to him. He was not to be permitted to build the Temple, but the promises made to him entirely compensated for the initial disappointment.
Who am I, O Lord God? As David sat in meditation he probably reviewed the years that had gone, thinking first of himself as a humble shepherd lad wandering over the hills and becoming acquainted with the ways of God; then how he had been chosen for the kingdom, but had fled over the hills of Judah as a fugitive, little knowing one day what new trial and danger the next would bring forth. Now at length he enjoyed peace, and with it came the promise from God as to the future of his kingdom. David was overwhelmed at the thought. With deep humility and utter self-abnegation he cried out, “Who am I, O Lord God?” By human standards David would be considered a man of extraordinary accomplishments, an unusual leader, a man of deep piety and great courage, a man of honor and success, one of the world’s greatest poets and one of history’s outstanding kings. But David felt deeply humble before his Maker, and as totally unworthy of the high honor God bestowed upon him and his house.
The word “God” is here written in capital and small capital lettersâ“God.” This is done to indicate that it is a translation of Yahweh. When Yahweh stands alone or in combination with ’Elohim it is translated “Lord.” When it is preceded by ’Adonai, “Lord,” as here, it is rendered “God” (see I, 35, 173).