Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 7:19

"And this was yet a small thing in thine eyes, O Lord Jehovah; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant`s house for a great while to come; and this [too] after the manner of men, O Lord Jehovah!" — 2 Samuel 7:19 (ASV)

Is this the manner of man? —This clause is very obscure in the original, and little help in determining its meaning can be obtained from the ancient versions.

The word translated “manner” is very common and never has this sense elsewhere; its well-established meaning is law. Nor is there any reason to suppose that a question is intended.

The translation should be: “And this is a law for man!” David expresses his surprise that so great a promise—even a decree of an eternal kingdom—should be given to such as himself and his posterity.

The same thought is expressed far less strikingly in the parallel passage (1 Chronicles 17:18): Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree.