1 Chronicles 17:1-12 ▼

1 After David had taken up residence in his house, he said to Nathan the prophet, “See, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under tentcloth.”

2 Nathan replied to David, “Whatever is in your heart, go and do, for God is with you.”

3 But that same night the word of God came to Nathan:

4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus says the LORD: It is not you who are to build the house for me to dwell in.

5 For I have never dwelt in a house, from the day I brought Israel up, even to this day, but I have been lodging in tent or tabernacle.

6 As long as I have wandered about with all Israel, did I ever say a word to any of the judges of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd my people, Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

7 Now then, speak thus to my servant David, Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to become ruler over my people Israel.

8 I was with you wherever you went, and I cut down all your enemies before you. I will make your name like that of the greatest on the earth.

9 I will assign a place for my people Israel and I will plant them in it to dwell there; they will never again be disturbed, nor shall the wicked ever again oppress them, as they did at the beginning,

10 and during all the time when I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house:

11 when your days have been completed and you must join your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you who will be one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom.

12 He it is who shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne forever.