2 Samuel 7:1-13 ▼

1 After the king had settled down in his palace and the LORD had given him respite from all of his surrounding enemies,

2 he told the prophet Nathan, |Look now, I'm living in a cedar palace, but the Ark of God resides behind a tent curtain.|

3 Nathan replied to the king, |Go do everything you have in mind, because the LORD is with you.|

4 But later that same night, this message came to Nathan from the LORD:

5 |Go tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD says: |'|Are you going to build a house for me to inhabit?

6 After all, I haven't lived in a house since the day I brought up the Israelis from Egypt until now. Instead, I've moved around in a tent that served as my dwelling place.

7 Wherever I moved among the Israelis, did I ever ask even one tribal leader of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, 'Why haven't you built me a cedar house?'

8 |'|Now therefore this is what you are to tell my servant David: 'This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: |I took you from the pasture myself—from tending sheep—to become Commander-in-Chief over my people, that is, over Israel.

9 |'|Furthermore, I have remained with you everywhere you have gone, annihilating all your enemies right in front of you. I will make a great reputation for you, like the reputation of great ones who have lived on earth.

10 I will establish a homeland for my people—for Israel—planting them so they may live in a secure location where they will never be disturbed anymore. Wicked people will no longer afflict them, as happened in the past

11 when I had commanded judges to administer my people Israel. I'll also grant you relief from all your enemies.|' |'The LORD also announces to you: |The LORD will himself build a house for you.

12 When your life is complete and you go to join your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come forth from your body, and I will fortify his kingdom.

13 He will build a Temple dedicated to my Name, and I will make the throne of his kingdom last forever.