2 Samuel 7:1-13 ▼

1 After the king had taken up residence in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,

2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent!”

3 Nathan answered the king, “Whatever is in your heart, go and do, for the LORD is with you.”

4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan:

5 Go and tell David my servant, Thus says the LORD: Is it you who would build me a house to dwell in?

6 I have never dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up from Egypt to this day, but I have been going about in a tent or a tabernacle.

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

8 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.

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

10 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,

11 and from the day when I appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you:

12 when your days have been completed and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, sprung from your loins, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He it is who shall build a house for my name, and I will establish his royal throne forever.