2 Samuel 7:1-9 ▼

1 When King David lived in his house (palace) and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,

2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.”

3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do everything that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”

4 But it happened that night that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying,

5 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Should you be the one to build Me a house in which to dwell?

6 For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought the sons (descendants) of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle.

7 Wherever I have gone with all the Israelites, did I speak a word to any from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, asking, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’

8 So now, say this to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel.

9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like that of the great men of the earth.