2 Samuel 7:1-9 ▼

1 When the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest on every side from all his enemies,

2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.”

3 So Nathan told the king, “Go and do all that is on your heart, for the LORD is with you.”

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

5 Go to My servant David and say, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you to build a house for Me to live in?

6 From the time I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have been moving around with a tent as My dwelling.

7 In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’”

8 Now this is what you are to say to My servant David: ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from following the sheep to be ruler over My people Israel.

9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land.