2 Samuel 7:2
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
David dwelt in a house or palace of cedar in Jerusalem while the ark of God dwelt within curtains in a tent or tabernacle. This occurred nearly three thousand years ago when God's chosen nation was greatly favored. The tabernacle had been constructed in the wilderness and borne all the way from Horeb to Jerusalem during a pilgrimage of nearly forty years, and the nation had now ended that pilgrimage, obtained a permanent location, and settled in the goodly land of Canaan in costly buildings of cedar. The curtained Tabernacle was where the Shekinah, the visible emblem of God's presence, dwelt between the cherubim, and the ark symbolized His presence as the mighty God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth.
Seeing his own magnificent palace and the costly dwellings of the inhabitants, David was impressed and filled with remorse and a disturbed conscience that he dwelt so well while the ark was provided for so much more poorly, feeling it was unfitting and without a suitable dwelling place. He therefore conceived the idea and purpose to build a more honorable and worthy residence for God, a magnificent temple in Jerusalem to honor God, prepare a place for worship, and make the city the nation's religious center. David made his conviction known to Nathan the prophet, who encouraged him to carry out his purpose of building a temple for the Lord to dwell in, but God in His providence had a special work for David to perform and had selected his son Solomon to accomplish the great work. The site of the building was indicated and the most complete instructions were given, and Solomon entered upon the great work.
David's comparison of his own house of cedar with the curtains sheltering the ark teaches God's people to look at their own conveniences and then at the poor accommodations provided for His service, and the difference should move every man and woman, old and young, parents and children, to arise and build a house for God with deep heart interest, bringing gifts and donations and showing as great and even greater interest than in building houses for themselves, for their own good and for the glory of God. Such building for God is to be done in harmonious, faithful, cautious labor under acknowledged leaders without rivalry, strikes, or dissatisfaction, with each stone fashioned to fit its place. It is not to be hindered by trying times over means, because God's blessing is wanted in working the works of God.