And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,
David was dwelling in his palace of cedar while the ark, which symbolized the mighty God and had been borne from Horeb to Jerusalem, still remained in the curtained tabernacle where the Shekinah dwelt between the cherubim. Filled with remorse that he lived magnificently while provision for God was so much poorer, he made known to Nathan his conviction to build a more honorable place for worship, and Nathan encouraged him to carry it out. That night the word of the Lord came to Nathan in answer to David's plan, to redirect it.
God had a special work for David himself to perform rather than building the house. Although David would not build a house for God, in His providence He had selected David's son Solomon to accomplish the great work of building Him a house, the temple. The message also gave David assurance of divine favor for himself, his descendants, and Israel, including the promise that his kingdom would be established.
David was dwelling in his palace of cedar while the ark, which symbolized the mighty God and had been borne from Horeb to Jerusalem, still remained in the curtained tabernacle where the Shekinah dwelt between the cherubim. Filled with remorse that he lived magnificently while provision for God was so much poorer, he made known to Nathan his conviction to build a more honorable place for worship, and Nathan encouraged him to carry it out. That night the word of the Lord came to Nathan in answer to David's plan, to redirect it.
God had a special work for David himself to perform rather than building the house. Although David would not build a house for God, in His providence He had selected David's son Solomon to accomplish the great work of building Him a house, the temple. The message also gave David assurance of divine favor for himself, his descendants, and Israel, including the promise that his kingdom would be established.