God’s Promise to David
17 After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.”
2 Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.”
3 But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying:
4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. 5 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt to this day. I have moved from one tent site to another, from one dwelling place to another. 6 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their leaders whom I commanded to shepherd my people, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
7 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel.
David was disturbed that the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, was in a tent. David lived in a beautiful palace. He wanted to honor God and build a Temple. David had the right desire, but God had a different plan for him. God told David not to build the Temple. David followed God’s directions and timing. David could have pushed forward and build the temple, but it would have been all wrong. He knew it was better to be on God’s time frame than his own. God did not want a warrior to build his Temple. David had shed much blood unifying the nation. David’s son, Solomon, would have the honor of building the Temple. David would pass on to Solomon a peaceful and united kingdom. Solomon would be ready to build the Temple for God. Are you trying to push forward in a project or plan that you have in your life? Are things not going smoothly, or do you feel much push back? Stop and visit with God about what you are doing. Take time to wait for a response. You will know the direction and timing when God is first in your life. Doors will open and some will close. You know God’s hand is in your life. It is better to keep to his direction and timing than to rush forward or make things happen.
