2 Samuel 7:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"’

NIV: Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" ’

NASB: Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’?'?’

CSB: In all my journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever spoken a word to one of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, asking: Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?’

NLT: Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, 'Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?'’

KJV: In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?

NKJV: Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’ ” ’

If the king of God's people has a nice house made of the cedars of Lebanon, isn't it fair for that king to build a permanent structure for the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10). But God doesn't want David to build him a temple. Through Nathan the prophet, He explains why (2 Samuel 7:1–5).

God's first point is that His presence has only ever lived in a tent among His people, never in permanent building. In all the time since Israel left slavery in Egypt, God has demonstrated His power and faithfulness to Israel without having a stationary "house." God doesn't need a building to be present with His chosen nation (2 Samuel 7:6).

God continues that argument. He has been content to travel with the people. He designed the tabernacle to be portable (Exodus 26). The ark stayed with the tabernacle through forty years of wandering in the wilderness, arrival at the Promised Land, and four centuries of judges (Judges 2:16–19). When the ark was taken by and then recovered from the Philistines, God was content for the ark to stay in Kiriath-jearim or travel with the people (1 Samuel 7:1–2; 14:18).

Finally, if God had wanted a temple, he would have asked for one. But He hasn't asked, and He's not asking, now. "Judges" probably means more than the men and woman from the book of Judges who ruled the Israelites between the time of Joshua and King Saul. It more likely means anyone God chose to lead His people, including priests, prophets, and kings.

But there's another reason: God doesn't want His temple associated with war and violence, and David has a very violent life. That is his role in God's story. David didn't sin by killing in war or in executing people as a leader and a king (Psalm 144:1), until Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14–15). God wants His temple to be associated with peace. So, He will intentionally give Solomon a peaceful reign so he can build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:6–10).

Second Samuel 7:4–7 is God's response to a question He wasn't asked. David has decided it's not right that he lives in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant sits in a tent. He talked to the prophet Nathan about it. Nathan judged that God had a habit of blessing David's plans, and He'd certainly agree to whatever David chose to do (2 Samuel 7:1–3). Nathan was wrong. David won't build a temple: his son will. But God will build David a dynasty (2 Samuel 7:11–17). God's correction is also in 1 Chronicles 17:3–6.

In 2 Samuel 7, David wants to build a temple for the ark of the covenant. He's convicted that he has a big house, so the ark doesn't belong in a tent (2 Samuel 5:11–12; 6:17). God declines David's request. Rather, God will build David a "house": a dynasty. David's son will be king—and that sone will build the temple. David's throne will be established forever. David responds with a humble prayer of gratitude and praise, asking God to do all He has promised for David and for Israel. God will, through Jesus (Revelation 22:16). First Chronicles 17 records the same events.

In 2 Samuel 7, David learns he can't out-give God. God has made him king and given him a mansion and a family (2 Samuel 5:3, 11–15). He's allowed David to bring the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1–15). Now, David wants to build the ark a proper temple. Instead, God says David's son will build the temple, and God will build David a lasting dynasty. Solomon does build the temple (1 Kings 5), and Jesus will fulfill David's dynasty (Luke 1:32).