08. “Will you build my house? I will build your house!” ( 2Samuel 7:1 – 17)

When David told his desire to build the Lord’s temple to Nathan, the Lord deterred his plan but, instead, promised to build a dynastic house for David. This is called the Davidic covenant.

👉 Read 2Samuel 7:1 - 17

Q1. Nathan responded to David favorably, ‘You should go and do whatever you have in mind, for (                              ).’

The Lord is with you.

When we walk with the Lord, our desires will align with His, and we will have confidence in our decisions. And if He has a different plan, He will surely reveal it to us. Therefore, focus on walking closely with Him rather than anxious about what His will is. He will let you know.

Q2. Though Nathan saw David’s idea as good, the Lord’s plan was different. Verses 4 – 7 hint at why the Lord deters David’s plan. ‘Do you really (           ) to build a house for me to live in? You don’t know what my house is.  Since the time of [         ] to the present day, I have not lived in a house. Instead, I was (           ) with the Israelites and living in a tent. Also, I have not asked any of them to build my house. My house is not a building, but my [         ].’ (hint for [ ]: people, exodus)

‘Do you really ( intend ) to build a house for me to live in? You don’t know what my house is.  Since the time of [ the Exodus ] to the present day, I have not lived in a house. Instead, I was ( traveling ) with the Israelites and living in a tent. Also, I have not asked any of them to build my house. My house is not a building, but my [ people ].’ 

Q3. The Lord said, “I took you to be (     ) over my people. I was with you (     ). I defeated (    ) your enemies before you. Now, I will make your name (     ). Now, I will establish (    ) for my people so that they will no longer be disturbed, not like in the days of the (     ) when their peace ended each time a judge died. They needed an everlasting dynasty to protect my people. Now, I will raise up one of your own (    ) and establish his (    ). He will build a house for (my name), and I will make his dynasty (    ).

In the past, their peace was lost because of their sins. But now, for your descendant, I will be his (    ), and he will be my (   ). When he sins, I will discipline him, but I will not take away my (     ) from him, because he is my son. In this way, despite human failure, your (house) and your (kingdom) will endure forever.

My people will enjoy rest and peace forever. This is how my house—which is my [     ]—will be built up. You wanted to build me a house, but I will build your house, and a son of yours (Christ) will become the [     ] of my house and build it up.” (hint for []: cornerstone, people)

The Lord said, “I took you to be (a leader) over my people. I was with you (wherever you went). I defeated (all) your enemies before you. Now, I will make your name (great). Now, I will establish (a place) for my people so that they will no longer be disturbed, not like in the days of the (judges) when their peace ended each time a judge died. They needed an everlasting dynasty to protect my people. Now, I will raise up one of your own (sons) and establish his (dynasty). He will build a house for (my name), and I will make his dynasty (permanent).

In the past, their peace was lost because of their sins. But now, for your descendant, I will be his (father), and he will be my (son). When he sins, I will discipline him, but I will not take away my (royal love) from him, because he is my son. In this way, despite human failure, your (house) and your (kingdom) will endure forever.

My people will enjoy rest and peace forever. This is how my house—which is my [people]—will be built up. You wanted to build me a house, but I will build your house, and a son of yours (Christ) will become the [cornerstone] of my house and build it up.”

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said (v.8).” The Lord uses this phrase to emphasize His uniqueness—not like the other gods who demand or are expected to have temples built for them. This declaration draws the reader’s attention to the Lord’s works for them to understand His thoughts and heart.

Why did the Lord not allow David to build the temple, even though David was more devoted to the Lord than Solomon? If Solomon was permitted, why was David, a man after God’s own heart, denied this privilege? The answer reveals a deeper theological truth. The ultimate dwelling place of the Lord is not a physical building, but His people. While Solomon’s temple was important, it was a temporary symbol pointing to something greater. By appointing David’s son to build the temple, the Lord was foreshadowing the coming of the true Son of David—Christ—who would establish an everlasting house. This house is not made with hands but is the Church, the people of God, in whom the Lord truly dwells.

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. (Hebrews 3:5-6)

What an amazing truth—that the Lord journeys with us through this earthly life, dwells in our hearts, and makes our bodies His temple! This incredible blessing and privilege comes through Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us and united Himself with us, making us His Church, His dwelling place.