God’s Covenant with David

7 Now it came to pass awhen the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in ba house of cedar, cbut the ark of God dwells inside tent dcurtains.”

3 Then Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your eheart, for the Lord is with you.”

4 But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: f“Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? 6 For I have not dwelt in a house gsince the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in ha tent and in a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have imoved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded jto shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’ ” ’ 8 Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: k“I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. 9 And lI have been with you wherever you have gone, mand have 1cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will nplant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; onor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, 11 psince the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the Lord 2tells you qthat He will make you a 3house.

12 r“When your days are fulfilled and you srest with your fathers, tI will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 uHe shall build a house for My name, and I will vestablish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 wI will be his Father, and he shall be xMy son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the 4blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, yas I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And zyour house and your kingdom shall be established forever before 5you. Your throne shall be established forever.” ’ ”

17 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.