Theological Commentary: Click Here
Today, David
learns that he will not be the one to build a temple for the Lord. God does not want him to build the
temple. What’s interesting in this
chapter is that we are not told why David isn’t to build the temple. We are given clues in a couple of chapters,
but we are not told here. If you are
curious, the later testimony indicates that David’s past is too violent for God
to want him to build the temple for Him.
Of course,
this is true. God’s Word is not
wrong. For a closer look at what is
going on, read through what God says.
There is more to this passage than meets the eye.
First,
notice that God corrects David’s desire by saying that He has never asked for a
house. He has never lived in a house
built by human hands because the universe is His dwelling! What need does God have for a dwelling? The whole creation is His! David’s desire for God to have a home is just
that: David’s desire. David wants God to
have a home in Jerusalem so that people will know where God dwells. God Himself doesn’t need a home. Neither does He need people to build Him an
adequate home.
In fact, God
tells David that He will build David a house instead. God is the one who makes people great. God is the one who gives us dwelling. He is the one who meets our needs, not the other
way around. David’s desire isn’t wrong
per se, but it does show that his thoughts are misguided.
Furthermore,
David tells Him that David’s son will build a temple. God also tells David that He will be a father
to David’s son and David’s son will be a son to Him. While this could be a slight to David’s parenting
technique and his many wives, I think this is honestly just a confirmation that
God will be with his offspring. God is
David’s God, He will be the God of his offspring, too.
In summary,
this chapter is all about who I provider and who is the recipient. God is the provider. He doesn’t need us to provide for Him. He is happy to accept our gifts, our praise,
and our offerings. He doesn’t need them,
however. He is capable of helping
Himself just fine. He is our provider.
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