1. David moved into his palace. Then he said to Nathan the prophet, “Look, I am living in a palace made of cedar. But the Ark of the Covenant with the Lord sits in a tent.”
2. Nathan answered David, “Do what you want to do. God is with you.”
3. But that night God spoke his word to Nathan. God said,
4. “Go and tell my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord says: David, you are not the person to build a house for me to live in.
5. From the time I brought Israel out of Egypt until now I have not lived in a house. I have moved from one tent site to another. I have gone from one place to another.
6. I have moved with the Israelites to different places. I commanded leaders to take care of my people. I never said to any of those leaders, “Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?”’
7. “Now, tell my servant David: ‘The Lord of heaven’s armies says: I took you from the pasture and from tending the sheep. I made you king of my people Israel.
8. I have been with you everywhere you have gone. I have killed your enemies for you. Now I will make you one of the most famous men on earth.
9. I will give this place to my people Israel. I will settle them here. Then they will have a home of their own. They won’t be bothered anymore. Evil people won’t hurt them as they have done since the first.
10. Evil people have hurt them since I chose leaders for my people Israel. I will also defeat all your enemies.“‘I tell you that the Lord will make your descendants kings of Israel after you.
11. When you die and join your ancestors, I will let your child be the new king. He will be one of your own sons. And I will make his kingdom strong.