1. After the king had taken up residence in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
2. the king said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
3. Nathan answered the king, “Whatever is in your heart, go and do, for the Lord is with you.”
4. But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan:
5. Go and tell David my servant, Thus says the Lord: Is it you who would build me a house to dwell in?
6. I have never dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up from Egypt to this day, but I have been going about in a tent or a tabernacle.
7. As long as I have wandered about among the Israelites, did I ever say a word to any of the judges whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?
8. Now then, speak thus to my servant David, Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to become ruler over my people Israel.
9. I was with you wherever you went, and I cut down all your enemies before you. And I will make your name like that of the greatest on earth.
10. I will assign a place for my people Israel and I will plant them in it to dwell there; they will never again be disturbed, nor shall the wicked ever again oppress them, as they did at the beginning,