Bible Commentaries

The story of David's desire to build the Temple is told here in close connection with that of his bringing the Tabernacle to Jerusalem. It is not necessarily in chronological order, but is fittingly related at this point. David's desire to build the house of God was perfectly natural, and, indeed, proper. So much was this the case that it appealed to Nathan, who advised him to do all that was in his heart.

It was not, however, God's will that he should carry out this work, and the prophet was sent to deliver a message which was neither in agreement with David's desire nor with his own opinion.

Jehovah reminded David of all that He had done for him, and declared His intention of making David's reign permanent. He was not, however, the chosen instrument for building the Temple, which work should be carried out by his son.

The story reveals the triumph of Nathan and David in their ready submission to the declared will of God. The prophet unhesitatingly delivered his message, even though it contradicted his own expressed opinion. David immediately acquiesced in the will of God, and worshiped.

It is of the utmost importance that those called to the service of God in any way should ever test their desires, even the highest and the holiest of them, by His will. Work, apparently excellent in itself, must not be under taken unless by the expressed direction of God. Time always vindicates the wisdom of the divine procedure.