2 Samuel 7:1-17

1When King David lived in his house (palace) and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies,

2the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains.”

3And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do everything that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”

4But 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, “Should you be the one to build Me a house in which to dwell?

6For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought the sons (descendants) of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle.

7Wherever I have gone with all the Israelites, did I speak a word to any from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, asking, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’ ” ’

8So now, say this to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel.

9I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like that of the great men of the earth.

10I will appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in a place of their own and not be disturbed again. The wicked will not afflict them again, as formerly,

11even from the day that I appointed judges over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also declares to you that He will make a house (royal dynasty) for you.

12When your days are fulfilled and you lie down [in death] with your fathers (ancestors), I will raise up your descendant after you, who shall be born to you, and I will establish his kingdom.

13He [is the one who] shall build a house for My Name and My Presence, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

14I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. When he commits iniquity (wrongdoing), I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the strokes of the sons of man.

15But My lovingkindness and mercy will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.

16Your house (royal dynasty) and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever.” ’ ”

17Nathan spoke to David in accordance with all these words and all of this vision.