1Ch 17:4 | KingComments | STEP | From what David says in , Nathan understands what he means. Nathan doesn’t say in so many words that David can build the temple, just like David himself didn’t say. This intention of David as such is not wrong. Therefore the prophet encourages him. Stimulating each other to do something for the Lord is good. However, Nathan's advice is an initial, humanly understandable response, but not the word of the LORD. In the night that follows, Nathan is told what the LORD thinks of David’s intention. For reasons to be given later, David is not allowed to build the temple ( ). Other things have to happen first. David is not allowed to build a house for the LORD, but the LORD will build a house for David. He gives to David, who must first become a receiver. We can’t give the Lord what He needs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give him anything. The Lord likes to receive from us what we want to give Him. Nowhere do we read that the LORD, when He walked around with the people, gave the order to build a house for Him to dwell in. On the contrary, He has always adapted Himself to His people. When the people of Israel were slaves, He became their Deliverer; when the people dwelt in tents, His dwelling place was also a tent; when the people had to fight, He revealed Himself as the Captain of the LORD’s host; when the people will be established in peace, God will also establish in the house of His glory. So it is with Christ in relation to us. We are born of a woman, He also; His earthly people Israel was under the law, this He also was during his life on earth; now that He gathers a heavenly people for Himself, He is in heaven for us; when He comes in glory, we come with Him in His glory; when He reigns, we reign with Him.

‏ 1 Chronicles 17:4

David Is Not Allowed to Build a House for God

From what David says in 1Chr 17:1, Nathan understands what he means. Nathan doesn’t say in so many words that David can build the temple, just like David himself didn’t say. This intention of David as such is not wrong. Therefore the prophet encourages him. Stimulating each other to do something for the Lord is good. However, Nathan's advice is an initial, humanly understandable response, but not the word of the LORD. In the night that follows, Nathan is told what the LORD thinks of David’s intention.

For reasons to be given later, David is not allowed to build the temple (1Chr 22:8 ; 1Chr 28:3). Other things have to happen first. David is not allowed to build a house for the LORD, but the LORD will build a house for David. He gives to David, who must first become a receiver. We can’t give the Lord what He needs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give him anything. The Lord likes to receive from us what we want to give Him.

Nowhere do we read that the LORD, when He walked around with the people, gave the order to build a house for Him to dwell in. On the contrary, He has always adapted Himself to His people. When the people of Israel were slaves, He became their Deliverer; when the people dwelt in tents, His dwelling place was also a tent; when the people had to fight, He revealed Himself as the Captain of the LORD’s host; when the people will be established in peace, God will also establish in the house of His glory.

So it is with Christ in relation to us. We are born of a woman, He also; His earthly people Israel was under the law, this He also was during his life on earth; now that He gathers a heavenly people for Himself, He is in heaven for us; when He comes in glory, we come with Him in His glory; when He reigns, we reign with Him.