2 Chronicles 6:7

Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

Now it was in the heart {H3824} of David {H1732} my father {H1} to build {H1129} an house {H1004} for the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

It was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of ADONAI the God of Isra'el;

Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.

Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:7 records King Solomon's acknowledgment of his father, David's, earnest desire to build a magnificent house for the Lord. This verse is part of Solomon's grand prayer of dedication for the Temple he finally completed in Jerusalem, a project David had long envisioned but was not permitted to undertake.

Context

This verse is found within Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:1-42), a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Solomon is recounting the history of the Temple's inception, giving credit to his father, King David. David had an overwhelming desire to construct a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence among His people (2 Samuel 7:2). However, God, through the prophet Nathan, revealed that David, a man of war, would not be the one to build it, but rather his son, Solomon, a man of peace (1 Chronicles 22:8). Solomon's prayer emphasizes that he is fulfilling David's righteous intention, according to God's divine plan.

Key Themes

  • Sincere Intention: The phrase "it was in the heart of David my father" highlights David's profound and genuine desire to honor God. God always values the pure intentions of the heart, even when He redirects the means or timing of their fulfillment.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Desire: While David's desire was noble and divinely inspired, God retained sovereignty over the execution of the plan. This demonstrates that God's ultimate purpose will be accomplished, often through instruments and timings He chooses, not necessarily through our initial plans.
  • Building "for the Name of the LORD": The purpose was not merely to construct a building, but to establish a physical focal point for the worship and honor of God's "name." In biblical terms, God's "name" represents His character, authority, presence, and reputation. The Temple was to be a place where God's glory was proclaimed and His people could draw near to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "in the heart" is `leb` (ΧœΦ΅Χ‘), which refers to the innermost being, the seat of thought, emotion, and intention. It signifies David's deep, sincere, and personal commitment to this project. The emphasis is on the purity and earnestness of his desire, not just a passing thought.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • God Honors Sincere Desire: David's fervent desire to glorify God was recognized and commended, even though he didn't complete the physical task. God looks at our hearts and intentions as much as, if not more than, our accomplishments.
  • Trusting God's Timing and Methods: We may have grand visions or desires to serve God, but we must also submit to His timing and His chosen means. God often uses different people for different phases of His work.
  • Building for God's Glory: Our actions and ambitions should always be "for the name of the LORD." Whether in our personal lives, careers, or ministry, the ultimate goal should be to honor God and make His character known. This can be seen in the New Testament concept of believers themselves being temples of the Holy Spirit, where God's presence dwells within us.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 5:3

    Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:1

    ΒΆ Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:7

    And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:

  • 2 Samuel 7:2

    That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

  • 2 Samuel 7:3

    And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that [is] in thine heart; for the LORD [is] with thee.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:2

    Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

  • 1 Chronicles 28:4

    Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:
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