2 Chronicles 6:9

KJV

Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding {H7535} thou shalt not build {H1129} the house {H1004}; but thy son {H1121} which shall come forth {H3318} out of thy loins {H2504}, he shall build {H1129} the house {H1004} for my name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

nevertheless you will not build the house. Rather, you will father a son, and it will be he who will build the house for my name.'

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’

American Standard Version

nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 6:9 captures a pivotal moment in King Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple, where he recounts God's specific and unwavering instruction to his father, David. Despite David's fervent desire and extensive preparations to construct a permanent dwelling for the Lord, God sovereignly decreed that this sacred task would not be completed by him. Instead, the divine mandate was reserved for David's direct biological descendant, Solomon, who was destined to build the house consecrated to God's name, thereby fulfilling a crucial aspect of the Davidic covenant and establishing a central, enduring place of worship for the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within King Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Solomon's prayer is a profound theological exposition, serving as a public acknowledgment of God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition. Specifically, verse 9 directly recalls the foundational divine revelation given to David, detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and reiterated in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David"). In these earlier accounts, God explicitly forbade David, a "man of war" ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Forbidden to Build the Temple")), from building the Temple, promising instead that his son would accomplish it. Solomon's recounting of this divine decree at the Temple's dedication powerfully underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the precise fulfillment of His word across generations, culminating in the very event of the Temple's completion and dedication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental and unprecedented undertaking for the nation of Israel, marking a significant transition from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, central place of worship. Historically, this period under King David and King Solomon represented the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, characterized by unparalleled peace, political stability, and economic prosperity, which provided the necessary resources and environment for such an ambitious project. Culturally, the term "house" (Hebrew: _bayith_) held rich connotations, referring not only to a physical structure but also to a dynasty, family line, or lineage. This dual meaning is profoundly intertwined with the Davidic covenant, where God promised to build David an enduring "house" (dynasty) that would last forever ([2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11 - God's Promise to David's House")). The Temple's construction "for My name" was culturally paramount, signifying God's authoritative presence and unique identity being established in a specific, consecrated location, making it the undeniable focal point for national identity, unified worship, and pilgrimage for all Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound theological and narrative themes resonate within this verse and its broader biblical context. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment** is paramount; God, not human desire or capability, dictates the timing, the means, and the instruments of His work. Despite David's fervent and righteous desire, God's specific and perfect plan for Solomon prevailed, demonstrating that God's purposes unfold precisely according to His infallible will, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand"). Secondly, the theme of **Generational Succession and Legacy** is powerfully highlighted; the father (David) faithfully prepares extensively ([1 Chronicles 22:5](/1_chronicles/22-5 "1 Chronicles 22:5 - David's Preparations for the Temple")) for a task that the son (Solomon) is divinely appointed to complete. This illustrates the vital importance of faithfully passing on spiritual responsibilities and the continuity of God's work through successive generations. Lastly, the concept of **Building "for My Name"** emphasizes that the Temple's ultimate purpose was to glorify, honor, and make known the character of God, serving as a tangible symbol of His holy presence, supreme authority, and covenant faithfulness among Israel and the nations, a principle beautifully articulated in [Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Notwithstanding (Hebrew, _raq'_):** This adverb functions as a strong adversative or limiting particle, emphasizing a direct contrast or exception. In this context, it highlights the divine prohibition to David despite his intentions, setting up the subsequent declaration of God's chosen builder. It underscores that God's sovereign will takes precedence over human desire, even when that desire is noble.
* **Loins (Hebrew, _châlâts'_):** This term, used in the dual form (_châlâtsayim_), literally refers to the reproductive organs, symbolizing the source of physical progeny. The phrase "thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins" unequivocally designates Solomon as David's direct, biological descendant and rightful heir. This precise biological link is crucial for establishing the legitimacy of Solomon's role in building the Temple and for confirming the exact fulfillment of God's specific covenant promise to David regarding his lineage.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought, God's "name" is far more than a mere appellation; it embodies His entire character, reputation, authority, and manifest presence. To build a house "for My name" means it is consecrated wholly to His honor, where His character is revealed, His authority is acknowledged, and His presence is manifested. It signifies that the Temple was not merely a human architectural feat but a divinely ordained sacred space for the worship, glorification, and renown of God, where His distinctive identity would dwell and be proclaimed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house;":** This initial clause serves as a direct, unequivocal prohibition to King David. It reiterates God's earlier decree that despite David's fervent desire, extensive preparations, and noble intentions, he was not the divinely appointed individual to construct the Temple. The "notwithstanding" underscores the contrast between David's aspiration and God's sovereign will, highlighting that divine prerogative ultimately determines the timing and instruments of His work.
* **"but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins,":** This clause introduces the divinely chosen builder, specifying the precise identity of the one who would undertake the sacred task. The emphasis on "thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins" points to a direct, biological successor, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line. This precise identification removes any ambiguity, linking the Temple's construction directly and intimately to the fulfillment of God's promise concerning David's promised dynasty.
* **"he shall build the house for my name.":** This final clause articulates the positive divine command and the ultimate, sacred purpose of the Temple. It clarifies that the structure is not merely a physical edifice, but a consecrated space dedicated entirely to the honor, presence, and reputation of God. The building of the Temple by Solomon was therefore a tangible expression of God's desire to dwell among His people and establish a place where His character would be proclaimed, His authority acknowledged, and His glory worshipped.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **literary devices** that enhance its theological weight. **Contrast** is prominently featured, drawing a sharp distinction between David, who "shalt not build the house," and his son, who "shall build the house." This juxtaposition powerfully highlights God's specific choice, divine timing, and the precise nature of His plan. There is also a subtle yet effective use of **Repetition** with the phrase "build the house," which serves to emphasize the central action and its divine mandate, reinforcing both the prohibition to David and the permission granted to Solomon. The entire statement functions as a **Divine Decree**, a pronouncement from God that carries absolute authority, certainty of fulfillment, and underscores His sovereign control over human endeavors. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's grand construction of the Temple, though significant, points to a greater "house" and a greater "builder" to come, a theme that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine directive in [2 Chronicles 6:9](/2_chronicles/6-9 "2 Chronicles 6:9 - Solomon Recalls God's Promise to David") profoundly illustrates God's meticulous orchestration of redemptive history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human desires or capabilities alone, but are executed according to His sovereign timing and through His chosen instruments. The Temple, built "for My name," serves as a powerful theological symbol of God's desire to dwell among His people, to be known, and to be worshipped. This concept of God establishing a dwelling place and a means of access for His people is a recurring and progressive theme throughout biblical history, from the nomadic Tabernacle to the permanent Temple, and ultimately pointing towards a more profound spiritual reality. The transfer of the building mandate from David to Solomon also highlights the principle of generational continuity in God's work, where one generation faithfully prepares and another completes, all for the singular, overarching purpose of glorifying God's name and advancing His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David's Descendant")
* [1 Kings 8:18-19](/1_kings/8-18-19 "1 Kings 8:18-19 - Solomon Recalls God's Promise to David")
* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1-2 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's True Dwelling Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our earnest desires and good intentions, while commendable and often divinely inspired, must always ultimately submit to God's sovereign will and perfect timing. Like King David, we may harbor visions for great works to be accomplished for God's kingdom, but His divine plan may involve different individuals, different methods, or different seasons for their ultimate fulfillment. Our primary role is to remain faithful in preparation, prayer, and obedience, trusting implicitly that God will raise up the right people at the right time to accomplish His precise purposes. This passage calls us to discern and humbly embrace our unique part in God's grand redemptive narrative, whether we are called to lay foundations, prepare the way, or to build and establish. Ultimately, all our efforts—whether in service, ministry, professional endeavors, or daily life—should be undertaken "for His name," meaning they are directed toward bringing glory, honor, and renown to God alone, rather than seeking personal recognition or achievement. This divine perspective elevates our work, aligning it with God's eternal purpose and ensuring that He receives all the praise and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good intentions" or deeply held desires do I have for God's work that I need to prayerfully surrender to His timing and method?**
* **How can I better discern and humbly embrace my specific role in God's larger plan, whether it involves preparation, building, or supporting others?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that all my efforts, both spiritual and secular, are truly "for His name" and bring maximum glory to God?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty in choosing His instruments and timing impact my patience, trust, and willingness to wait on His unfolding plan?**

### FAQ

**Why was David not permitted to build the Temple, despite his desire?**

Answer: David's fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling for God is well-documented in passages like [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a House for God"). However, God explicitly forbade him from doing so. The primary reason given in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Wars and the Temple") is that David had been a "man of war" and had "shed much blood." While David's wars were often fought at God's command and were necessary for the establishment and security of Israel, the Temple was meant to be a house of peace, symbolizing God's presence among a settled, peaceful people. God chose David's son, Solomon, whose name means "peace" or "peaceful," to undertake this sacred task, signifying a new era of peace and stability under his reign. This divine decision also powerfully highlighted God's absolute sovereignty in choosing His instruments and timing, demonstrating that the Temple's construction was a divine initiative, not merely a human ambition or reward.

**What is the significance of building the house "for my name"?**

Answer: The phrase "for my name" (Hebrew: _lishmi_) is profoundly significant and deeply theological, emphasizing that the Temple's ultimate purpose was not to "contain" God, who cannot be contained by any structure or even the heavens themselves ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God Cannot Be Contained by a House")), but to be a place where His character, authority, and manifest presence would be revealed, honored, and invoked. God's "name" represents His very being, His reputation, His revealed attributes, and His unique identity as the one true God. To build a house "for His name" meant it was consecrated entirely to Him, serving as the central focal point for worship, prayer, sacrifice, and the acknowledgment of His covenant faithfulness. It was the designated place where Israel could encounter God, make atonement for sin, receive His blessings, and thereby proclaim His glorious name to the surrounding nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Temple, magnificently built by Solomon for God's name, serves as a profound type and shadow, pointing inexorably to the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity: Jesus Christ Himself. While Solomon constructed a glorious physical structure, the New Testament reveals that God's true "house" is not made with human hands. Jesus Himself prophetically declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," explicitly speaking of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). He is the true and greater Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence on earth, in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, just as Solomon, David's son, built the physical Temple, so too Jesus, the ultimate Son of David, builds God's spiritual house, the Church, composed of living stones, with Himself as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones Building a Spiritual House")). Through Christ, believers are reconciled to God and become a "dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God")). Thus, [2 Chronicles 6:9](/2_chronicles/6-9 "2 Chronicles 6:9 - Solomon Recalls God's Promise"), with its emphasis on a son building a house for God's name, beautifully foreshadows the divine Son, Jesus, who perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant by establishing an eternal kingdom and building a spiritual Temple where God's name is eternally glorified and His presence forever dwells among His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 17:11

And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go [to be] with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

1 Chronicles 17:12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

1 Chronicles 17:4

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: