2 Samuel 7:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Nathan {H5416} said {H559} to the king {H4428}, Go {H3212}, do {H6213} all that is in thine heart {H3824}; for the LORD {H3068} is with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Natan said to the king, "Go, do everything that is in your heart, for ADONAI is with you."

Berean Standard Bible

And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”

American Standard Version

And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy heart; for Jehovah is with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 7:3, the prophet Nathan, responding to King David's heartfelt desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, gives his immediate, humanly reasoned approval. David, having established his kingdom and residing in a cedar palace, felt it was unfitting for God's presence to dwell in a tent. Nathan, observing God's evident blessing on David's reign and perceiving the king's pure intentions, confidently declares, "Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee." This counsel, though well-meaning and seemingly logical, was given without direct divine consultation, setting the stage for God's subsequent and immediate correction, which would reveal a far grander, sovereign plan for David and his lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of King David's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power and establishment of Jerusalem as his capital and the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. [2 Samuel 7:1](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1 - David's Rest") describes David at rest in his palace, reflecting on the disparity between his comfortable dwelling and the Ark's temporary tent. His noble desire to build a "house" (temple) for God, expressed in [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a Temple"), prompts Nathan's immediate, unprompted affirmation in [2 Samuel 7:3](/2_samuel/7-3 "2 Samuel 7:3 - Nathan's Initial Counsel"). Crucially, this verse serves as a dramatic setup for the divine intervention that follows in [2 Samuel 7:4](/2_samuel/7-4 "2 Samuel 7:4 - God's Word to Nathan"), where God directly corrects Nathan's counsel and reveals the monumental Davidic Covenant, shifting the focus from David building a house for God to God building an eternal "house" (dynasty) for David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a significant period of stability and expansion for Israel. Having unified the tribes and secured peace from surrounding enemies, David's kingdom was flourishing. In the ancient Near East, kings often built grand temples to their deities, reflecting their piety, power, and the stability of their rule. The idea of a permanent dwelling for Yahweh, moving beyond the portable tabernacle of the wilderness wanderings, would have resonated deeply with the cultural understanding of a settled, established nation and its sovereign God. However, the divine perspective, as revealed later in the chapter, transcended these human cultural norms, emphasizing God's self-sufficiency and His initiative in establishing a covenant, rather than being contained by human constructs. The nomadic origins of Israel and the symbolism of the tabernacle as God's dwelling among His people were still potent theological concepts.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 7:3](/2_samuel/7-3 "2 Samuel 7:3 - Nathan's Initial Counsel") introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the book of Samuel and beyond. The primary theme is the **tension between human initiative and divine sovereignty**. Nathan's counsel, though well-intentioned and seemingly logical given God's evident favor on David ([2 Samuel 5:10](/2_samuel/5-10 "2 Samuel 5:10 - The Lord Was With David")), represents human wisdom. God's immediate correction highlights that even pious human desires must yield to His specific, often surprising, will. This underscores the **nature of true prophecy**, which must originate from divine revelation, not human intuition or observation. Furthermore, the verse subtly sets the stage for the theme of **God building a "house" (dynasty) for David**, contrasting with David's desire to build a physical "house" (temple) for God. This divine reversal emphasizes God's active role in history and His commitment to His covenant promises, ultimately pointing to the enduring nature of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Heb. לֵבָב, _levav_):** This term refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions and desires but also intellect, will, and moral character. Nathan's phrase "all that is in thine heart" acknowledges David's pure intentions, noble aspirations, and deep devotion to God. It highlights that David's desire to build the temple stemmed from a genuine place of worship and gratitude, not from self-aggrandizement. However, the passage later reveals that a good heart, while commendable, is not sufficient grounds for action without divine authorization.
* **With thee (Heb. עִמְּךָ, _'imkha_):** This phrase signifies God's active presence, favor, and empowering support. Nathan's declaration, "for the LORD is with thee," was profoundly true in David's life, as evidenced by his military victories and establishment of the kingdom ([2 Samuel 5:10](/2_samuel/5-10 "2 Samuel 5:10 - The Lord Was With David")). Nathan correctly observed God's blessing. However, he incorrectly extrapolated that God's general presence and favor automatically validated every specific human initiative, even a pious one. The phrase becomes a crucial point of theological distinction: God's presence does not equate to blanket approval for all human endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Nathan said to the king":** This opening establishes the immediate context of the prophet Nathan's counsel to King David. Nathan, a trusted spiritual advisor, is approached by David, indicating David's respect for prophetic guidance. The direct address underscores the personal nature of this exchange, which precedes God's direct intervention.
* **"Go, do all that is in thine heart;":** This clause conveys Nathan's enthusiastic and unreserved approval of David's plan. It reflects Nathan's perception of David's sincerity and good intentions. The imperative "Go, do" suggests immediate action, while "all that is in thine heart" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's desire, which Nathan fully endorses based on human wisdom and observation.
* **"for the LORD is with thee.":** This final clause provides Nathan's theological justification for his counsel. He attributes David's success and the righteousness of his intentions to God's evident presence and blessing. While the premise of God being "with" David was undeniably true, Nathan's conclusion that this presence automatically sanctioned David's specific building project was an assumption, not a revelation, which God would promptly correct.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Nathan's seemingly definitive counsel immediately precedes God's direct intervention, hinting at a divine plan that will supersede human understanding. There is a clear element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, aware of God's ultimate sovereignty and specific plans for David's "house" (dynasty), understands that Nathan's words, though well-meaning, are not the final word. This creates a sense of anticipation for God's subsequent revelation. Furthermore, the narrative presents a striking **Contrast** between Nathan's human intuition and God's divine revelation, highlighting the qualitative difference between human wisdom and divine decree. The **Repetition** of the concept of "house" (David's desire to build a house for God, God's promise to build a house for David) serves as a central **Symbolism**, shifting from a physical structure to an enduring lineage, thereby enriching the theological depth of the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:3 serves as a critical theological hinge, demonstrating the supremacy of divine revelation over human intuition, even when that intuition is well-intentioned and comes from a respected prophet. It underscores that God's plans are not always aligned with human desires, no matter how pious. This incident sets the stage for the monumental Davidic Covenant, where God reveals His sovereign will to establish an eternal dynasty for David, rather than allowing David to build Him a temple. This covenant, which promises an enduring "house" and an eternal throne, becomes a cornerstone of Israelite theology, pointing forward to the Messiah. The passage thus teaches a profound lesson about humility in seeking God's will and the importance of discerning His specific leading, even when our hearts are pure.

* [2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 7:3 offers a timeless and vital lesson for believers today: while good intentions and a pure heart are commendable and necessary for a walk with God, they are not a substitute for seeking and discerning God's specific will. Nathan, a prophet, erred not out of malice or self-interest, but from a human assessment of what seemed right and logical, based on God's evident blessing on David. This reminds us that even trusted spiritual advisors or our own deeply held convictions can be fallible when not directly informed by divine revelation. The passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, always seeking God's direct counsel through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to hold our plans, no matter how noble, with open hands, recognizing that God's purposes are often different, and infinitely grander, than our own. His presence with us is a guarantee of His faithfulness, but it does not automatically validate every personal aspiration; rather, it calls us to align our hearts with His perfect and sovereign designs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern the difference between a good idea (even a "godly" one) and God's specific will for my life or ministry?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be operating on good intentions or human logic, rather than direct divine guidance?**
* **What is my posture when my plans, even those made with a pure heart, are redirected or denied by God?**
* **How can I better cultivate a dependency on God's revelation rather than relying on my own understanding or the advice of others (even well-meaning ones)?**

### FAQ
**Was Nathan wrong in his counsel to David?**

Answer: Yes, Nathan's initial counsel was incorrect, not because it was malicious or ungodly in sentiment, but because it was based on his own human reasoning and observation rather than direct divine revelation. He spoke without having consulted God. The narrative makes it clear that God immediately corrected Nathan later that very night, sending him back to David with a different, divinely inspired message ([2 Samuel 7:4-5](/2_samuel/7-4 "2 Samuel 7:4-5 - God Corrects Nathan")). This highlights the crucial distinction between human wisdom, however well-intentioned, and the infallible word of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:3, with Nathan's well-meaning but ultimately corrected counsel, serves as a crucial setup for the profound Christological implications of the Davidic Covenant. While David desired to build a "house" (temple) for God, God's response, revealed immediately after this verse, was to promise to build a "house" (dynasty) for David that would endure forever ([2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This divine promise finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true Son of David, the one through whom God's eternal kingdom is established. Unlike the temporary temple David wished to build, Jesus is the true and living Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). His reign, as prophesied in the Davidic Covenant, is eternal, and His "house" (the Church, His body) is built not by human hands but by God Himself ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, Nathan's human error inadvertently underscores the divine initiative and the sovereign plan of God to establish an everlasting kingdom through Christ, far surpassing any human aspiration or construction.

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 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:

1 Kings 8:17

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

1 Kings 8:18

And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

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 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.