2 Samuel 7:5

KJV

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

KJV (with Strong's)

Go {H3212} and tell {H559} my servant {H5650} David {H1732}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Shalt thou build {H1129} me an house {H1004} for me to dwell in {H3427}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go and tell my servant David that this is what ADONAI says: 'You are going to build me a house to live in?

Berean Standard Bible

“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?

American Standard Version

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith Jehovah, Shalt thou build me a house for me to dwell in?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 7:5 records God's direct and surprising response to King David's sincere desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord. Delivered through the prophet Nathan, this pivotal verse initiates a divine redirection, questioning David's human initiative and setting the stage for the profound Davidic Covenant, where God promises to build David a lasting "house" (dynasty) rather than accepting a physical structure from him. It underscores divine sovereignty and the nature of God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in David's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power, the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and the triumphant bringing of the [Ark of the Covenant](/2_samuel/6-17 "2 Samuel 6:17 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem") into the city. David, now dwelling in a magnificent cedar palace, feels a deep conviction that the Ark of God should not remain in a tent ([2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). His noble intention to build a permanent dwelling for God is initially affirmed by the prophet Nathan. However, the narrative immediately shifts with God's intervention, as He speaks directly to Nathan, beginning with the rhetorical question in [2 Samuel 7:5](/2_samuel/7-5 "2 Samuel 7:5 - God's Question to David"), which sets the stage for the unfolding of the unconditional and eternal Davidic Covenant in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 7:8-16](/2_samuel/7-8 "2 Samuel 7:8-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, it was common for kings to build grand temples for their gods, often as a demonstration of their piety, power, and the stability of their kingdom. David's desire to build a "house" for Yahweh aligns with this cultural practice, reflecting a king's responsibility to honor his deity and solidify the national cult. However, Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had previously dwelt in a mobile tabernacle, challenged the conventional understanding of a deity confined to a fixed structure. The nomadic history of Israel, from Abraham to the wilderness wanderings, emphasized God's dynamic presence and His ability to dwell with His people wherever they went, rather than being limited by human constructs. This historical background provides a backdrop for God's surprising negative response, asserting His transcendence over human-made temples.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") introduces several profound themes. The primary theme is **Divine Initiative vs. Human Plans**, where God asserts His sovereignty, demonstrating that His purposes are not dependent on human ambition, no matter how well-intentioned. David's desire to build a temple is overridden by God's greater plan to build David a "house" (dynasty), highlighting that God is the ultimate builder and initiator of His covenant promises. Another key theme is **God's Transcendent Presence**, emphasizing that the Creator of the universe cannot be contained or limited by any physical structure built by human hands. This concept echoes earlier divine manifestations, such as God's presence with Israel in the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - God's Glory Fills the Tabernacle") during their wilderness journey, which was a movable dwelling. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as His redirection of David's plan leads to the establishment of an eternal covenant, promising an enduring dynasty and a future king who would build the true "house" of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** This is the pivotal word in the entire chapter, carrying a double meaning that God exploits for His divine revelation. In David's mind, "house" (בַּיִת) refers to a physical temple, a permanent structure for God's dwelling. However, in God's subsequent pronouncements (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11 - God Promises to Build David a House")), "house" shifts to mean a dynasty, a lineage, or a royal family. This linguistic play underscores the profound theological truth that God's plans are grander and more enduring than human aspirations, moving from a temporary physical structure to an eternal spiritual lineage.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** The verb "dwell" (יָשַׁב) refers to residing or settling. David's intention was to provide a fixed, honorable place for God to "dwell." However, God's rhetorical question implies that His dwelling is not contingent upon human construction, nor is it limited to a single physical location. Throughout Israel's history, God had "dwelt" among His people in various ways, often in a mobile fashion (e.g., the Tabernacle), indicating His omnipresence and His desire for a relationship that transcends physical boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go and tell my servant David,"**: This opening command establishes the divine authority of the message and identifies the recipient. "My servant David" is a title of honor and intimacy, signifying David's unique relationship with God as His chosen instrument and king, despite the impending redirection of his plans. It emphasizes that this is not a rebuke but a divine revelation delivered through a trusted prophet.
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This phrase, a prophetic formula, asserts that the words that follow are not Nathan's own interpretation or opinion, but the direct, authoritative word of Yahweh Himself. It commands attention and signals the profound significance of the message David is about to receive.
* **"Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?"**: This is a rhetorical question, expecting a clear "no" or implying the absurdity of the idea from God's perspective. It challenges David's presumption that God *needs* a house built by human hands, or that human initiative can dictate God's dwelling. The question subtly shifts the focus from David's act of building to God's inherent nature and His own plans for His dwelling and for David's future. It prepares David for the revelation that God will build *him* a house, a dynasty, rather than David building God a physical structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 7:5 and the subsequent verses is **Irony** and a profound **Play on Words** (or **Pleonasm** in the repeated use of "house"). David intends to build God a "house" (a temple), but God responds by saying He will build David a "house" (a dynasty). This creates a powerful ironic reversal, where human ambition is met with divine generosity that far surpasses the original desire. The rhetorical **Question** ("Shalt thou build me an house?") also serves as a device to challenge human assumptions and prepare the listener for a divine revelation that subverts expectations. It immediately establishes God's sovereignty and sets the tone for the unexpected direction of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:5 is a foundational text for understanding God's sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and the nature of His presence. It teaches that God is not dependent on human efforts or confined by human constructs; rather, He initiates His own plans and fulfills them according to His perfect will. David's well-intentioned desire is not rejected due to a lack of piety, but because God has a grander, more enduring plan that transcends a physical temple. This divine redirection highlights that true worship and service involve aligning with God's purposes, which often unfold in ways we do not anticipate. The verse sets the stage for the Davidic Covenant, revealing God's commitment to establish an eternal dynasty through David, ultimately pointing towards a future King and a spiritual dwelling.

* [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - Solomon's Dedication Prayer")
* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's Dwelling Place")
* [Acts 7:48-50](/acts/7-48 "Acts 7:48-50 - Stephen's Sermon on God's Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound reminder that while our intentions to serve God may be pure and our desires noble, God's wisdom and plans always supersede our own. David's desire to build a temple was commendable, yet God had a different, far more expansive vision for His dwelling and for David's legacy. This teaches us humility and trust, prompting us to surrender our well-conceived plans to God's sovereign will, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways. It also challenges any notion that God can be contained or manipulated by human efforts or confined to physical structures. True worship is not about building the grandest edifice, but about cultivating a heart of obedience and a spirit of worship that recognizes God's transcendence and omnipresence. Our greatest service is found in humbly listening for His voice and aligning our lives with His eternal purposes, trusting that He is always at work to build His kingdom in ways far beyond our imagination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good" intentions or plans have I held for serving God that God might be redirecting or transforming into something different?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's presence and His need (or lack thereof) for human-built structures or institutions?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to surrender my vision to God's greater, often unexpected, plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did God refuse David's offer to build a temple, especially since David's intentions seemed so good?**

Answer: God did not refuse David's offer because his intentions were bad; indeed, they were born of devotion. However, God's refusal stemmed from several theological and practical reasons. Firstly, God's plan was for David's son, Solomon, to build the temple ([1 Kings 5:5](/1_kings/5-5 "1 Kings 5:5 - Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple")). This was partly because David, as a man of war, had shed much blood ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of War")). More profoundly, God's refusal asserted His sovereignty and transcendence. He emphasized that He is not dependent on human-built structures to dwell among His people; He had always been with them, even in a tent ([2 Samuel 7:6](/2_samuel/7-6 "2 Samuel 7:6 - God's Dwelling in a Tent")). Most importantly, God used this moment to pivot from David building God a "house" (temple) to God building David a "house" (a lasting dynasty), revealing a far grander, eternal covenant plan that would culminate in the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 7:5, with its rhetorical question, "Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?", profoundly foreshadows the ultimate "house" that God would build, not of stone, but of living stones, through His Son, Jesus Christ. David desired to construct a physical dwelling for God, but God's response redirected this human ambition toward a divine promise of an eternal dynasty, culminating in the Messiah. Jesus, the Son of David, is the true and eternal King who fulfills the Davidic Covenant ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is not merely a king, but the very embodiment of God's presence, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, Jesus declared that He would build His church, a spiritual "house" or temple, composed of believers, upon the rock of His identity ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). Believers, through Christ, become living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, God's refusal of David's physical temple was not a rejection of devotion, but a divine preparation for a greater, spiritual reality in Christ, where God truly dwells among His people through the Holy Spirit, making each believer a temple of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")).

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 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 Kings 5:4

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

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 Chronicles 22:8

But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

1 Chronicles 17:4

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

1 Kings 8:16

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

1 Kings 8:19

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