Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When the king sat in his house, he had finally found rest from all his enemies. The Lord had given him a long period of peace.

The king said to Nathan the prophet, "I live in a beautiful cedar house, but God's ark remains under simple curtains." Nathan replied, "Go ahead and do whatever is on your mind; the Lord is with you."

That night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, "I haven't lived in any permanent building since I brought Israel out of Egypt. Instead, I've been walking around in a tent or a tabernacle." Nathan was instructed to go and tell King David that the Lord said, "Should you build me a house to live in?"

The Lord reminded him, "I didn't live in any house when I brought Israel out of Egypt, but instead moved around in tents and tabernacles. In all the places where I traveled with Israel's ancestors, I spoke to them and told them, 'Why don't you build me a permanent home made of cedar?'"

The Lord of Hosts said to King David, "I took you from tending sheep to be ruler over my people Israel. I've been with you wherever you went, defeating all your enemies in front of you. I've given you great honor and made your name renowned throughout the earth."

The Lord continued, "I will establish a place for my people Israel where they can settle down without fear of being forced to leave again. I will put an end to the suffering they endured at the hands of wicked nations. Since I've appointed judges to rule over my people and given you rest from all your enemies, I'll establish a lasting dynasty for you."

The Lord said that when King David's time on earth was complete and he joined his ancestors in death, He would establish an heir from David's loins who would build the house where God's name would be worshiped. The Lord promised to secure this descendant's kingdom forever.

He will build a lasting dynasty for me, and I'll establish his throne of kingship over Israel forever. I'll be his father, and he will be my son. If he disobeys me, I'll discipline him with the rod of human correction, but my love for him will never fade, just as it didn't when I removed Saul from being king.

King David's house and kingdom will stand firm forever before God. His throne will remain established forever.

Nathan spoke to King David exactly what the Lord had said.

Then King David went into the presence of the Lord and prayed, "Who am I that you've brought me this far? What is my family compared to yours?" He asked the Lord, "And what's more remarkable than the fact that you've spoken about my servant's house for generations to come?"

David couldn't think of anything else to say, knowing that God knew his heart.

For your word's sake and according to your own will, you've done all these great things to show me your plans. You're an awesome God, unlike anyone or anything we've ever seen. We've heard stories about your greatness, and none compare to yours.

What nation in the world is like Israel, whom God redeemed for himself? He made his name known through mighty deeds performed among them in their own land, right before their eyes, freeing them from Egypt's slavery to other nations and gods.

You, Lord God, have chosen Israel as your people forever, and they're your treasured possession. You are their God.

Now, Lord God, please establish the promise you made about your servant and his family. Do what you said you would do.

May your name be honored forever, saying, "The Lord of Armies is God over Israel," and may King David's descendants continue to serve you in your presence.

You've revealed this plan to your servant, so he's prayed with all his heart for you to build him a lasting house. Now, O Lord God, you are the one who has spoken these words. Your promises are trustworthy, and you've shown kindness to your servant.

Please bless King David's family, that it may continue forever in your presence. You've promised this, and with your blessing, their descendants will be blessed forever.