A House of Cedar and a Legacy

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Scriptural Reference: 1 Chronicles 17:1-2, 4, 10-12 (kjv)

(1-2)"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."

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

(10-12) "... I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house." "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. He shall build me an house and I will stablish his throne for ever."

 

1 Chronicles 15-16 gives an account of David's worshipful abandon as the ark of the covenant of the LORD GOD of Israel was ushered into the city of David. My heart imagines the sounds of trumpet, tambourines, and shouts of glad song that accompanied the arks triumphant entry.

 

David, the newly crowned king, adorned in linen ephod and linen robe danced with exuberant joy to celebrate the mercy and victories of the LORD GOD! King David, priests, Levites and musicians brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD GOD of Israel into the city of David and the cities streets rang with the sounds of joy.

 

After the ark of the covenant of the LORD was settled in its tabernacle, as king David sat in his house, king David suddenly remarked that he wanted to make the LORD a house to dwell in. As the reference scriptures recount, king David told the prophet Nathan, and then Nathan gave king David GOD's reply.

 

I find it marvelous and miraculous, this teeter-totter of "want-to-do/won't-do/will-do" between the LORD GOD and king David (via Nathan the prophet).

 

As the history unfolds GOD tells king David that he won't build GOD the house, but that king David's son will build the LORD's house. The son that GOD is referencing is not yet born. The son who will succeed David as king is born amidst tragedy and sin but that son is also covered in mercy. Solomon is the son of king David and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife). King David had Uriah killed as king David tried to cover his and Bathsheba's infidelity. King David's famous Psalm 51 is full of confession, repentance and restoration. There is no hint that these things will unfold for king David during his ongoing dialogue with GOD about building HIS house.

 

As Nathan recounts to king David GOD's reply GOD informs him that HE will build king David a 'throne for ever.' King David is a worshiper and he rushes from counsel chamber to sanctuary to sit before GOD and ponder this grand and never conceived promise. King David is humbled and grateful for GOD's extravagant favor. The scriptures are perfumed with the rich fragrance of king David's offering of thanks.

 

King David knows that his hearts desire to honor GOD with a house of cedar will be accomplished by his son who will rule after him. King David knows that the bounty of his storehouse will be stored up to be used to furnish the house of GOD. Miraculously, king David knows that GOD has made a promise to his seed that will not end. King David does not know, but we who have the Old and New Testaments know, JESUS, the son of David, is the King whose throne will last forever!

 

You and I are not ancient monarchs forging kingdoms with swords and stones. We are not conquering readying battlements and warring with varied nations. We do not peer over uncharted lands with a lust to subdue all we survey. Most likely, we do not erect earthly monuments of stone to honor and celebrate our victories won in war.

 

We, who are followers of JESUS, are ourselves the tabernacle in which the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD dwells. The sin-defying work of grace in redemption allows us to live in joyful hope because JESUS has promised eternal life to those who are HIS own. I marvel every time I think about this glorious work of liberation of our souls from the power of sin and condemnation of eternal death because of JESUS who is SAVIOR and LORD. JESUS is the King and son of David whose kingdom will last forever. Amen.

 

I think it is good to read the scriptures to continue to enlighten the eyes of our hearts to know this great grace in which we live.

 

David knew and honored the loving grace of GOD. May you and I also know and honor the loving grace of GOD.

 

Feel free to shine,

 

 

One Light


MDEL Publishing, © 2026

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