God Says No

God Says No

Q: What request of David’s did God deny?

• a. the honor of building a temple for the Lord
• b. the prestige of building a great kingdom
• c. the right to become king

God has a unique plan for each person. This was true for David, and one time David found out his own desire was not part of what God had planned for him.

David loved and worshiped God, and he wanted to build a permanent temple for the Lord. David felt it was wrong that he, the king, was living in a palace, while the Ark of the Covenant was being kept in a tent rather than a permanent place.

However, God spoke to the prophet Nathan and told him David was not the one who would build a temple. David’s job was to unify the people and destroy the enemies. A warrior couldn’t build God’s house, and David was a mighty warrior. But God promised that one of David’s children would build a temple.

David’s desire to construct a permanent place for God was good, but God had other things in mind for the king. Building a temple was not part of the plan God had for David, but it was part of God’s plan for David’s son, Solomon.

God promised to continue David’s family tree, and Jesus was a descendant of David. What greater plan could God have than that for David?

For You

There may be something you want to do for God. You have good intentions, but God may have something different in mind for you. If God directs you to do something other than what you’ve planned, it’s because he has a greater good in mind. Be open to God’s leading.

Answer: a

[The Lord said to David through the prophet Nathan,] “When you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.”   2 Samuel 7:12-13

(The Whole Story: 2 Samuel 7:1-17)