1 Chronicles 17 : From Tent to Tent

1 Chronicles 17 <From Tent to Tent>

5. "I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have moved from one tent to another, from one dwelling place to another.

6. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their leaders whom I commanded to shepherd my people, 'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'"

◇ After tremendous trials, David had finally brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. It troubled David that God's ark resided in a tent while he himself lived in a palace of cedar. So he desired to build a temple—a house for God, for the ark of the covenant. David's intention wasn't unusual. In those days, it was common practice for all kings to build magnificent temples to house their gods. David simply wanted to do the same.

However, God did not approve of David's plan. From the exodus until now, God had never instructed anyone to build Him a house of cedar. He had always dwelt in the tent, and from there He had been with the people of Israel, guiding and protecting them. What God desired was not a house of cedar, but obedience.

The disciples marveled at the magnificent temple and offered their praise, but Jesus saw it as stones that could crumble overnight.

We must remember what truly matters.

While refusing to allow the temple construction, God made a great promise to David. The God who had called a shepherd boy from following sheep, anointed him, and made him king, now promised not to stop with David alone, but to establish a dynasty. He promised to be with David's sons, allowing them to continue the royal lineage.

To David, who wanted to build a house for God, God promised in return to build David's house.

I'm reminded of an eight-year-old son who brings his sick mother a pillow, tucks her in with a blanket, and brings her water, telling her to rest. What wouldn't that mother do for such a child?

God has a love that is far higher, deeper, and broader than ours.

♧ Good and merciful God, help me to be one who strives more to obey Your word than to build magnificent houses of cedar. Let me never forget how great and deep Your love is, and help me to be grateful. Holy Spirit, make me strong and bold. Amen.