“The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: … Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sa 7:11–16)
King David wanted to build a Temple for God (2 Sam 7:1ff). Walter Brueggemann perceives this to be a “mixed act of genuine piety and self-serving legitimation”. Building God a permanent “house” (Temple) is an attempt at guaranteeing God’s presence. It would be a powerful symbol that God approved of David’s rule.
However, the prophet Nathan hears God’s word: “I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling” (2 Sa 7:6). God’s freedom to move about cannot be limited. Indeed, David is not the “House” builder – God is. As Brueggemann explains “David will not build Yahweh a house (temple), but Yahweh will build David a house (dynasty)”.
It is human nature to want security and permanence. Even people of faith seek ways of guaranteeing God’s blessing and presence – our church building, tithing, praying and serving can also be a mix of genuine piety and self-interest. An important part of the faith journey involves surrendering our own projects and learning to follow the God who is always on the move.
God Bless,
Sean
P.S. Please join me in praying for Londiwe and her family as they bury her grandmother, Sophie Myeni; giving thanks for her life of faith and prayer which was a source of inspiration and strength.
[1] Brueggemann, W. (1990). First and Second Samuel (p. 254). Louisville, KY: John Knox Press.