Reading

• 1 Chron. 16:37-43
• 2 Sam. 6:20-23; 8:15-18; 9:1-13
• 1 Chron. 17:1-2
• 2 Sam. 7:4-29

Devotional

Now that the ark of the covenant had been brought to Jerusalem, David set about restoring the proper priestly duties and sacrifices, “in accordance with everything written in the Law of the LORD.” David established officials within his government and did “what was just and right for all his people.”

David remembered the covenant he had established with Jonathan, Saul’s son, to take care of Jonathan’s family after his death. David located one of Jonathan’s sons, Mephibosheth, and brought him to the palace in Jerusalem. Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet so he was unable to walk. David restored all of Saul’s land and possessions to Mephibosheth and from that day Mephibosheth ate at David’s table “like one of the king’s sons.”

As David considered the fact that he had a wonderful cedar palace and the ark of the covenant was under a tent, he felt this was wrong. He talked with Nathan the prophet about building a house for GOD. Initially, Nathan told David to go for it, but that night GOD spoke to Nathan and said:

‘Thus says the LORD: “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’ Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house.

“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”’
(2 Sam. 7:5-16 NKJV)

GOD saw David’s heart and how David had respect for GOD’s Law and his reign over Israel. GOD blessed David mightily for his love and devotion. Ultimately Jesus would come through David’s lineage and there will be no end to His kingdom. GOD knows each person’s heart just as He knew David’s. What does He see when He looks inside your thoughts, desires, and motives?