David wanted to build a temple in Jerusalem. This temple was to be the center for the worship of God in Israel. However, while David made plans and prepared to build this great temple, the Lord spoke to him and said:
“Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 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. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?… I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.… When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son.… Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” Second Book of Samuel, 2 Samuel 7.5-16
God promised to establish the throne and authority of David forever. From the line of Abraham through Isaac, Jacob and Judah, now has come the promise to the house of David that God will work great things to bring blessing to the world. David continued his rule as king and died in peace. David trusted that God would fulfill his promise to Abraham, and bring an eternal king to the world through his family. God’s promise was clear:
I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David—that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.” Psalm 89: 34-3