3 Nathan said to the king, "Go ahead and do whatever you are thinking, because the Lord is with you."
4 But that very night the Lord’s word came to Nathan:
5 Go to my servant David and tell him: This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build the temple for me to live in.
6 In fact, I haven’t lived in a temple from the day I brought Israel out of Egypt until now. Instead, I have been traveling around in a tent and in a dwelling.
7 Throughout my traveling around with the Israelites, did I ever ask any of Israel’s tribal leaders I appointed to shepherd my people: Why haven’t you built me a cedar temple?
8 So then, say this to my servant David: This is what the Lord of heavenly forces says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be leader over my people Israel.
9 I’ve been with you wherever you’ve gone, and I’ve eliminated all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great—like the name of the greatest people on earth.