⁵ “Go tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says:

“‘“Are you going to build a house^[a] for me to inhabit? ⁶ After all, I haven’t lived in a house since the day I brought up the Israelis from Egypt until now. Instead, I’ve moved around in a tent that served as my^[b] dwelling place. ⁷ Wherever I moved among the Israelis, did I ever ask even one tribal leader^[c] of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built me a cedar house?’

⁸ “‘“Now therefore this is what you are to tell my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of the Heavenly Armies says: “I took you from the pasture myself—from tending sheep—to become Commander-in-Chief^[d] over my people, that is, over Israel.

⁹ “‘“Furthermore, I have remained with you everywhere you have gone, annihilating all your enemies right in front of you. I will make a great reputation^[e] for you, like the reputation^[f] of great ones who have lived on^[g] earth. ¹⁰ I will establish a homeland^[h] for my people—for Israel—planting them so they may live in a secure location where they will never be disturbed anymore. Wicked people^[i] will no longer afflict them, as happened in the past ¹¹ when I had commanded judges to administer^[j] my people Israel. I’ll also grant you relief from all your enemies.”’

“‘The Lord also announces to you: “The Lord will himself build a house^[k] for you. ¹² When your life^[l] is complete and you go to join^[m] your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring^[n] after you, who will come forth from your body,^[o] and I will fortify his kingdom. ¹³ He will build a Temple dedicated to my Name, and I will make the throne of his kingdom last forever. ¹⁴ I will be a father to him, and he will be to me a son who, when he commits iniquity, I will discipline with the rod wielded by armies^[p] and with wounds inflicted by human beings.^{[q] 15} But I’ll never remove my gracious love from him as I did from Saul, whom I removed from your presence. ¹⁶ Your dynasty and your kingdom will remain forever in my presence—your throne will be secure forever.”’”