1 Kings 8:18

18 but ADONAI said to David my father, 'Although it was in your heart to build a house for my name, and you did well that it was in your heart,

1 Kings 8:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 8:18

And the Lord said unto David my father
By Nathan the prophet:

whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou
didst well that it was in thine heart;
his design was good, and so far it was acceptable to the Lord, that he thought of such a thing, though it was not his pleasure that should do it, as follows.

1 Kings 8:18 In-Context

16 'Since the day I brought my people Isra'el out of Egypt, I chose no city from any of the tribes of Isra'el in which to build a house, so that my name might be there; but I did choose David to be over my people Isra'el.'
17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of ADONAI the God of Isra'el;
18 but ADONAI said to David my father, 'Although it was in your heart to build a house for my name, and you did well that it was in your heart,
19 nevertheless you will not build the house. Rather, you will father a son, and it will be he who will build the house for my name.'
20 Now ADONAI has fulfilled this spoken word of his; for I have succeeded my father and sit on the throne of Isra'el, as ADONAI promised; and I have built the house for the name of ADONAI the God of Isra'el.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.