Bible Strands
2 Samuel 7:2
he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David speaks to the prophet Nathan after the LORD has given him rest from his enemies and he has settled into his palace. The king initiates the conversation to point out the physical contrast between his permanent residence and the ark's temporary shelter.
The words — The Hebrew רְאֵה (re'eh) translates literally as "see" or "look," functioning as an emphatic call for attention. Paired with נָא (na, "please"), it directs the listener to observe the king's stated condition.
The thread — The cedar construction of David's palace is first recorded in 2 Samuel 5:11, while the tent housing the ark is detailed in 1 Chronicles 16:1. The narrative returns to this prophetic exchange when the LORD sends Nathan to David in 2 Samuel 12:1.
Why it lands — The text presents a factual observation of housing disparity without commentary, placing the contrast before any theological conclusion. It requires the reader to examine the alignment between human achievement and sacred priority before proceeding to judgment or promise.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 5:11 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.
- 1 Chronicles 16:1 So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
- 2 Samuel 12:1 Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.
- Haggai 1:4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”
- John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”
- Acts 7:46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.
- Exodus 26:1 “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them.
- 1 Chronicles 29:29 Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are indeed written in the Chronicles of Samuel the Seer, the Chronicles of Nathan the Prophet, and the Chronicles of Gad the Seer,
- Exodus 40:21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.
- 2 Samuel 6:17 So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.