2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 7:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As he pondered these matters, the Lord spoke to Nathan the prophet, who conveyed the message to the king. In this divine revelation, God declared that it was not David who would construct a house for Him and that for a period He had issued no instruction to any of His people regarding the building of a cedar house. He said, "Thus say unto My servant David..."

It states that Christ will become the dwelling place and sanctuary of God, while the former temple will diminish, paving the way for a new one to arise. The Second Book of Kings records the Lord's message to Nathan: ‘Go and tell My servant David, “This is what the Lord declares: Will you build a house for Me to dwell in? Here is what will occur: When your days are complete and you have been honored with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, and I will strengthen his reign. He will construct a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be My son. Your house and your kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne shall be established eternally” (2 Kings 7:12-16).