When David expresses his desire to build a house for God, God responds by telling David that it will in fact happen the other way around: God will build a house (i.e. dynasty) for David. The details of this promise to David are an extension of the promises that God had previously made to Abraham. As with Abraham, God declares that he will make David’s name great and that from him will come a dynasty of kings. Remember that this comes after a period of about 8 years in which David had been slandered and hunted like a criminal by Saul. If David had tried to elevate himself to the throne by killing Saul when he had the chance, he may well have forfeited his place in God’s eternal purpose. He may have made himself king, but he could not have secured an everlasting dynasty. Only God can do such a thing. And that is what God promises here. If he had elevated himself, David may have secured an earthly kingdom for a time. But because he waited for God to elevate him, he inherited an eternal heavenly kingdom. For, from David’s line would come the eternal king, Jesus. If you elevate yourself then you may achieve a great worldly legacy. But such legacies fade and are forgotten. However, if you allow God to elevate you, then Jesus will triumph through you and your legacy will be an eternal one.
Ask God to build into your life a great legacy that will endure to God’s glory.
Read about God’s promise to David again in 1 Chronicles 17:1-15
