For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
David wants to build a house for God. Instead, God makes David a promise so big it stretches all the way into forever.
Today's Story
King David was finally settled in his beautiful palace. One day he looked around and felt a little funny inside. “Here I am in a fancy house made of cedar wood,” he thought, “but God's special ark is still in a tent. I should build God a house!”
That night, God sent a message to David through the prophet Nathan. And the message turned everything around.
God said, in effect: David, you want to build Me a house? I'm going to build YOU one instead. Not a house of wood and stone — a family that would last and last. God promised that David's family would go on, and that one day a King from David's family would rule forever and ever.
“Your kingdom will last forever,” God promised.
David was so amazed he just sat down before God. “Who am I,” he whispered, “that You would be this good to me?” David hadn't given God anything yet — and already God had promised him a forever.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- David wanted to give God a gift, but God gave David a bigger one first. How does it feel when someone surprises you with kindness?
- God promised something that would last forever. What are some things that don't last — and what is something about God that always will?
- David sat down quietly and said, “Who am I, that You'd be so good to me?” What is one good thing God has given you that you didn't earn?