KJV ORIGINAL
Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Wherever I have traveled with all of Israel, did I ever say a word to any of the judges of Israel—the ones I appointed to shepherd my people—asking, 'Why haven't you built me a house of cedar wood?'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is saying He never complained to Israel's leaders about not having a permanent temple built for Him.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of God's response to King David's desire to build a temple. David felt it was inappropriate that he lived in a palace while God's ark resided in a tent. God is reminding David that throughout Israel's history—from the wilderness wanderings through the period of the judges—He never demanded a permanent structure be built for Him.
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