1 Kings 8:17 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

David my father had it in his heart to build a house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse explains that King David deeply desired to build a temple to honor God, even though he wasn't the one who would actually do it.

📚 Historical Context

This is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple he built in Jerusalem. David had wanted to build a permanent temple to replace the portable tabernacle, but God told him through the prophet Nathan that his son would be the one to build it instead. Solomon is acknowledging his father's original desire and God's plan in this moment.

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1 Chronicles 28:4

However, the LORD God of Israel chose me from all my father's family to be king over Israel forever. He chose the tribe of Judah to rule, and from Judah he chose my father's family, and from among my father's sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel.

1 Chronicles 29:18

O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this desire forever in the hearts and minds of your people, and prepare their hearts to love and follow you:

1 Chronicles 29:23

Then Solomon took his place on the LORD's throne as king, replacing his father David, and he was successful. All the people of Israel followed his leadership.

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