'Build a Temple' in the Bible

He summoned his son Solomon and charged him to build a temple for the Lord God of Israel.

David said to Solomon: "My son, I really wanted to build a temple to honor the Lord my God.

But the Lord said to me: 'You have spilled a great deal of blood and fought many battles. You must not build a temple to honor me, for you have spilled a great deal of blood on the ground before me.

He will build a temple to honor me; he will become my son, and I will become his father. I will grant to his dynasty permanent rule over Israel.'

"Now, my son, may the Lord be with you! May you succeed and build a temple for the Lord your God, just as he announced you would.

King David rose to his feet and said: "Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I wanted to build a temple where the ark of the Lord's covenant could be placed as a footstool for our God. I have made the preparations for building it.

But God said to me, 'You must not build a temple to honor me, for you are a warrior and have spilled blood.'

Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do it!"

O Lord our God, all this wealth, which we have collected to build a temple for you to honor your holy name, comes from you; it all belongs to you.