(2 Samuel 7:8-17) God’s message was clear: instead of David building the Lord’s house, the Lord would build David’s kingdom. David needed to remember God’s purpose for him and recall His past protection and faithful presence. As Alistair Begg points out, correct interpretation of passages such as 2 Samuel 7 requires diligent, Spirit-illumined study. Only when we put in the hard work of handling God’s Word with care will we realize that His promise to David was about far more than just his house.