eight, and had the most curious works of architecture in them, he
should overlook the ark while it was laid in a tabernacle, and was
desirous to build a temple to God, as Moses had predicted such a temple
should be built. [8] And when he had discoursed with Nathan the prophet
about these things, and had been encouraged by him to do whatsoever he
had a mind to do, as having God with him, and his helper in all things,
he was thereupon the more ready to set about that building. But God
appeared to Nathan that very night, and commanded him to say to David,
[9] that he took his purpose and his desires kindly, since nobody had
before now taken it into their head to build him a temple, although
upon his having such a notion he would not permit him to build him
that temple, because he had made many wars, and was defiled with the
slaughter of his enemies; that, however, after his death, in his old
age, and when he had lived a long life, there should be a temple built
by a son of his, who should take the kingdom after him, and should be
called Solomon, whom he promised to provide for, as a father provides
for his son, by preserving the kingdom for his son's posterity, and
delivering it to them; but that he would still punish him, if he sinned,
with diseases and barrenness of land. When David understood this
from the prophet, and was overjoyful at this knowledge of the sure
continuance of the dominion to his posterity, and that his house should
be splendid, and very famous, he came to the ark, and fell down on his
face, and began to adore God, and to return thanks to him for all his
benefits, as well for those that he had already bestowed upon him in
raising him from a low state, and from the employment of a shepherd, to
so great dignity of dominion and glory; as for those also which he had
promised to his posterity; and besides, for that providence which he had
exercised over the Hebrews in procuring them the liberty they enjoyed.
And when he had said thus, and had sung a hymn of praise to God, he went
his way.

CHAPTER 5. How David Brought Under The Philistines, And The Moabites,
And The Kings Of Sophene And Of Damascus, And Of The Syrians As Also The
Idumeans, In War; And How He Made A League With The King Of Hamath; And
Was Mindful Of The Friendship That Jonathan, The Son Of Saul, Had Borne
Him.

1. A Litlle while after this, he considered that he ought to make
war against the Philistines, and not to see any idleness