David wanted to build God an exalted temple for God’s own glory, and God said, “No. You are not the guy.”

Can you imagine David’s reaction?

If anything is to be permanent in your life, God is the one who has to build it.

Here’s a situation where David is bringing the presence of God into the very centre of Israeli life but when God reacts to his ignorance he is shocked, angry, fearful, unwilling, just like an unbeliever.

Today we see a milestone in the history of the world. David is made king of Israel. He is blessed by God, helped by God to be king for the benefit of God’s people. But we also see a strange ignorance of God that carries with it seeds of destruction.

Ignorance of the word of God is not bliss, it’s weakness.

David counts on God to save him out of everything because God has already done it.

The true test of repentance is forgiveness.

A young man is self-serving, ambitious, not averse to altering the truth if it enhances his position. He brings news to David that he assumes is welcome and worthy of a generous reward. His ignorance of David costs him his life.