71 And it came to pass when the king dwelt in his house, and Jehovah had given him rest round about from all his enemies, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedars, and the ark of God dwells under curtains. 3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy heart; for Jehovah is with thee.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1-3
Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1-3
(Read 2 Samuel 7:1-3)
David being at rest in his palace, considered how he might best employ his leisure and prosperity in the service of God. He formed a design to build a temple for the ark. Nathan here did not speak as a prophet, but as a godly man, encouraging David by his private judgment. We ought to do all we can to encourage and promote the good purposes and designs of others, and, as we have opportunity, to forward a good work.