Waarom Jahwe weier dat Dawid die tempel bou

Abstract

Jahweh’s refusal of David's intended building of the temple (2 Sam. 7) does not reflect a nomadic ideal but rather stresses that Israel should not be concerned with a human kingdom, one in which the idea of a human king (and prophet) has the highest authority. The initiative lies in the Word and action of Jahweh; He is the real Sovereign, and the king is his servant. The human kingdom, with its human insight, planning and action is imperfect and crooked, even though it be that of the king (and prophet). The human kingdom therefore needs a divine corrective (as in 1 Sam. 2:1-10; 8; 1 Sam. 11 ff., 23, 24). The refusal further stresses that Jahweh is not a God who is confined to a building or the cult. The essence of true religion does not consist in fulfilling cultic duties but centres in personal communication with God in all aspects of life. Serving God is the fruit of divine election and covenant loyalty. True service of God is brought about by God’s corrective Word by which He constantly calls for repentance and in fact also generates it.