After David was firmly established in Jerusalem, has built his kingdom and his palace, he notices a huge discrepancy. He is in his beautiful palace, while the ark of God is residing in a tent. He wants to do something about it, but before he goes forward with anything, he consults with God through the prophet Nathan.
Nathan’s initial response was “Go for it!” God spoke to Nathan that night with a different answer – an unexpected answer. Don’t worry about building a house for Me; I will build your house to rule over the kingdom forever! God promised David that a descendant of his would rule forever, a promise that was fulfilled through Jesus.
It’s interesting that in verse 14 that God says “When he commits iniquity…” not “if he commits iniquity…” He knew Solomon would fail, and the kingdom would be divided, yet God would remain true to His promises for David. And God would fulfill that promise ultimately through Jesus, a descendent of Jesus.