The Hebrew children had wandered for years in the wilderness. They kept the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects in a tent (usually translated “tabernacle” to make it seem special.) This continued after the Israelites entered the promised land. With no permanent house for the Ark, no tribe could claim preference. This changed with King David who wanted to build a permanent house for God to demonstrate that the king did preside over all the tribes. The prophetic word told him no, God saying “I got news for you, buddy. You’re not going to build me a house, I’m going to build you a house.” God’s house does not consist of bricks and mortar but of people, human connections creating the sacred.
