דברי הימים א, פרק י״ז, פסוק ד׳

A prophet is sent to deliver a direct message from God, halting David's plan to build a temple. When comparing this event to the parallel historical record in the Book of Samuel, a slight difference in how the message is delivered appears. In one account, God issues a direct statement telling David he will not be the builder, while in the other, He poses a rhetorical question asking if David should be the one to do it. Despite this variation in phrasing, the underlying meaning remains exactly the same in both records [רלב״ג].

The primary focus of God's message is not to reject the idea of the temple itself. Instead, the emphasis is entirely on the identity of the person who will construct it. God clarifies that David personally will not build His house. The great task is not canceled; rather, it is simply set aside and reserved for David's son, who will eventually succeed him [מלבי״ם].