2 Samuel 7-8; Psalms 132; 1 Chronicles 17; Acts 25

Recognizing that all his success depended on the Lord, David sincerely wished to build a temple for Him. Although this was a good intention, God did not allow David to do it, explaining that David had "shed much blood" (1 Chronicles 22:8). Despite this refusal, God gave David a promise that became the central part of the Davidic Covenant. God promised that David's son would build a house for Him, that David's descendants would sit on the throne forever, and that his kingdom would be unshakable (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

God also mentioned that if David's descendants sinned, they would be punished, but "...My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul..." (2 Samuel 7:14-15).

The prayer that David offered after receiving this promise expresses his humility: "...Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18). In his reign on the throne, he sees the opportunity, meaning, and purpose to exalt the name of the Lord: "...so that Your name may be magnified forever, saying, 'The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel'" (2 Samuel 7:24).

After this, God establishes David's kingdom by subduing all the surrounding nations. The Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, Philistines, and Edomites, all the nations directly bordering Israel, paid tribute to David (2 Samuel 8).

Psalm 132
This psalm was written concerning God's covenant with David. It was likely composed after the temple was built. The Songs of Ascents were sung by pilgrims going to Jerusalem to worship God. They ask the Lord to remember David, who, in the humility of his heart, wanted to build the temple and the promise that God gave him then.

Acts 25
Paul requests an appeal to Caesar in Rome to avoid a trial in Jerusalem, where the Jews had much greater power (Acts 25:3, 7-12). Although Paul fully trusts God, knowing his life is in God's hands, he decides to place himself in a better position.
Paul knows that in Jerusalem, he faces an unfair trial and possible death due to the hostility of the Jewish leaders. Appealing to Caesar allows him to avoid immediate danger and will enable him to witness Christ in the heart of the Roman Empire.