The answer is: Because he was a man of war

1 Chr 22:8

The story of King David and his desire to build the temple reveals a fascinating layer of divine interaction in the biblical narrative. David was known not just for his musical talents and poetic expressions but also for his fierce military ventures. He unified the Israelites, expanded their territory, and fought off enemies, shaping the nation’s identity. Yet, it was this very aspect of him as a warrior that became a pivotal reason why he was deemed unfit to construct God’s house, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 22:8.

It seems that God preferred a peaceful context for the sacred dwelling. David was told that his son Solomon, whose reign was marked by peace, would undertake this monumental task. This illustrates a profound truth about spiritual leadership: sometimes, those who ignite change through bravery and war may not be chosen as the builders of lasting peace and worship.

This narrative echoes deeper meanings throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, the "peacemakers" are blessed—a nod to Jesus’ teachings that value a spirit of peace over one of conflict, paralleling how divine favor seems to align with peaceful intentions. It's also interesting to note the symbolism of David’s lineage: Jesus descends from David, and the Temple’s significance plays a vibrant role in Christian narratives too, projecting the house of worship that transcends physical structures. David’s journey reminds us that intentions matter, and divine plans often unfold in ways that surprise us!