King David Wanted to Build the Temple for the Ark

King David had a special devotion for the Ark of the Covenant (almost like a close relationship with a living being… which the Ark was).

At the beginning of his reign over the United Monarchy, King David removed the Ark from Kirjath-Jearim amid great rejoicing. On the way to Zion (Jerusalem), Uzzah, one of the drivers of the cart that carried the Ark, put out his hand to steady the Ark, and was struck dead by God for touching it. Apparently, some very serious electricity was involved… somehow.  

David was afraid to bring the Ark any further, and placed it in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months. The Lord then blessed Obed-edom and David went and brought up the ark of God into the City of David (Jerusalem).

David had the Ark brought to Zion by the Levites (who were appointed to minister before the Ark), while he himself, "girded with a linen ephod danced before the Lord with all his might" and in the sight of all the public gathered in Jerusalem, a performance which caused him to be scornfully rebuked by his first wife.

In Jerusalem, David put the Ark in the tent he had prepared for it, offered sacrifices, distributed food, and blessed the people and his own household. David used the tent as a personal place of prayer.

David wanted to “build a house for the Lord” (for the Ark of the Covenant, actually) and was initially supported in this endeavor by influential prophet Nathan.

However, that night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, instructing him to tell David that it would not be he who would build the temple, but his offspring (future King Solomon).

Instead, God promised to establish David's house and kingdom forever: "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever". And fulfilled His promise – Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the descendant of King David.

The Ark was with David’s army during the siege of Rabbah (now Amman - the capital and the largest city of Jordan); and when David fled from Jerusalem at the time of Absalom's conspiracy, the Ark was carried along with him until he ordered Zadok the priest to return it to Jerusalem.