
1 Chronicles 17
In this chapter, David expresses his desire to build a house for God, but the Lord, through Nathan the prophet, declares that it will not be David who builds the temple, but rather his son. God also makes an important covenant with David, promising that his lineage and kingdom will be established forever. This chapter highlights God's sovereign plan and the establishment of the Davidic covenant.
1 Chronicles 17:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under tent curtains."
2 Then Nathan said to David, "Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you."
3 But it happened that night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
4 "Go and tell My servant David, 'Thus says the Lord: "You shall not build Me a house to dwell in.
5 For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought up Israel, even to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another."
David desires to honor God by building a permanent temple, seeing it as inappropriate that he lives in a fine house while the Ark remains in a tent. Nathan initially supports David’s plan. However, God reveals to Nathan that David is not the one to build the temple. God reminds David that He has never required a permanent dwelling, as He has journeyed with Israel in their tabernacle. This reveals God's focus on His relationship with His people, not on physical structures.
1 Chronicles 17:6-7 (NKJV)
6 "Wherever I have moved about with all Israel, have I ever spoken a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?' "
7 Now therefore, thus shall you say to My servant David, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: "I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel."
God reminds David that He has never asked for a house of cedar from any of the leaders of Israel. This shows that God is more concerned with the hearts of His people than physical monuments. He also reminds David of his humble beginnings as a shepherd and how God elevated him to become the king of Israel, demonstrating God’s grace and sovereign choice.
1 Chronicles 17:8-9 (NKJV)
8 "And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth.
9 Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously,"
God emphasizes His faithfulness to David, having protected him from enemies and made him renowned. God also promises to secure a permanent place for Israel where they will be safe and no longer oppressed. This is a continuation of God's covenant with Israel, ensuring their stability and protection, highlighting His commitment to their well-being.
1 Chronicles 17:10-12 (NKJV)
10 "since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. Also I will subdue all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you that the Lord will build you a house.
11 And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
12 He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever."
God reassures David that He will subdue Israel’s enemies and promises to build David a lasting dynasty. Even though David won’t build the temple, his son will, and God promises to establish his kingdom forever. This marks the Davidic covenant, where God guarantees the future of David’s lineage and the permanence of his kingdom, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the eternal King.
1 Chronicles 17:13-15 (NKJV)
13 "I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you.
14 And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever."
15 According to all these words and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.
God’s promise to David includes a personal relationship with his son, Solomon, stating that He will be like a father to him. Unlike Saul, from whom the kingdom was taken away, Solomon will experience God’s enduring mercy. This covenantal promise goes beyond Solomon, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, whose throne will be established forever. Nathan faithfully delivers God’s message to David.
1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
17 And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O Lord God."
David responds with deep humility, amazed at how far God has brought him, from a shepherd to king. He marvels at God's plans for his lineage, which stretch far into the future. David recognizes that God’s grace and favor have elevated him beyond anything he could have imagined, showing God’s abundant generosity.
1 Chronicles 17:18-19 (NKJV)
18 "What more can David say to You for the honor of Your servant? For You know Your servant.
19 O Lord, for Your servant's sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things."
David is overwhelmed by God’s favor and acknowledges that there is nothing he can add to God’s promises. He realizes that God has acted according to His own heart and out of kindness toward him. David recognizes that these blessings are not because of his own merit, but because of God’s love and purpose.
1 Chronicles 17:20-22 (NKJV)
20 "O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21 And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people—to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You redeemed from Egypt?
22 For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, Lord, have become their God."
David praises God for His uniqueness, declaring that there is no other god like Him. He also praises God for choosing Israel, redeeming them from Egypt, and making them His own people. David acknowledges the mighty acts God performed in securing Israel’s identity and place, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people.
1 Chronicles 17:23-25 (NKJV)
23 "And now, O Lord, the word which You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as You have said.
24 So let it be established, that Your name may be magnified forever, saying, 'The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God.' And let the house of Your servant David be established before You.
25 For You, O my God, have revealed to Your servant that You will build him a house. Therefore Your servant has found it in his heart to pray before You."
David expresses his trust in God’s promise and prays that it will be fulfilled. He desires that through the fulfillment of this covenant, God’s name will be glorified forever. David’s prayer is a reflection of his faith in God’s word and a request for the establishment of his dynasty for the sake of God’s glory.
1 Chronicles 17:26-27 (NKJV)
26 "And now, Lord, You are God, and have promised this goodness to Your servant.
27 Now You have been pleased to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You have blessed it, O Lord, and it shall be blessed forever."
David concludes his prayer by acknowledging God’s faithfulness and goodness in making this promise. He affirms that because God has blessed his house, it will endure forever. David is confident that God’s word will be fulfilled, and his lineage will be established eternally, pointing toward the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.