Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 17

Verses 1-27

The presence of the Ark in the city seems to have created in David the desire to provide for it a permanent and more worthy resting place. He declared his desire to Nathan. The prophet, acting without divine consultation, charged him to go forward. It was a perfectly natural piece of advice, as on the surface the desire of David would necessarily appear to be absolutely commendable.

Both prophet and king, however, had to learn that God's ways are not man's ways. David was brought into the presence of Jehovah, and in the words to which he listened all that God had done for him was made to pass before his mind. The man who desired to build a house for God was reminded that God was building his house for him. The desire to do something for Jehovah was corrected by a vision of what Jehovah had done for him.

The response of David is full of beauty. He at once submitted to the teaching, and took his place as unworthy, and yet as worshiping. He poured out his heart in gratitude to God for all His goodness and His truth, and rested his soul in the promised blessing. It should be noticed at once that while David's desire was not granted, yet when he had thus been brought to the place of a resting worshiper, he was finally permitted to make great preparation for the building of the Temple by his son.