Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 17

Verse 1

Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.

Now — This whole chapter is explained, 2 Samuel 7:1-29, where the same things are recorded with little variation.

Verse 10

And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

Furthermore, … — Must he think, that his purpose was in vain, and that he should lose the reward of it? No: it being God’s act that prevented the execution of it, he shall be as fully recompensed as if it had been done.

Verse 14

But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.

Settle him — In the temple, this expression agrees but imperfectly with Solomon, or his successors, but strictly and properly with Christ, to whom alone that promise also of an everlasting establishment in this kingdom belongs.

Kingdom — In God’s kingdom in a large and general sense. And this, as well as the former phrase, singularly belongs to the Messiah, who was not only to be the king of Israel, but also of all nations. This is an intimation of that great mystery which is more fully revealed in the new testament, namely, that Christ, is the head, or king of all God’s church, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, and of all nations, and indeed of all creatures, all which is God’s kingdom, and by him given to his son our blessed Lord.

Verse 16

And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

Who am I, … — We have here David’s solemn address to God, in answer to his gracious message. How humbly does he here abase himself, and acknowledge his own unworthiness! How highly does he advance the name of God, and admire his condescending favour? With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel: with what assurance build upon the promise! What an example is this of believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him!

Verse 18

What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.

The honour of thy servant — The honour God puts upon his servants, by taking them into covenant and communion with himself, is so great, that they need not, they cannot desire to be more highly honoured.

Verse 19

O LORD, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.

Servant’s sake — In2Samuel7:21, it is, for thy words sake, for the sake of thy promise made to thy servant.

Verse 24

Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.

A God — He is really to his people that which he hath styled himself, their God, having taken such care of them, and shewed such mercy and truth to them, as fully answered that title.

Verse 27

Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.

Blessed for ever — David’s prayer concludes, as God’s promise did, verse14, with that which is for ever. God’s word looks at things eternal. And so should our desires and hopes.