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1 Chronicles Chapter 17 Explanation in detials Bible Study
1 Chronicles Chapter 17 Explanation in detials Bible Study
1 Chronicles 17 is one of the chapters in holy Scripture devoted to describing the promises of God to David. This chapter is similar to 2 Samuel 7. In this chapter, all the promises of God to David are collected: the promise of dynastic (the line of descendants) and messianic (Christ Jesus) successions. The chapter is divided into three parts. First, it describes David’s desire to build a house (temple) for God (1-6). Second, God describes his promises concerning the descendants of David (7-15). Finally, David prays to God, expressing his feelings about all of the above (16-27).
The First Part:David’s Desire to Build a House (Temple) for God
It is important to note that at this point, David is already a wealthy and powerful man. In his palace, he is living comfortably and joyfully. However, David feels that it is time to build a house (temple) for God. He says this to Nathan the Prophet. Nathan approved David’s idea and told him that the plans for his house would succeed because God is with him.
But that night, Nathan had a vision. God said to him that he should go to David and tell him that he cannot build a house for him. The reason for it is that God had never commanded any of the people of Israel to build a house for him. From the very beginning, he has been with Israel, and his mission had been to create conditions for people to dwell with him.
The Second Part: God’s Promises to David
Moreover, God tells Nathan that he will make a house (dynasty) for David. God’s promises concern the descendants of David. The promises are as follows:
• God will dwell among people (v. 7-8): God took David from tending the flock to being a ruler over Israel.
• God will make a house (dynasty) for David (v. 11-12): The house of David will be established, and the son of David will build the house of God. The descendant of David who is able to build the house of God will be Jesus Christ.
• God will be a father to David’s son (v. 13-14): God will correct his sins, but he will not remove love from him as he did with Saul.
• God’s promises will last forever (v. 14): The future of the descendants of David is blessed by God.
The Third Part: David’s Prayer to God
David prays to God and expresses his feelings about the situations described above. The first thing that he does is praises the Lord. David feels honored that God has given him such great opportunities and blessings. He asks God: “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hither?” (v. 16). He also calls Israel God’s people and Egypt the land of strangers because Israel is the chosen country and Egypt is a foreign country (v. 21-22). Moreover, David prays to God to fulfill all his promises and say to his house and people for God’s benefit (v. 23-27).
Theology and Application
The promises of God to David are tremendous: God promised to make a house (dynasty) for David. That means that Jesus Christ is truly the son of David. This whole passage is a great reminder of how faithful God is to his promises. Additionally, the narration helps understand the importance of being grateful and humble in front of God. Although God promised to bless David and his descendants, the example of the prayer of David shows that a human being should be humble and sincere in front of God.
