Bible Commentaries

1 Chronicles 17:1. Now it came to pass, &c. — This whole chapter is explained 2 Samuel 7., where the same things are recorded with very little variation of the words.

1 Chronicles 17:10. Furthermore I tell thee, &c. — 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.

1 Chronicles 17:14. I will settle him in my house — In my dwelling-place, 1st, In Jerusalem, the place where God had put his name for ever; or, 2d, In the temple, which is more properly and constantly called God’s house; and so this expression agrees but very imperfectly with Solomon or his successors; who might, indeed, be said to be settled in God’s house, because they dwelt near it, and, in some sort, were set over it; and because they were to take care that the priests and others should perform their offices, and God’s service in it; but, strictly and properly, it agrees only to Christ, to whom alone that promise also of an everlasting establishment in this kingdom belongs, as was observed on 2 Samuel 7:16. And this expression seems to be most emphatically added to signify that the person in whom all those promises should be fully and perfectly accomplished, namely, the Messiah, should be settled not only in the king’s throne, as others of David’s successors were, but also in God’s house or temple; and consequently that he should be a priest as well as a king; which mystery was clearly revealed to David, Psalms 110:1-2; Psalms 110:4, and may be intimated, though obscurely, in these words. And in my kingdom — Either, 1st, In the kingdom of Israel, which God calls his kingdom, because he was, in a special manner, the king and governor of it, having raised them up and formed them into a kingdom, and given them that protection and assistance which kings owe to their kingdoms; and because he expected and required from them what kings do from their people, that they should be wholly governed by his laws, and devoted to his service. Or, 2d, In God’s kingdom, in a more large and general sense. And this, as well as the former phrase, may seem singularly to belong to the Messiah, who was not only to be the king of Israel, but also of all nations, as was foretold even in the Old Testament, in sundry passages; and, thus understood, this may be an intimation of that great mystery, which is more fully revealed in the New Testament, namely, that Christ is the head, king, or governor of all God’s church, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, and of all nations, and indeed of all creatures, the angels not excepted; all which is God’s kingdom, and by him given to his Son, our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 17:16. Who am I? &c. — 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 this of believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him!

1 Chronicles 17:18-19. For 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. Servant’s sake — In 2 Samuel 7:21, it is, for thy word’s sake, for the sake of thy promise made to thy servant.

1 Chronicles 17:24. A God to Israel — He is really to his people that which he hath styled himself, their God, having taken such care of them, and showed such mercy and truth to them, as fully answered that title.

1 Chronicles 17:27. Let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant — He is therefore encouraged to ask a blessing because God had intimated to him that he had blessings in store for him and his family; thou blessest, O Lord — And therefore unto thee shall all flesh come for a blessing: unto thee do I come for the blessing promised to me. And he is therefore earnest for the blessing, because those whom God blesseth are truly and eternally blessed. Thou blessest, and it shall be blessed — Men can but beg the blessing, it is God that commands it; what he designs, he effects; what he promises, he performs; saying and doing are not two things with him. Nay, it shall be blessed for ever — His blessings shall not be revoked from the faithful, and the benefits conferred by them are such as will survive time and days. David’s prayer concludes as God’s promise did, (1 Chronicles 17:14,) with that which is for ever. God’s word looks at things eternal, and so should our desires and hopes.