1 Chronicles 17

PLUS
The Book of 1 Chronicles
Chapter 17

Chapter Overview:


God forbids David's building him an house, ver. 1 - 10.
Gives him a gracious promise, ver. 11 - 15.
David's prayer, ver. 16 - 27.
Verses:
17:1Now - This whole chapter is explained, 7:1 - 29, where the same things are recorded with little variation.
17:10Furthermore, &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 thatprevented the execution of it, he shall be as fully recompensed as ifit had been done.
17:14Settle him - In the temple, this expression agrees but imperfectly with Solomon, or his successors, but strictly andproperly with Christ, to whom alone that promise also of an everlastingestablishment in this kingdom belongs. Kingdom - In God's kingdom in alarge and general sense. And this, as well as the former phrase,singularly belongs to the Messiah, who was not only to be the king ofIsrael, but also of all nations. This is an intimation of that greatmystery which is more fully revealed in the new testament, namely, thatChrist, is the head, or king of all God's church, consisting of Jews andGentiles, and of all nations, and indeed of all creatures, all which isGod's kingdom, and by him given to his son our blessed Lord.
17:16Who 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 nameof God, and admire his condescending favour? With what devout affectionsdoes he magnify the God of Israel: with what assurance build upon thepromise! What an example is this of believing, fervent prayer!The Lord enable us all thus to seek him!
17:18The honour of thy servant - The honour God puts upon his servants, by taking them into covenant and communion with himself, is sogreat, that they need not, they cannot desire to be more highly honoured.
17:19Servant's sake - In 7:21 , it is, for thy words sake, for the sake of thy promise made to thy servant.
17:24A God - He is really to his people that which he hath styled himself, their God, having taken such care of them, and shewed suchmercy and truth to them, as fully answered that title.
17:27Blessed for ever - David's prayer concludes, as God's promise did, ver. 14 , with that which is for ever. God's word looks at thingseternal. And so should our desires and hopes.