John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 17:1-27
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
These verses contain David's response to the gracious communication which had been made to him, and thanksgivings for the promise made to him as regards his seed. His appreciation of the contents of that promise is expressed in a manner which would seem to indicate that he was not altogether untaught, even then, by the Spirit of some of the deeper significance of the far-reaching promise. read more
David here makes a clear sad very just difference between all that had been done for him, and the very great prospect now in addition put before him : Thou… hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree; i.e. thou hast treated me, or dealt with me, in this promise as though [ had been of high rank indeed. The parallel reading is very concise ( 2 Samuel 7:19 ), and perhaps somewhat obscure, "And is this the manner [or, 'law'] of man?" or, "And this is to be a law of... read more
Hast regarded me ... - i. e., “Thou hast elevated me above other men, by making my kingdom perpetual, regarding me as if I were a man of high degree.” Compare the 2 Samuel 7:19 note. read more
Plans for a permanent house (16:37-17:27)On being brought to Jerusalem, the ark had been placed in a tent that David prepared for it (see v. 1). David appointed temple servants to remain with the ark to guide the worship, apparently under the direction of the senior priest, Abiathar. The other chief priest, Zadok, was in charge of the worship at the tabernacle, which was still at Gibeon (37-43).One reason why David did not shift the tabernacle from Gibeon was that he was planning to build a... read more
regarded. Compare "art mindful" of Psalms 8:4 . estate. Hebrew. tor, abbreviation of torah = law. See note on 2 Samuel 7:19 . a man. Hebrew. ha-adam = the Man, of Psalms 8:5 , Psalms 8:6 , Who is to have dominion over all the earth. read more
E. God’s Covenant Promises to David chs. 17-29The dominating theme in 1 Chronicles is the Davidic Covenant, the receiving of which was the most important event in David’s life. God promised to give him an eternal kingdom, and He formalized that promise by making a covenant with him. The writer repeated three times that David’s descendants would be God’s instruments for bringing salvation to the nations.The Chronicler referred to the Davidic Covenant seven times in his book (1 Chronicles... read more
David’s response to God’s promises 17:16-27David manifested attitudes of humility (1 Chronicles 17:16) and trust (1 Chronicles 17:27) in his prayer. Most of what he prayed was thanksgiving for what God had promised (1 Chronicles 17:20-27)."The erection of the temple was an assertion of the divine control over the political and religious life of the state (1 Chronicles 17:22)." [Note: Thompson, p. 145.] David’s response was a model for the returned exiles, and it is for us. read more
David’s desire to build the Temple disallowedThis chapter is almost identical with 2 Samuel 7:1-29. 17. Hast regarded me.. degree] i.e. hast treated me with great distinction. read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Chronicles 17:16-27
We have here David's solemn address to God, in answer to the gracious message he had now received from him. By faith he receives the promises, embraces them, and is persuaded of them, as the patriarchs, Heb. 11:13. 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 grace and favour! With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel and what a value has he for the Israel of God! With... read more