John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 17:1-27
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
And what is mine house , that thou hast brought me hitherto ? - I am not of any regal family, and have no natural right to the throne. read more
Sat before the Lord ; i.e. before the ark. It has surprised many that it should be said that David sat before the Lord, in the act of prayer or devotion. But this was not altogether unusual ( 1 Kings 19:4 ) in the first place; and then, secondly, it is not quite clear that this is said. Possibly he sat awaiting first some such token as he might know how to construe into the presence of Jehovah, and into his gracious vouchsafing to give him audience, and thereupon he may have altered... 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
Thy servant . The Septuagint Version has not got these words on their first occurrence. They may have found their way in wrongfully out of the next clause. They are not found in the parallel place. If they remain, they can mean nothing else than "How can David further acknowledge the honour conferred on thy servant,"—a sense by no means far-fetched. read more
For thy servant's sake . The parallel place reads, "For thy word's sake." This reading is superior, and well suits the connection, suggesting also whether the first occurrence of the word "servant" in the previous verse might not be similarly explained. The similarity of the characters of the words in the Hebrew would render easy the exchange of the one word for the other. 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
For the honor of thy servant - i. e., “for the honor which Thou hast done for Thy servant.” The Septuagint omits “Thy servant,” and renders it: “What can David say more to Thee to glorify Thee? For Thou knowest,” etc. 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