A King's Desire (1 Chronicles 17:1-15)

Introduction

Biblical Timeline

United Kingdom under the Kings of Saul, David, and Solomon

During the time of David being king, the promise land was expanded and Jerusalem was made the capital. The Tabernacle was established in Jerusalem.

David’s desire

Build a permanent structure for the Lord (Temple).

“David has transported the ark, the symbol of God’s presence, to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5). Knowing that the Lord is the true King of Israel (2 Sam. 6:2), who has defeated his enemies (5:17–25; 7:1), David naturally desires to build a “house” (a temple, or palace) for this victorious King. The Lord will eventually allow a temple to be built (1 Kings 5–6), but the time is not yet right, nor is David the one whom he has chosen for this task (2 Sam. 7:13). The Lord turns the tables on David and promises that he will build him a “house,” or dynasty. From this point onward, this theme dominates the story.” (Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. 1 & 2 Samuel. Ed. Mark L. Strauss, John H. Walton, and Rosalie de Rosset. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)

David plans to build a house for God (17:1–6)

The reason (17:1–2): David tells Nathan that he does not feel right living in a palace while the Ark is in a tent.

1 Chronicles 17:1–2 (ESV)

1 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” 2 And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

David’s House vs God’s dwelling

David’s kingdom is established with Jerusalem as the capital. We see that even other nations and Kings understood David’s success.

1 Chronicles 14:1–2 (ESV)

1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.

David’s house was very extravagant, build with the finest materials and expert workers.

David is in his House and looks at the Tabernacle that has the Ark of the Covenant.

1 Chronicles 13:6 (ESV)

6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim.

Tabernacle is a tented structure established by God and built by Moses at mount Sinai and traveled with them throughout the wilderness wanderings.

David looks out of his Palace and sees the Lord in the tent. “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.”

Nathan the Prophet

“Nathan is introduced in 2 Sam 7:2 as a prophet who is instrumental in David’s reign. God uses him to confront the king, uphold righteousness, and to make His word known.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Nathan liked the idea and told David to do what he desires.

“God is with you.” Nathan knew that the Lord was pleased with David and believed that the Lord would bless whatever he thought to do.

The rejection (17:3–6): The Lord tells Nathan to inform David that David is not the one to build a temple for him.

David will not build the temple (3-4)

1 Chronicles 17:3–4 (ESV)

3 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in.

The Lord does say that the temple will be built, but will not be built by David. In fact, David’s Son Solomon will be the one to build the Temple.

Lord was never in a temple (5)

1 Chronicles 17:5 (ESV)

5 For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling.

The Lord helps David understand that He has been traveling with the Israelites from the beginning of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

Lord never asked for a Temple (6)

1 Chronicles 17:6 (ESV)

6 In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ’

During the entire time of the Judges, when they were in the promise land, the Lord never asked for a permanent structure.

The Lord promises to build a house for David (17:7–15)

David’s blessings (17:7–8): The Lord selected David to lead Israel and protected him in battle.

The Lord is going to give David an amazing promise. Before he does this, He reminds David of where he is from and where he is now. The Lord makes sure David understands that it was Him that brought him this far and not his skills or strength.

The Lord emphasis the He was the one who accomplish all of this and will accomplish what he wants to do. We read, “I took you...”, “I cut off your enemies...”, “I will make...”

1 Chronicles 17:7–8 (ESV)

7 Now, therefore, thus shall you say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, 8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

Lord made David King (7)

David is the youngest of all his brothers and was a shepherd watching over his father’s sheep when Samuel anointed him King. (1 Sam 16)

Prince - ruler n., a person who rules or commands; especially understood as having primacy of authority (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Lord blessed David (8a)

The Lord was with David all the time he was running from Saul, fighting the Philistines, and conquering the Land.

This is one of the major christian doctrines that is so important to remember. That the Lord is present with those who are His.

Psalm 139:7–10 (ESV)

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

Isaiah 41:8–10 (ESV)

8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As you read through the Bible, you will read that one of the greatest blessing God gives to people is a relationship with himself and His actions in their life.

Lord was with David giving him victory over his enemies.

Lord exalted David (8b)

Name - A name refers to a person’s reputation (Prov 22:1; Eccl 7:1). God promises to make David powerful and respected. (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

The Lord is telling David that just like the great ones of the past are remembered, so will his name be remembered.

Israel’s blessings (17:9-10a): The Lord has placed his people in a secure land.

1 Chronicles 17:9–10a (ESV)

9 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall waste them no more, as formerly, 10 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies.

Security for the Nation.

“I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them. ...This statement (vv. 10b–11) makes it clear that the nation’s security, not mere possession of the land, is in view. Throughout the period of the judges, oppressive invaders subjugated Israel, but the Lord will enable David to establish a secure nation.” (Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. 1 & 2 Samuel. Ed. Mark L. Strauss, John H. Walton, and Rosalie de Rosset. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)

God gave the Israelites safety from all around them through David and Solomon.

1 Kings 4:20–21 (ESV)

20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

1 Kings 4:24–25 (ESV)

24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. 25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon.

The extent of the Promise Land. (Gen 15:18-21; Numbers 34:1–15; Joshua 15:1–4)

I interpret this to be a promise of the eternal Kingdom of God.

Future tense of the verbs - “I will appoint...”, “will plant them...”

Appoint - to set v. — to fix conclusively or authoritatively. (Biblical Sense)

Plant - to cause to settle ⇔ plant v., to cause to take up residence and become established, conceived of as planting someone somewhere. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

The rest for Israel and end of attack from enemies.

They will feel free and at rest in the kingdom. Disturbed - to tremble v., to move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways; often as a sign of fear or anguish in people. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

Free from violent men. Violent Men - evil person n., a person characterized by evil actions and immoral character: (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

No More - to do again v., to do something again. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

The Lord is promising the Israelites that he will plant them in a kingdom where they will be at peace and free from their enemies. This will be the eternal kingdom addressed in Revelation as the New Heavens and New Earth.

World’s blessings (17:10b–15): The Lord promises to establish the throne of David’s son Solomon. He also promises that David’s dynasty will never end. This promise is fulfilled by Jesus Christ (see Luke 1:30–33)

David’s Kingdom (10b-11)

1 Chronicles 17:10–11 (ESV)

10b And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. 11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom.

Lord will protect David and establish his dynasty. The Lord was going to subdue all his enemies before David. (10b) When David dies, God will raise up one of his Sons to be king forever. (11)

God goes back to addressing David and what He is going to do for him. The Lord is going to subdue his enemies and usher in a time of peace.

God’s promise to David (10b-11)

“I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house.”

David started this off by stating that he wanted to build a house for the Lord. God ended it by stating that He was going to build a house for David that will be established forever.

Establish David’s Dynasty.

“I will raise up your offspring after you...”

The Lord is promising that He will raise up one of his sons to reign in his Kingdom. As God continues, he is more specific about what he means.

Raise up - to exalt ⇔ raise up v., to exalt someone, conceived of as lifting the person up. (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)

“I will establish his kingdom.”

Solomon’s Kingdom (12)

1 Chronicles 17:12 (ESV)

12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.

“Rather than David building Yahweh a house, God will build … a house for David, in the form of a sure and perpetual dynasty. Your offspring after you refers to Solomon. As for the “son” who succeeds to the throne, God will establish his kingdom. The declaration he shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever suggests that building the temple is the act of obedience that will confirm or ratify the promise.” (Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Print.)

The Lord is declaring to David that he will establish his dynasty forever and will not end it like Saul’s dynasty. After declaring that He seems to go on to Solomon and his building the temple.

God’s Kingdom (13-14)

Here God extends the Davidic Dynasty and Kingdom into His Kingdom. The point of all this is that God is going to take one from David’s line and establish Him and His Kingdom as the eternal kingdom of God.

1 Chronicles 17:13–14 (ESV)

13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’ ”

God’s special relationship (13)

“I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you...”

Covenant relationship between God and this offspring of David. (Ps 89)

Psalm 89:26–29 (ESV)

26 He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,

my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’

27 And I will make him the firstborn,

the highest of the kings of the earth.

28 My steadfast love I will keep for him forever,

and my covenant will stand firm for him.

29 I will establish his offspring forever

and his throne as the days of the heavens.

Father...Son.

Psalm 2:7–9 (ESV)

7 I will tell of the decree:

The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

The relationship between God and this coming King as “father son” is addressed in Hebrews 1.

Eternal Kingdom (14)

“I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.”

God is going to take one of the offspring in the line of David and establish Him as the King in His Kingdom and that Kingdom will be eternal.

The Kingdom that God is establishing through the working out of His redemptive plan is a Kingdom that will not be overthrown with a King that cannot be dethroned. The Gospel is the good news that through this one King there is access into this eternal Kingdom. This is where God’s redemptive plan is more than the forgiveness of our sins, but an eternal Kingdom that we become a part of through submission to the One on the Throne. Who is the one on the throne that is in the Line of David’s dynasty?

Jesus is the descendant of David that fulfills this promise.

Luke 1:30–33 (ESV)

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Jesus of Nazareth is the one in the line of David that God exalts to the throne of His eternal Kingdom.

Philippians 2:6–11 (ESV)

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is the one that God exalts above all other names and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord.

Jesus is the only access into the kingdom of God.

John 14:6 (ESV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:1–3 (ESV)

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV)

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

This is the Gospel, that God has established Jesus Christ as the King of His eternal Kingdom and is the only one who can give access to that Kingdom.

The gospel is about the forgiveness of our sins, so we can have a relationship with God. However, that relationship is far grander that we could imagine. What God is telling David, and the rest of scripture testifies to, is that God is giving access through Jesus Christ to a Kingdom that will give us rest, safety, etc with a King that is gracious, compassionate and will never be dethroned.

Lessons Learned

David desired to build a house for God, but gave David a promise that affected the entire world.

God continuously throughout history gave promises to individuals that were ment to impact the entire world. God’s curse of the Serpent (Gen 3.15), God’s promise to Abraham (Gen 12.3), and God’s Promise to David.

God’s redemptive plan, as we are seeing through this historical reading, is God’s call of all people to repent through the Nation of Israel with a specific focus on Jesus Christ.

One of the benefits of the Gospel is access into the Kingdom of God.

We have hope in a world of war and conquest that we are a part of a Kingdom that will not be overthrown with a King that will not be conquered.

The Gospel offering is for you today. Are you willing to submit the the Lord Jesus Christ and be a part of His Kingdom or not?

Benediction

Jude 24–25 (ESV)

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.