1 Chronicles 17:10

And since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

And since the time {H3117} that I commanded {H6680} judges {H8199} to be over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}. Moreover I will subdue {H3665} all thine enemies {H341}. Furthermore I tell {H5046} thee that the LORD {H3068} will build {H1129} thee an house {H1004}.

and as they did from the time I ordered judges to be over my people Isra'el; instead, I will subdue all your enemies. "'Moreover, I tell you that ADONAI will make you a house.

and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you.

and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will subdue all thine enemies. Moreover I tell thee that Jehovah will build thee a house.

1 Chronicles 17:10 is a foundational verse within God's covenant promise to King David, delivered through the prophet Nathan. It contrasts David's desire to build a physical temple for God with God's grander plan to build a lasting "house" for David, emphasizing divine initiative and sovereignty.

Context

This verse is part of God's direct response to King David, who felt it was inappropriate for him to live in a palace of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant resided in a tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). David intended to build a permanent temple for the Lord. However, God, through Nathan, reveals that He does not need a house built by human hands, but rather He will establish David's kingdom and lineage. This entire chapter details the Davidic Covenant, a parallel account found in 2 Samuel 7, which forms a cornerstone of Israelite theology.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Sovereignty: God, not man, initiates and accomplishes His plans. David wanted to build for God, but God declares His intention to build for David. This highlights God's ultimate control and power in establishing His purposes.
  • Continuity of God's Care: The phrase "since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel" connects God's ongoing care for Israel from the previous period of the Judges through the establishment of the monarchy. It assures David that God's faithfulness and protective hand are consistent throughout history.
  • Promise of Security and Victory: "Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies" guarantees divine protection and success against David's adversaries, ensuring the stability and peace of his kingdom. This promise of victory and security is a recurring theme in David's life, often expressed in his psalms, such as Psalm 18:37-39.
  • The Davidic Covenant and a Lasting Dynasty: The most significant promise is "the LORD will build thee an house." Here, "house" refers not to a physical dwelling but to a lasting dynasty, a continuous line of descendants. This is the cornerstone of the Davidic Covenant, which ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would come from David's lineage and whose kingdom would be eternal (Luke 1:32-33).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "house" (bayith) is crucial for understanding this verse. While it can mean a physical dwelling, in this context, its primary meaning shifts to "household," "family," or "dynasty." The deliberate play on words between David wanting to build God a "house" (temple) and God promising to build David a "house" (dynasty) is central to grasping the depth of this covenant. This linguistic nuance emphasizes that God's plan is far grander and more enduring than David's initial aspirations, focusing on lineage and spiritual legacy rather than solely on physical structures.

Practical Application

This verse teaches us about God's boundless grace and His ability to exceed our greatest desires and plans. When we seek to serve God, He often responds by blessing us in ways we never imagined, fulfilling His purposes through us in a manner far beyond our human capacity. It reminds us that God's plans are sovereign, long-term, and ultimately centered on His glory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. For believers, this Davidic covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose spiritual reign is everlasting and whose kingdom will have no end.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Samuel 7:11

    And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

  • Judges 2:14

    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

  • Judges 2:18

    And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

  • Psalms 18:40

    Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

  • Psalms 18:50

    Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

  • Judges 4:3

    And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:25

    For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
← Back