TRV
Translation
King James Version
And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
Complete Jewish Bible
When your days come to an end and you go to be with your ancestors, I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your own sons; and I will set up his rulership.
Berean Standard Bible
And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom.
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass, when thy days are fulfilled that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will set up thy seed after thee, who shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
World English Bible Messianic
It shall happen, when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when thy dayes shalbe fulfilled to go with thy fathers, then will I rayse vp thy seede after thee, which shalbe of thy sonnes, and will stablish his kingdome.
Young's Literal Translation
and it hath come to pass, when thy days have been fulfilled to go with thy fathers, that I have raised up thy seed after thee, who is of thy sons, and I have established his kingdom,
See also
In the KJVVerse 10,875 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17 verses 1–15
1 ¶ Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.
2 Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee.
3 And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:
5 For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.
6 Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?
7 Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:
8 And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.
9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,
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.
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
12 He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.
13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:
14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
Let us observe here,
I. How desirous and solicitous good people should be to serve the interests of God's kingdom in the world, to the utmost of their capacity. David could not be easy in a house of cedar while the ark was lodged within curtains, Ch1 17:1. The concerns of the public should always be near our hearts. What pleasure can we take in our own prosperity if we see not the good of Jerusalem? When David is advanced to wealth and power see what his cares and projects are. Not, "What shall I do for my children to get portions for them? What shall I do to fill my coffers and enlarge my dominions?" But, "What shall I do for God, to serve and honour him?" Those that are contriving where to bestow their fruits and their good would do well to enquire what condition the ark is in, and whether some may not be well bestowed upon it.
II. How ready God's prophets should be to encourage every good purpose. Nathan was no sooner aware of David's good design than he bade him go and do all that was within his heart (Ch1 17:2), for he had no reason to doubt but that God was with him in it. Ministers should stir up the gifts and graces that are in others as well as in themselves.
III. How little God affects external pomp and splendour in his service. His ark was content with a tabernacle (Ch1 17:5) and he never so much as mentioned the building of a house for it; no, not when he had fixed his people in great and goodly cities which they builded not, Deu 6:10. He commanded the judges to feed his people, but never bade them build him a house, Ch1 17:6. We may well be content awhile with mean accommodations; God's ark was so.
IV. How graciously God accepts his people's good purposes, yea, though he himself prevents the performance of them. David must not build this house, Ch1 17:4. He must prepare for it, but not do it; as Moses must bring Israel within sight of Canaan, but must them leave it to Joshua to put them in possession of it. It is the prerogative of Christ to be both the author and finisher of his work. Yet David must not think that, because he was not permitted to build the temple, 1. His preferment was in vain; no, "I took thee from the sheep-cote, though not to be a builder of the temple, yet to be ruler over my people Israel; that is honour enough for thee; leave the other to one that shall come after thee," Ch1 17:7. Why should one man think to engross all the business and to bring every good work to perfection? Let something be left for those that succeed. God had given him victories, and made him a name (Ch1 17:8), and, further, intended by him to establish his people Israel and secure them against their enemies, Ch1 17:9. That must be his work, who is a man of war and fit for it, and he must let the building of churches be left to one that was never cut out for a soldier. Nor, 2. Must he think that his good purpose was in vain, and that he should lose the reward of it; no, it being God's act to prevent the execution of it, he shall be as fully recompensed as if he had done it; "The Lord will build thee a house, and annex the crown of Israel to it," Ch1 17:10. If there be a willing mind, it shall not only be accepted, but thus rewarded. Nor, 3. Must he think that because he might not do this good work therefore it would never be done, and that it was in vain to think of it; no, I will raise up thy seed, and he shall build me a house, Ch1 17:11, Ch1 17:12. God's temple shall be built in the time appointed, though we may not have the honour of helping to build it or the satisfaction of seeing it built. Nor, 4. Must he confine his thoughts to the temporal prosperity of his family, but must entertain himself with the prospect of the kingdom of the Messiah, who should descend from his loins, and whose throne should be established for evermore, Ch1 17:14. Solomon was not himself so settled in God's house as he should have been, nor was his family settled in the kingdom: "But there shall one descend from thee whom I will settle in my house and in my kingdom," which intimates that he should be both a high priest over the house of God and should have the sole administration of the affairs of God's kingdom among men, all power both in heaven and in earth, in the house and in the kingdom, in the church and in the world. He shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both, and he shall build the temple of the Lord, Zac 6:12, Zac 6:13.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–15. Public domain.
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Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
PROOF OF THE GOSPEL 7.3
There is no doubt that Solomon was the son of David and his successor in the kingdom. And he first built the temple of God at Jerusalem, and perhaps the Jews understand him to be the subject of the prophecy. But we may fairly ask them whether the oracle applies to Solomon, which says, “And I will set up his throne for ever,” and also where God swore with the affirmation of an oath by his holy one, “The throne of him that is foretold shall be as the sun and the days of heaven.” For if the years of the reign of Solomon are reckoned, they will be found to be forty and no more. Even if the reigns of all his successors are added up, they do not altogether come to 500 years. And even if we suppose that their line continued down to the final attack on the Jewish nation by the Romans, how can they fulfill a prophecy which says, “Your throne shall remain for ever, and be as the sun and the days of heaven”? And the words, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son,” how can they refer to Solomon? For his history tells us much about him that is foreign and opposed to the adoption of God. No. Hear the indictment against him: “And Solomon loved women, and took many strange wives, even the daughter of Pharaoh, Moabites, Ammonites, and Idumaeans, Syrians and Chatteans, and Amorites, from the nations of whom the Lord said to the children of Israel, that they should not go in to them.”And in addition to this: “And his heart was not right with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father; and Solomon went after Astarte, the abomination of the Sidonians and after their king, the idol of the sons of Ammon. And Solomon did evil before the Lord.” And again further on he adds, “And the Lord raised Satan against Solomon, Ader the Idumaean.” Now who would venture to call God his father, who lay under such grievous charges, and to call himself the firstborn son of the God of the Universe? Or how could these sayings apply first to David, if you reflect. Therefore we require someone else, here revealed to arise from the seed of David. But there was no other born of him, as is recorded, save only our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ of God, who alone of the kings of David’s line is called through the whole world the Son of David according to his earthly birth, and whose kingdom continues and will continue, lasting for endless time. It is attacked by many, but always by its divine superhuman power proves itself inspired and invincible as the prophecy foretold.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:11 serves as a foundational declaration within the Davidic Covenant, a pivotal divine promise conveyed through the prophet Nathan. This verse encapsulates God's sovereign assurance to King David that, upon David's death, God Himself would supernaturally raise up a successor from David's own lineage, specifically from his sons, and would personally establish and secure that successor's kingdom. It marks a profound shift from David's commendable desire to build a physical temple for God to God's grander, eternal design of building David an enduring "house"—a dynasty—thereby underscoring divine initiative and the promise of perpetual royal continuity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Central to the entire chapter is a profound Wordplay on the Hebrew term bayit (בַּיִת), which means "house." David expresses his desire to build God a physical "house" (a temple), but God responds by promising to build David a metaphorical "house" (a dynasty or lineage). This clever linguistic device powerfully highlights the contrast between human initiative and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God's plans are infinitely grander, more enduring, and more profound than human aspirations. The entire message is presented as a Divine Oracle, a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God Himself delivered through His trusted prophet Nathan, lending it supreme authority, weight, and infallibility. The predictive nature of the verse, speaking of David's death and the subsequent raising of his seed, functions as Foreshadowing, pointing immediately to Solomon as the next king, but also, in its ultimate, eternal scope, to the coming Messiah. The language used throughout the chapter, including this verse, is characteristic of Covenant Language, employing formal, binding promises that establish a lasting, unbreakable relationship and commitment between God and David.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:11 is a pivotal verse in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan, laying the theological foundation for the enduring Davidic Covenant. It profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when they transcend human understanding or initiative. It reveals God's absolute sovereignty in establishing earthly kingdoms and, more profoundly, in orchestrating the precise lineage through which His ultimate King, the Messiah, would come. This promise of an enduring "house" for David is not merely about political succession but is intrinsically linked to God's broader covenantal relationship with Israel, promising a stable and perpetual source of leadership and a conduit for divine blessing. It teaches that God's plans are often immeasurably greater than our own, shifting the focus from David's commendable desire for a physical temple to God's promise of an eternal, spiritual kingdom that culminates in Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:11 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It beautifully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His steadfast commitment to His covenant promises, extending across generations and transcending human limitations or failures. David had a noble and commendable desire to build God a magnificent temple, yet God revealed a far greater, more enduring, and ultimately spiritual plan: to build David a "house"—a dynasty that would ultimately culminate in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. This narrative encourages us to trust implicitly that God's designs for our lives, our families, and His kingdom are always superior to our own, often extending far beyond our immediate vision or earthly lifetime. It serves as a powerful reminder that our true legacy is not what we strive to build for God in our own strength, but rather what God sovereignly chooses to build through us, for His eternal glory. In moments of uncertainty, when our own carefully laid plans are thwarted, or when we face the limitations of our human endeavors, this passage calls us to surrender confidently to God's sovereign will, knowing with absolute assurance that His promises are firm, His purposes will prevail, and His ultimate plan will culminate in the unshakable and eternal kingdom of His Son.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the primary difference between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7?
Answer: While both chapters record the same foundational Davidic Covenant and are remarkably similar in content, their primary differences lie in their respective literary contexts, audiences, and theological emphases. 2 Samuel 7 is presented within a historical narrative that focuses on the establishment of David's reign, the political implications of the covenant, and the immediate succession. 1 Chronicles 17, however, is part of a work written for a post-exilic audience, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David, the enduring importance of the temple, and the perpetual hope for a legitimate Davidic king. Chronicles tends to highlight the spiritual and cultic aspects more prominently, underscoring the divine promise of a lasting dynasty that would lead to the temple's construction and the eventual return of a Davidic king. Despite these nuanced emphases, both accounts convey the same core divine pledge of an eternal Davidic dynasty.
How does this verse relate to Solomon?
Answer: Solomon is the immediate and partial fulfillment of the promise articulated in 1 Chronicles 17:11. He is indeed the "seed" of David, born after David's days expired, who subsequently ascends to the throne, and whose kingdom God begins to establish. Solomon is also the one who successfully builds the magnificent temple that David had so earnestly desired, thereby fulfilling another significant aspect of the broader narrative in 1 Kings 6:1. However, the expansive and eternal language of the Davidic Covenant, particularly evident in verses like 1 Chronicles 17:14, extends far beyond Solomon's earthly reign, pointing to an eternal kingdom and a perpetual throne that Solomon's reign, despite its glory and wisdom, could not fully embody or sustain.
Is this promise conditional or unconditional?
Answer: The promise of an enduring Davidic dynasty, as presented in 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7, is fundamentally unconditional in its guarantee that David would always have a descendant on the throne. God unilaterally declares, "I will establish his kingdom forever" (1 Chronicles 17:14). This foundational aspect of the covenant rests solely on God's faithfulness and sovereign will. However, it is crucial to understand that there were conditional elements related to the blessings, prosperity, and immediate stability of individual kings within that dynasty, contingent upon their obedience to God's law. For example, 1 Kings 2:4 records David charging Solomon to walk in God's ways for his throne to be established. While individual kings might fail and face divine discipline, including the temporary loss of the throne or exile, the core promise of the lineage itself would not be broken, ensuring that a Davidic heir would ultimately reign eternally. This vital distinction is key to understanding how the covenant ultimately finds its perfect and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:11, though initially pointing to Solomon as the immediate successor to David, finds its ultimate, complete, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and promised "seed" of David, the rightful descendant who would sit on an everlasting throne, as powerfully affirmed in the opening genealogy of Matthew 1:1. The angel Gabriel's momentous announcement to Mary explicitly links Jesus to this ancient Davidic promise: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end" (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus, through His perfect obedience, atoning sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, has established a kingdom that is not of this world, yet is eternal, spiritual, and utterly unshakable (John 18:36). He is not only the promised King but also the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, thereby fulfilling David's original desire to build God a "house" in a way far grander and more profound than any physical building could ever achieve (John 2:19-21). Through His new covenant, inaugurated by His precious blood, He has established a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries, ensuring that God's promise to "establish his kingdom" is fulfilled in an eternal, cosmic reign that will never pass away, providing eternal security and hope for all who believe (Hebrews 13:20-21).