1 Chronicles 17:13

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

I will be his father {H1}, and he shall be my son {H1121}: and I will not take {H5493} my mercy {H2617} away {H5493} from him, as I took {H5493} it from him that was before {H6440} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will be a father for him, and he will be a son for me; I will not take my grace away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor.

Berean Standard Bible

I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor.

American Standard Version

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my lovingkindness away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:13 stands as a cornerstone of the Davidic Covenant, a profound divine promise delivered to King David through the prophet Nathan. This verse articulates God's intimate, enduring relationship with David's royal lineage, establishing a unique father-son bond with the future king and guaranteeing an unwavering, steadfast love that distinguishes this dynasty from its predecessor. It serves as a foundational declaration of God's sovereign faithfulness and the eternal nature of His covenant with David's house, setting the stage for the ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 17:13 is deeply embedded within God's direct response to King David's heartfelt desire to build a magnificent temple for the Lord. The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 17:1-6](/1_chronicles/17-1-6 "1 Chronicles 17:1-6 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")) describe David's intention and Nathan's initial, humanly-informed approval, which is then immediately corrected by a divine revelation. God, through Nathan, clarifies that David will not build the house of God; rather, it will be David's son who undertakes this task ([1 Chronicles 17:12](/1_chronicles/17-12 "1 Chronicles 17:12 - Solomon Will Build the Temple")). Crucially, God promises to build a "house" for David – a dynasty, a perpetual kingdom – rather than merely accepting a physical dwelling. This promise, detailed in [1 Chronicles 17:7-14](/1_chronicles/17-7-14 "1 Chronicles 17:7-14 - God's Covenant with David"), is a parallel account to the more extensive narrative in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Verse 13, therefore, is a pivotal declaration within this covenant, defining the nature of God's relationship with David's successor and the permanence of the divine commitment. It sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic line as the chosen royal family, through whom God's redemptive purposes would unfold, emphasizing divine initiative over human ambition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the early united monarchy of Israel, with David firmly established as king in Jerusalem. This period followed the tumultuous reign of Saul, Israel's first king, who was ultimately rejected by God due to his disobedience (as recounted in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). The concept of a divine "father" and a royal "son" was not unique to Israel; ancient Near Eastern cultures often employed such language to describe the relationship between a deity and a chosen king, signifying divine legitimation, protection, and authority. However, in Israel, this relationship was grounded in the unique covenant between Yahweh and His chosen people, now extended specifically to the king. The promise of an enduring dynasty was a radical departure from the instability of previous leadership structures (like the judges or Saul's short-lived kingdom) and provided a theological framework for the future of Israelite kingship, positioning it under divine suzerainty and promise. This covenant provided stability and a divinely sanctioned foundation for the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The Davidic Covenant, as articulated in this chapter, introduces several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God, not David, determines the nature and timing of the "house" building, both literal and dynastic. This highlights God's ultimate control over history and His redemptive plan. Secondly, the theme of **Covenantal Faithfulness** is paramount; God's promise to David is presented as unconditional and eternal, a stark contrast to the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant which often tied blessings to obedience. This promise of an "everlasting kingdom" ([1 Chronicles 17:14](/1_chronicles/17-14 "1 Chronicles 17:14 - David's Eternal Kingdom")) provides the bedrock for Israel's future hope and the anticipation of the Messiah. Thirdly, the declaration "I will be his father, and he shall be my son" introduces the theme of **Divine Sonship**, a concept that evolves from the corporate sonship of Israel (e.g., [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn Son")) to the specific adoption of the Davidic king, foreshadowing its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Finally, the explicit contrast with Saul's rejection highlights the theme of **Unfailing Mercy and Steadfast Love (Hesed)**, emphasizing that God's commitment to David's line will not be withdrawn, unlike His favor from Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")). This promise of enduring mercy becomes a beacon of hope for Israel's future, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His chosen lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** In this context, "father" signifies not merely biological paternity but a profound covenantal relationship of protection, provision, authority, and intimacy. When God declares, "I will be his father," it implies divine adoption, bestowing upon the Davidic king a unique status as God's chosen representative and heir. This relationship elevates the king above typical human rulers, placing him under God's direct care and legitimizing his reign through divine appointment. It's a relationship of deep commitment and responsibility from God's side, establishing a unique bond of patronage and guidance.
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Corresponding to "father," "son" here denotes a special, privileged status of heirship, dependence, and obedience. The king, as God's "son," is granted divine favor and protection, expected to represent God's rule on earth. This sonship is not inherent but conferred by divine decree, establishing a unique bond and an enduring lineage. It implies a special anointing and a role within God's redemptive plan, setting the Davidic king apart from all other rulers and designating him as the builder of God's house.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** The Hebrew term _chêçêd_ is a rich theological concept, often translated as "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," "kindness," or "unfailing grace." Its use here, "I will not take my mercy away from him," is profoundly significant. Unlike a transactional relationship, _chêçêd_ speaks to God's unwavering commitment rooted in His covenant promises, not in the recipient's perfect performance. It assures the enduring nature of God's favor and presence with David's descendants, guaranteeing the stability and permanence of the Davidic dynasty regardless of individual kings' failures, which is a crucial distinction from Saul's conditional reign. This divine _chêçêd_ is the bedrock of the covenant's perpetuity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will be his father,"**: This clause establishes a profound, intimate, and covenantal relationship between God and David's successor (initially Solomon, but extending to the entire Davidic line). It signifies divine adoption, where God takes on the role of a protective, guiding, and legitimizing Father, bestowing unique status and authority upon the king. This declaration elevates the king to a position of special favor and divine backing, ensuring his reign is divinely sanctioned and supported.
* **"and he shall be my son:"**: This directly complements the preceding clause, defining the king's reciprocal status as God's chosen "son." As God's son, the king is endowed with divine authority, protection, and a unique responsibility to rule according to God's will. This sonship is not biological but a conferred, covenantal status, emphasizing the king's role as God's representative on earth and the heir to a divinely established throne, through whom God's purposes for Israel will be realized.
* **"and I will not take my mercy away from him,"**: This is a crucial promise of enduring faithfulness. The "mercy" (_chêçêd_) refers to God's covenantal loyalty and steadfast love. This clause guarantees that God's commitment to David's dynasty will be unwavering and permanent, distinguishing it from previous, more conditional relationships. It assures that even in the face of human failure, God's foundational promise to the Davidic line will remain intact, ensuring the continuity of the royal lineage.
* **"as I took [it] from [him] that was before thee:"**: This explicit comparison with King Saul (the one "before thee") highlights the absolute permanence and unconditional nature of God's covenant with David. God had indeed "taken away" His favor and the kingdom from Saul due to his disobedience (cf. [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - God's Rejection of Saul")). By contrasting this with the promise to David's line, God emphasizes that David's dynasty will not suffer the same fate of rejection and termination, thereby assuring its eternal continuation and serving as a testament to God's sovereign and unwavering _chêçêd_.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 17:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is the **Covenant Formula**, "I will be his father, and he shall be my son," which echoes ancient Near Eastern adoption and suzerain-vassal treaty language, but here imbued with unique Israelite theological meaning. This formula establishes a divine-human relationship that is both intimate and authoritative, signifying divine patronage and the king's unique status. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** or **Antithesis** by explicitly comparing God's enduring commitment to David's line with His withdrawal of favor from Saul ("as I took [it] from [him] that was before thee"). This stark juxtaposition underscores the unique and unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant, highlighting God's unwavering _chêçêd_ (steadfast love) in contrast to the conditional aspects of Saul's reign. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Foreshadowing** and **Typology**, where the immediate promise to Solomon and subsequent Davidic kings points beyond them to a greater, ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine Sonship and reigns on an eternal throne. The language of "house" (dynasty) and "kingdom" also carries **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical lineage but a spiritual and eternal reign that transcends earthly boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:13 is a theological linchpin, anchoring the Davidic Covenant and revealing profound truths about God's character and redemptive plan. It showcases God's **unwavering faithfulness** and **covenantal commitment**, demonstrating that His promises are not contingent on human perfection but rooted in His own steadfast love (_chêçêd_). This verse establishes the concept of **divine sonship** for the Davidic king, a unique relationship that elevates the monarchy as a divinely sanctioned institution. This sonship, while initially applied to Solomon and his successors, ultimately finds its perfect and eternal realization in Jesus Christ, the true Son of God and heir to David's throne. The contrast with Saul's rejection underscores the **permanence of God's grace** towards David's line, assuring a perpetual dynasty that would serve as the conduit for the Messiah. This promise of an eternal kingdom becomes a central pillar of Israel's hope and a testament to God's sovereign plan to bring salvation through a chosen lineage, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

* [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's Promise to David's Son")
* [Psalm 89:26-28](/psalms/89-26-28 "Psalm 89:26-28 - God's Covenant with David Confirmed")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - The Everlasting Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:13 offers profound reassurance of God's unfailing faithfulness, a truth that transcends the historical context of ancient Israel and resonates deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God is a promise-keeping God, whose covenantal love (_chêçêd_) is not easily withdrawn. Just as He established an enduring relationship with David's lineage despite their imperfections, so too does He extend His steadfast love and mercy to us through Christ. This verse invites us to trust in God's unwavering character, knowing that His commitment to His children is secure. It challenges us to live in light of His promises, finding stability and hope not in our own performance, but in His unchangeable nature. When we face our own failures, doubts, or uncertainties, we can cling to the truth that God's mercy endures forever, providing a firm foundation for our faith and a powerful call to live faithfully in response to His boundless grace. This divine _chêçêd_ empowers us to persevere and to rest in His sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's declaration, "I will be his father, and he shall be my son," shape your understanding of His relationship with His people today?**
* **In what ways does the promise, "I will not take my mercy away from him," offer comfort and security in your own walk of faith, especially during times of personal failure?**
* **How does the contrast between David's enduring dynasty and Saul's rejection highlight the nature of God's covenantal faithfulness versus conditional obedience?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's unfailing mercy and steadfast love in your daily life, and how might this impact your perspective on trials?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God calling David's son "my son" and Himself "his father"?**

Answer: This language signifies a unique, covenantal adoption, not biological paternity. It elevates the Davidic king to a special status as God's chosen representative and heir, granting him divine legitimation, protection, and authority. It establishes an intimate bond that assures the stability and perpetuity of the Davidic dynasty, setting it apart from other earthly kingdoms. This divine sonship is foundational to understanding the special role of the Davidic line in God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing to the Messiah, who perfectly embodies this divine relationship. It underscores God's personal involvement and commitment to the Davidic throne.

**How does God's promise not to take His mercy away from David's line differ from His actions towards King Saul?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial. God explicitly states, "I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took [it] from [him] that was before thee." This refers to King Saul, from whom God withdrew His favor and the kingdom due to his disobedience and rebellion (see [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") and [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - God Takes the Kingdom from Saul")). While individual Davidic kings might face discipline for their sins (as implied in [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - Discipline for David's Son")), God's _chêçêd_ (steadfast love/mercy) ensures that the dynasty itself would not be utterly rejected or terminated, guaranteeing its continuity until the coming of the Messiah. This highlights the unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant regarding the perpetuation of the lineage, in stark contrast to the conditional nature of Saul's kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise, "I will be his father, and he shall be my son," is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is uniquely and eternally the [Son of God](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - Jesus, Son of the Most High") in a way no earthly king could ever be. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary explicitly links Jesus to this Davidic promise, declaring that "the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Furthermore, the assurance, "I will not take my mercy away from him," points directly to the unfailing grace and eternal covenant established through Christ. Unlike the imperfections and eventual failures of Solomon and subsequent Davidic kings, Jesus perfectly embodies the ideal Son, never sinning, and therefore never incurring the need for God's mercy to be "taken away." His reign is one of perpetual righteousness and truth, secured by God's eternal _chêçêd_, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born for Us"). Through Christ, the Davidic covenant transforms from a promise to a specific earthly lineage to an eternal spiritual reality, inviting all who believe into the family of God, where they too become [sons and daughters by adoption](/galatians/4-5 "Galatians 4:5 - Adoption as Sons and Daughters") through the ultimate Son, Jesus. His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is an [everlasting kingdom](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion") that encompasses all nations, fulfilling every nuance of God's ancient promise to David and establishing a new covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 1:5

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

1 Chronicles 17:12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Psalms 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

1 Chronicles 10:14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.