TRV
Translation
King James Version
According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
American Standard Version
According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
World English Bible Messianic
According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.
Geneva Bible (1599)
According to all these wordes, and according to al this vision. So Nathan spake to Dauid.
Young's Literal Translation
According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so spake Nathan unto David.
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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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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 17:15 serves as a pivotal concluding statement to the prophet Nathan's divine message to King David, underscoring the absolute faithfulness and meticulous accuracy with which Nathan delivered God's profound revelation. This verse emphasizes that Nathan communicated the Lord's "words" and "vision" without any alteration or omission, thereby ensuring David received and understood the direct, unadulterated nature of God's covenant promises concerning his dynasty and the future of Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse provides the definitive conclusion to the momentous prophetic encounter detailed in 1 Chronicles 17:1-14. The narrative opens with King David's commendable desire to construct a magnificent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, which at that time resided in a tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). Nathan initially encouraged David's aspiration. However, God intervened that very night, revealing to Nathan that David would not be the one to build the temple. Instead, God Himself would build a "house" for David—a perpetual dynasty and an eternal kingdom (1 Chronicles 17:4-14). Verse 15 explicitly affirms that Nathan conveyed this complex and weighty divine communication precisely as he received it, without adding to or subtracting from God's perfect word. This commitment to accuracy is foundational to the reliability and authority of the prophetic message throughout Scripture.
Historical & Cultural Context: King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a transformative era for Israel, characterized by the consolidation of the kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as its political and religious heart. The concept of constructing a permanent dwelling for God, replacing the portable tabernacle, was a natural progression for a settled nation and was often associated with the reigning monarch's legacy and power, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures. God's intervention through Nathan, denying David the right to build the temple while simultaneously promising an eternal dynasty, powerfully reasserted divine initiative over human ambition. This prophecy not only laid the groundwork for Solomon's future temple construction but also underscored that the timing and agent of such a sacred project were solely within God's prerogative. The role of the prophet, exemplified by Nathan, was indispensable in ancient Israel as the direct mouthpiece of God, tasked with conveying divine will to kings and people, often challenging human plans with divine truth and ensuring the purity of revelation.
Key Themes: The overarching theme of 1 Chronicles 17, and particularly highlighted in this concluding verse, is Divine Sovereignty and Initiative. God's plan for His "house" (encompassing both David's dynasty and the future temple) supersedes even the most well-intentioned human desires, demonstrating that His purposes are ultimate, unchangeable, and executed according to His perfect timing. Another central theme is Covenant Faithfulness, as God establishes an unconditional, eternal covenant with David, promising an enduring kingdom and a perpetual heir (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). This verse also profoundly emphasizes Prophetic Integrity and Accuracy, underscoring the critical importance of a prophet faithfully transmitting God's revelation without personal interpretation, addition, or alteration. Nathan's obedience here sets a crucial standard for all who would speak on behalf of God, reinforcing that the divine message must be preserved in its purity, a principle echoed in warnings against false prophecy throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 18:20.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 17:15 is Repetition, specifically the emphatic reiteration of "according to all these words, and according to all this vision." This serves to underscore the completeness and exactness of Nathan's transmission of God's message. The repetition functions as a powerful form of Emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the prophet's unwavering fidelity and the divine origin of the message itself. It highlights the crucial standard of prophetic integrity: that the messenger must deliver the divine word precisely as received, without personal bias or alteration. Furthermore, the verse acts as a Summary Statement, concisely concluding the detailed account of God's interaction with Nathan and Nathan's subsequent delivery to David, thereby reinforcing the authenticity and authoritative nature of the entire prophetic declaration.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:15 powerfully affirms the integrity of divine revelation and the crucial role of the prophet as a faithful conduit of God's truth. Nathan's precise delivery of "all these words" and "all this vision" underscores that God's communication is complete, authoritative, and meant to be received without human alteration. This sets a profound precedent for how God's Word should be handled, emphasizing the sacred responsibility of those who proclaim it. It also reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty, as His plans for David's dynasty and the future temple are revealed to be far grander than human aspirations, demonstrating that God's "house" (dynasty) is built by His initiative, not man's, and His promises are utterly trustworthy.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:15 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers regarding the reception and transmission of God's truth. Nathan's unwavering commitment to delivering God's message exactly as received challenges us to approach Scripture with similar reverence, precision, and humility. In a world saturated with diverse voices, competing narratives, and often superficial interpretations, this verse reminds us of the paramount importance of grounding our faith and understanding in the unadulterated, authoritative Word of God. It calls us to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to comprehend its full counsel and context, and to be faithful communicators of its truth, avoiding personal biases, selective emphasis, or the temptation to dilute its message for convenience or popularity. Furthermore, Nathan's example encourages us to cultivate deeper trust in God's sovereign plans, even when they diverge from our own well-intentioned desires or expectations. Just as God had a greater "house" in mind for David than David could conceive, so too does God often work in ways that transcend our immediate understanding, always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory. This verse invites us to rest in the assurance that God's revealed will is perfect, trustworthy, and deserving of our complete attention and obedient response.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Nathan delivering "all these words, and according to all this vision"?
Answer: The phrase "all these words, and according to all this vision" is profoundly significant because it emphasizes the completeness, accuracy, and divine authority of the message Nathan delivered to David. It means that Nathan did not omit, alter, or add anything to what God had revealed to him. "Words" refer to the verbal instructions and promises God spoke, while "vision" refers to the supernatural insight or comprehensive understanding God granted Nathan, perhaps through a vivid mental impression or a direct encounter. By stating that Nathan spoke "according to all" of both, the text assures David (and the reader) that the prophecy, including the denial of David building the temple and the glorious promises of the Davidic Covenant, was a direct, unadulterated revelation from God, not a human interpretation or partial account. This integrity was crucial for the message's authority and for David's full comprehension of God's sovereign plan for his dynasty and the future of Israel.
How does 1 Chronicles 17:15 relate to the broader theme of prophecy in the Bible?
Answer: 1 Chronicles 17:15 serves as a prime example of true prophetic integrity and accuracy, a recurring and vital theme throughout the Bible. It illustrates the ideal standard for a prophet: to be a faithful mouthpiece for God, delivering His message precisely as given, without personal embellishment or alteration. This ideal stands in stark contrast to the numerous warnings against false prophets who speak from their own imagination or for personal gain, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 18:20 or Jeremiah 14:14. The verse underscores the divine origin of genuine prophecy, where God initiates the revelation (through "words" and "vision") and empowers His chosen messenger to convey it faithfully. This principle is foundational to understanding the authority and trustworthiness of all biblical prophecy, which is ultimately "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore reliable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:15, by highlighting the integrity and precise transmission of the Davidic Covenant's proclamation, points directly to its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "words" and "vision" Nathan faithfully delivered included God's profound promise to build David an eternal "house" (dynasty) and establish an everlasting kingdom (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). This promise, meticulously conveyed by Nathan, finds its complete and perfect realization in Jesus, who is the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1), the promised heir to David's throne, whose "kingdom will have no end" (Luke 1:32-33). While David was denied the privilege of building God's physical temple, Jesus himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His own body (John 2:19-21). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus established a spiritual kingdom and became the cornerstone of a new, living temple, the Church, where God's Spirit dwells (Ephesians 2:19-22). Thus, Nathan's accurate delivery of God's ancient promise ultimately points to the Messiah, who perfectly embodies the eternal "house" and kingdom God promised David, bringing salvation and eternal life to all who believe.