1 Chronicles 17:15

KJV

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to all these words {H1697}, and according to all this vision {H2377}, so did Nathan {H5416} speak {H1696} unto David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Natan told David all of these words and described this entire vision.

Berean Standard Bible

So Nathan relayed to David all the words of this entire vision.

American Standard Version

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:15 marks the conclusion of the prophet Nathan's crucial message to King David, emphasizing the absolute faithfulness and accuracy with which Nathan delivered God's divine revelation. This verse underscores that Nathan communicated the Lord's "words" and "vision" without alteration or omission, ensuring David fully understood the direct, unadulterated nature of the message concerning God's covenant promises and the future of David's dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to Nathan's pivotal prophecy to King David, detailed in [1 Chronicles 17:1-14](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David"). The narrative begins with David's noble desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, currently housed in a tent ([1 Chronicles 17:1](/1_chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). Initially, Nathan affirmed David's intention. However, God intervened that very night, revealing to Nathan that David would not build the temple. Instead, God Himself would build a "house" for David—an enduring dynasty and an eternal kingdom ([1 Chronicles 17:4-14](/1_chronicles/17-4 "1 Chronicles 17:4-14 - God's Covenant Promises to David")). Verse 15 explicitly confirms that Nathan delivered this complex and momentous divine communication precisely as he received it, without adding or subtracting from God's perfect word. This commitment to accuracy is foundational to the reliability of the prophetic message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a period of significant consolidation and expansion for Israel, establishing Jerusalem as its political and religious capital. The concept of a permanent dwelling for God, replacing the portable tabernacle, was a natural progression for a settled kingdom. However, the construction of temples 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, reasserted divine initiative over human ambition. This prophecy also laid the groundwork for Solomon's future temple construction, emphasizing that the timing and agent of such a sacred project were solely God's prerogative. The role of the prophet, like Nathan, was crucial 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.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David") and this verse, in particular, is **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**. God's plan for His "house" (dynasty and temple) supersedes even the most well-intentioned human desires, demonstrating that His purposes are ultimate and unchangeable. Another key 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](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant")). This verse also highlights **Prophetic Integrity and Accuracy**, underscoring the critical importance of a prophet faithfully transmitting God's revelation without personal interpretation or alteration. Nathan's obedience here sets a standard for all who would speak on behalf of God, emphasizing that the divine message must be preserved in its purity, as seen in other warnings against false prophecy throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Warning Against False Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _devarim'_):** This plural noun (דְּבָרִים) refers to spoken utterances, messages, or divine pronouncements. In a prophetic context, it often signifies the direct verbal communication from God, carrying authority and truth. Here, it encompasses the specific instructions, promises, and denials that God conveyed to Nathan for David, particularly the detailed aspects of the Davidic Covenant.
* **Vision (Hebrew, _mar'eh'_):** The Hebrew term (מַרְאֶה) denotes a sight, appearance, or a prophetic vision. It refers to a supernatural revelation perceived visually or experientially by the prophet, often accompanying or reinforcing verbal communication. In this instance, it points to the divine encounter Nathan had during the night, where God's will was made clear through a comprehensive revelation that went beyond mere words, perhaps involving a vivid mental impression or a direct encounter.
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dibber'_):** The verb (דִּבֶּר), a Piel form of _dabar_, signifies an intensive or direct speaking. It implies a deliberate, clear, and authoritative declaration. The use of this form emphasizes Nathan's active and precise role in conveying the message, not merely hinting or suggesting, but speaking forth the divine revelation with the same clarity and directness with which he received it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to all these words,"**: This phrase emphasizes the verbal component of God's revelation to Nathan. It refers to the specific messages, instructions, and promises that God articulated to the prophet during their encounter. Nathan's delivery was not selective; it included every detail and nuance of what God had spoken.
* **"and according to all this vision,"**: This clause highlights the visual or experiential aspect of God's revelation. It suggests that Nathan received a comprehensive understanding of God's will not only through spoken words but also through a profound, divinely-imparted insight or prophetic vision. The repetition of "all" underscores the completeness of this revelation.
* **"so did Nathan speak unto David."**: This concluding phrase affirms Nathan's absolute faithfulness and integrity as God's messenger. The "so did" (כֵּן, _ken_) indicates a direct correspondence: just as Nathan received the message in its entirety—both the verbal and visual components—so he delivered it to King David without addition, omission, or personal interpretation. This confirms the divine authority and unadulterated nature of the prophecy David received.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Chronicles 17:15](/1_chronicles/17-15 "1 Chronicles 17:15 - Nathan's Faithful Delivery of God's Message") 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. It highlights the crucial standard of prophetic integrity: that the messenger must deliver the divine word precisely as received. 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 authority 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 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.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18-20 - The Prophet Like Moses") - Warns against false prophets and emphasizes the divine origin of true prophecy.
* [Jeremiah 23:28](/jeremiah/23-28 "Jeremiah 23:28 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets") - Distinguishes between those who speak God's word faithfully and those who speak their own dreams.
* [2 Peter 1:20](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God") - Affirms that prophecy did not come by human will but as men were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:15 offers profound 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 and precision. In a world saturated with diverse voices and interpretations, this verse reminds us of the paramount importance of grounding our faith and understanding in the unadulterated Word of God. It calls us to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to comprehend its full counsel, and to be faithful communicators of its truth, avoiding personal biases or selective emphasis. Furthermore, Nathan's example encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plans, even when they diverge from our own well-intentioned desires. 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 glory. This verse invites us to rest in the assurance that God's revealed will is perfect and trustworthy, deserving of our complete attention and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nathan's faithfulness in delivering God's message challenge my own approach to studying and sharing God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to impose my own plans or desires over God's revealed will, and how can I cultivate greater trust in His sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am receiving and communicating God's truth with integrity and accuracy in my daily interactions?**

### 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 highly 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 experience God granted Nathan. 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 understanding 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 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 contrasts sharply with warnings against false prophets who speak from their own imagination or for personal gain, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Warning Against False Prophets") or [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies"). 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 of all biblical prophecy, which is ultimately "God-breathed" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:15, by highlighting the integrity of the Davidic Covenant's proclamation, points directly to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "words" and "vision" Nathan faithfully delivered included God's promise to build David an eternal "house" (dynasty) and establish an everlasting kingdom ([1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant")). This promise, meticulously conveyed by Nathan, finds its complete and perfect realization in Jesus. He is the "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), the promised heir to David's throne, whose "kingdom will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). 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 body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established a spiritual kingdom and became the cornerstone of a new, living temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). 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.

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

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

2 Samuel 7:17

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.