1 Chronicles 17:17

KJV

And [yet] this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast [also] spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And yet this was a small thing {H6994} in thine eyes {H5869}, O God {H430}; for thou hast also spoken {H1696} of thy servant's {H5650} house {H1004} for a great while to come {H7350}, and hast regarded {H7200} me according to the estate {H8448} of a man {H120} of high degree {H4609}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet in your view, God, even this was but a small thing; so you have said that your servant's dynasty will continue on into the distant future. You have regarded me, ADONAI, God, as a man of high rank.

Berean Standard Bible

And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O God, You have spoken about the future of the house of Your servant and have regarded me as a man of great distinction, O LORD God.

American Standard Version

And this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; but thou hast spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Jehovah God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:17 captures King David's profound humility and overwhelming gratitude in response to God's astonishing and expansive covenant promise. Despite having already been elevated from a humble shepherd to a mighty king, David marvels that God considers all past and present blessings as "a small thing" compared to the infinitely greater, enduring dynastic future He has spoken concerning David's "house," treating him with an honor far beyond his deserving. This verse encapsulates David's awe at the boundless grace and sovereign regard of the Almighty God, who promises an eternal legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of David's prayer of thanksgiving found in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"), which closely parallels the account in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The chapter opens with David's noble desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, a "house" for God ([1 Chronicles 17:1](/1_chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). However, through the prophet Nathan, God reveals a far grander and unexpected plan: God would not have David build Him a house of cedar, but rather, God Himself would build David a "house"—an enduring dynasty and an everlasting kingdom ([1 Chronicles 17:10-14](/1_chronicles/17-10 "1 Chronicles 17:10-14 - God's Promise to David")). The preceding verses detail this incredible promise, including that David's throne would be established forever and that his descendant would build God's temple. Verse 17 is David's humble, astonished, and deeply grateful reaction to the sheer magnitude and eternal scope of this divine commitment, demonstrating his comprehension of God's overwhelming generosity. His prayer continues to express his unworthiness and God's incomparable greatness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's legacy was often defined by the stability and longevity of his dynasty and the magnificent structures he built to honor the gods. David, having secured the kingdom and brought the Ark to Jerusalem, naturally desired to build a grand temple, a fitting dwelling for Yahweh, reflecting the common practice of monarchs honoring their deities. However, God's response subverted this expectation. Instead of a physical structure built by human hands, God promised an enduring "house" in the sense of a lineage and an eternal kingdom. This promise was revolutionary, establishing a unique covenant relationship that transcended typical human dynastic aspirations. The idea of God "regarding" a mere human "according to the estate of a man of high degree" highlights the immense condescension and unmerited favor shown by the divine King to His chosen servant, elevating him to a status far beyond any earthly measure or expectation, signifying a profound divine election and an unparalleled relationship.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant") and particularly in verse 17 is God's **Sovereign Grace and Covenant Faithfulness**. David marvels that God considers His already immense blessings (a secure kingdom, victory over enemies, a personal relationship) as "a small thing" compared to the monumental, future-oriented promises He has made. This underscores God's exceedingly generous nature, always giving more than expected and demonstrating a boundless love that transcends human comprehension. Secondly, the verse powerfully articulates the **Eternal Davidic Covenant**, pointing to the enduring nature of God's promise to establish David's "house" and throne forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Eternal Davidic Covenant")). This covenant, unlike human agreements, is unilaterally established by God and guarantees an everlasting lineage and kingdom, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Reign")). Finally, David's response exemplifies **Humility in Receiving Divine Favor**, recognizing his unworthiness and God's unmerited grace, serving as a model for all who receive God's blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **small (Hebrew, _qâṭôn'_):** The Hebrew word קָטֹן (H6994, _qâṭôn'_) means "to diminish," "to be diminutive," or "of no account." In this context, David uses it not to literally diminish God's past blessings, but to express his profound astonishment and humility at God's perspective. Even the immense favor God has already shown him (making him king, giving him rest from enemies, establishing his name) is considered by God as a mere trifle compared to the grand, eternal dynastic promise yet to unfold. It highlights God's infinite capacity for generosity and His boundless plans that far exceed human understanding of "greatness."
* **for a great while to come (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** The Hebrew word רָחֹוק (H7350, _râchôwq'_) means "remote," "far off," or "long ago." Here, it is used adverbially to emphasize the long-term, indeed eternal, scope of God's dynastic promise to David. It speaks not just of David's immediate descendants but of a lineage that stretches indefinitely into the future, culminating in an everlasting kingdom. This phrase underscores the enduring and unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant, indicating its far-reaching implications and ultimate fulfillment beyond David's lifetime.
* **high degree (Hebrew, _maʻălâh'_):** The Hebrew word מַעֲלָה (H4609, _maʻălâh'_) refers to "elevation," "a step," or "a superiority of station." In the phrase "according to the estate of a man of high degree," it conveys David's astonishment that God would treat him with such extraordinary honor, elevating him to a position of immense dignity and significance. It speaks to God's act of raising David, a humble shepherd, to a royal status and then speaking to him as if he were a person of the highest rank, far beyond what David could ever merit. It underscores God's incredible condescension and the unmerited favor that placed David in such a privileged and historically pivotal role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [yet] this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God;":** David begins by expressing his awe that God views His already incredible blessings—establishing David's kingdom, giving him rest from enemies, and making his name great—as insignificant. This is not a dismissal of God's past goodness but a hyperbolic expression of wonder at the *even greater* promises to come. It reveals God's perspective, where even immense earthly blessings are minor compared to His eternal purposes and the magnitude of His future covenantal plans.
* **"for thou hast [also] spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come,":** This clause explains *why* the past blessings are "small." God has not only blessed David in the present but has also made a promise concerning his "house" (dynasty) that extends far into the distant future, indeed, eternally. This refers to the Davidic Covenant, promising an unbroken line of descendants and an everlasting kingdom, far surpassing any temporal human ambition or achievement. It highlights God's proactive and long-term commitment to His chosen servant.
* **"and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.":** David concludes by marveling at the unparalleled honor God has bestowed upon him. He, a humble shepherd, is treated by the Almighty God (LORD God, YHWH Elohim) with the dignity and respect usually reserved for the most exalted individuals, or perhaps even in a manner befitting God's own majesty. It underscores the unmerited favor and divine election that elevated David to such a pivotal role in salvation history, highlighting God's sovereign choice and gracious condescension towards humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that amplify David's awe and God's majesty. **Hyperbole** is evident in David's declaration that God's already immense blessings are "a small thing in thine eyes." This exaggeration serves to emphasize the truly overwhelming and incomprehensible nature of God's *future* promises, making the contrast between the temporal and the eternal even more striking. There is also a strong sense of **Covenant Language** and imagery, particularly with the repeated use of "house" (referring both to a physical temple David desired to build and the dynastic lineage God promised to build for David) and the emphasis on promises extending "for a great while to come," which points to the enduring and unconditional nature of God's commitment. Furthermore, the phrase "regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like regard to God, while simultaneously highlighting God's incredible **Condescension** and unmerited favor towards a human being, elevating David beyond his natural station.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:17 profoundly illustrates the boundless nature of God's grace and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reveals a God whose plans far exceed human imagination and who delights in bestowing favor beyond what is deserved. David's response of humility and awe becomes a model for all believers, reminding us that God's blessings are not earned but freely given, and His faithfulness extends across generations, culminating in His ultimate redemptive plan. The verse underscores the progressive revelation of God's kingdom, moving from a physical temple to an eternal dynasty, foreshadowing the spiritual and everlasting reign of the Messiah. It teaches us that God's perspective on "greatness" is vastly different from our own, valuing eternal purposes over temporal achievements.

* [2 Samuel 7:18-29](/2_samuel/7-18-29 "David's Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Covenant")
* [Psalm 8:4](/psalms/8-4 "Psalm 8:4 - What is Man?")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:17 offers a powerful lens through which to view God's character and our place in His grand design. It invites us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility and overflowing gratitude, recognizing that even the greatest blessings we experience in this life are but "small things" compared to the eternal, immeasurable riches God has prepared for those who love Him. Just as God's plans for David far exceeded his own aspirations to build a temple, so too does God's grace often surpass our understanding and expectations, unfolding in ways we could never imagine. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His promises are not limited by time or human capacity but extend to our eternal destiny, assuring us of His ultimate plan for salvation and an everlasting kingdom. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and embrace the vastness of God's redemptive work, finding our ultimate hope and security in His unchanging covenant, and to respond with humble worship for His unmerited favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you seen God's blessings far exceed your expectations or even your prayers?**
* **How does David's humility in receiving such immense promises challenge your own perspective on receiving God's favor?**
* **What "small things" in your life might God be using as a prelude to His "great things" yet to come in your spiritual journey?**
* **How does the eternal nature of God's promise to David impact your understanding of God's faithfulness to you personally in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God calling His blessings to David "a small thing"?**

Answer: When God refers to His already immense blessings upon David as "a small thing" in [1 Chronicles 17:17](/1_chronicles/17-17 "1 Chronicles 17:17 - God's Eternal Promise to David"), it's not a dismissal of His past goodness, but rather a profound theological statement about the *even greater* and eternal nature of His future promises. David, in his prayer, is expressing his astonishment at God's infinite generosity. God had already made David king, given him rest from his enemies, and established his name as great. Yet, from God's perspective, these temporal, earthly blessings were "small" compared to the monumental, everlasting covenant He was making concerning David's "house" (his dynasty) and the eternal kingdom that would spring from it. It highlights God's boundless capacity to give and His grand, long-term redemptive plan that far surpasses any human expectation or achievement. It underscores that God's ultimate blessing is not merely temporal prosperity but an eternal covenant relationship, culminating in the reign of the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise to David in [1 Chronicles 17:17](/1_chronicles/17-17 "1 Chronicles 17:17 - God's Eternal Promise to David") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "house" and "kingdom" spoken of "for a great while to come" point directly to the Messiah, the true Son of David, whose reign is truly eternal and whose kingdom will have no end. While David's immediate descendants sat on the throne, the promise of an everlasting kingdom was ultimately broken by human sin and exile. However, God's faithfulness to His covenant was not nullified. Instead, it was perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who is the promised "seed" of David ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Son of David")), born of David's lineage ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). The angel Gabriel's words to Mary explicitly connect Jesus to this covenant: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, the "man of high degree" whom God regarded so highly, David, foreshadows the infinitely higher degree of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the eternal King and whose spiritual kingdom encompasses all believers, extending far beyond any earthly dynasty into eternity ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). He is the one who builds God's true spiritual "house" (the Church) and reigns forever.

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

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Chronicles 17:7

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:

1 Chronicles 17:8

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.

1 Chronicles 17:11

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.

1 Chronicles 17:15

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

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.