1 Chronicles 17:20

KJV

O LORD, [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, there is none like thee, neither is there any God {H430} beside {H2108} thee, according to all that we have heard {H8085} with our ears {H241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you - everything we have heard confirms that.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, there is none like You, and there is no God but You, according to everything we have heard with our own ears.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:20 captures King David's profound declaration of God's incomparable nature and singular deity, uttered in a prayer of thanksgiving. This verse serves as a foundational affirmation of exclusive monotheism, acknowledging the Lord's unparalleled supremacy and uniqueness, a truth revealed through generations of divine acts and covenant faithfulness, and confirmed by the collective experience and testimony of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within David's heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [1 Chronicles 17:16-27](/1_chronicles/17-16 "1 Chronicles 17:16-27 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). This prayer immediately follows the pivotal prophecy delivered by Nathan, where God, through the prophet, reveals His intention to build David an enduring "house" – a perpetual dynasty and kingdom – rather than allowing David to build a physical temple for God ([1 Chronicles 17:4-14](/1_chronicles/17-4 "1 Chronicles 17:4-14 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")). Overwhelmed by the magnitude of this unilateral covenant, David enters the tabernacle to pour out his heart to God. His declaration is a climactic expression of awe and humility, recognizing that such an extraordinary promise could only come from an incomparable God. It sets the stage for David's subsequent requests for the fulfillment of God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's declaration of God's uniqueness stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic religious landscape of the ancient Near East. Surrounding nations worshipped pantheons of gods, often associated with natural forces, fertility, or specific city-states. These deities were frequently depicted as having human-like flaws, engaging in rivalries, and being limited in power. Israel, however, was called to worship Yahweh alone, the one true God who transcended creation, was sovereign over all nations, and acted decisively in history. The emphasis on "no God beside thee" was a crucial distinction, reinforcing Israel's identity as a people set apart by their covenant with a singular, incomparable deity. This monotheistic confession was not merely theological dogma but a lived reality, shaping their laws, worship, and national identity in a world dominated by idolatry and syncretism.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Chronicles and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability**, asserting that He stands alone without peer in power, wisdom, holiness, and faithfulness. This theme is foundational to Israel's understanding of Yahweh as distinct from all other so-called gods, echoing declarations found in passages like [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sole Deity"). Secondly, it emphasizes **exclusive monotheism**, a defining characteristic of Israel's faith. David's statement ("neither is there any God beside thee") is a direct rejection of polytheism and idolatry, affirming that Yahweh is the one and only true God worthy of worship, a truth consistently taught from the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")). Finally, the phrase "according to all that we have heard with our ears" highlights the theme of **divine revelation and experiential knowledge**. This is not an abstract philosophical assertion but a confession rooted in generations of historical accounts of God's mighty acts—such as the Exodus ([Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Song of Moses")) and the establishment of the covenant—and His faithful dealings with His people, passed down through oral tradition and sacred texts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **None like thee (אֵין כָּמוֹךָ, _'eyn kamokha'_):** This Hebrew phrase is a strong declaration of absolute incomparability. The particle אֵין (_'eyn'_) signifies "there is not" or "nothing," while כָּמוֹךָ (_kamokha_) means "like you" or "as you." Together, they form a powerful negation of any potential comparison, asserting God's unique and singular nature. It implies not just a difference in degree, but a fundamental difference in kind, setting Yahweh apart from all created beings and false deities. This phrase emphasizes His transcendence, His unmatched power, wisdom, and holiness, and His singular status as the only true God.
* **God beside thee (אֱלֹהִים זוּלָתֶךָ, _'Elohim zulatheka'_):** This expression reinforces the monotheistic claim, emphasizing exclusivity. אֱלֹהִים (_'Elohim'_) is the general Hebrew word for "God" or "gods." זוּלָתֶךָ (_zulatheka_) means "besides you," "apart from you," or "except you." The combination explicitly denies the existence of any other divine entity alongside Yahweh. It is a direct refutation of polytheism and idolatry, asserting that Yahweh is the sole object of worship and the only source of ultimate reality and power. This phrase underscores the covenantal demand for exclusive devotion to the Lord.
* **Heard with our ears (שָׁמַעְנוּ בְאָזְנֵינוּ, _sham'anu v'ozneynu'_):** This phrase signifies knowledge gained through direct testimony and historical revelation. It refers to the collective memory and oral tradition of Israel, encompassing the accounts of God's mighty acts, His covenant promises, His laws, and His interventions throughout their history. It points to a faith that is not based on speculation or abstract philosophy, but on the tangible, audible, and verifiable record of God's self-disclosure to His people. This emphasizes the experiential and historical basis of Israel's confession of God's uniqueness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, [there is] none like thee":** This opening clause is a direct, personal address to Yahweh, acknowledging His supreme and unparalleled nature. It is a declaration of His absolute uniqueness, asserting that no other being, power, or deity can be compared to Him in character, might, or majesty. This sets the tone for David's worship, rooted in the recognition of God's singular identity.
* **"neither [is there any] God beside thee":** This second clause reinforces the first, explicitly denying the existence of any other true deity. It is a strong affirmation of monotheism, asserting that Yahweh alone is God. In a world of polytheistic beliefs, this statement unequivocally declares that all other gods are false or non-existent, and that only the Lord God of Israel is worthy of worship and trust.
* **"according to all that we have heard with our ears":** This final clause provides the basis for David's declaration. It grounds the theological truth of God's incomparability not in abstract reasoning, but in the historical, tangible, and transmitted experiences of God's people. It refers to the generations of oral tradition and written accounts detailing God's mighty acts of creation, redemption (like the Exodus), covenant-making, and faithful provision, which have consistently demonstrated His unique power, faithfulness, and singular deity.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 17:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, in this case, "O LORD." This direct address lends an intimate and worshipful tone to David's prayer, emphasizing his personal relationship and reverence for God. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore God's uniqueness; while literally "none like thee" is true, the phrasing emphasizes the absolute, unqualified nature of God's incomparability, beyond any conceivable rival. Furthermore, the phrase "according to all that we have heard with our ears" functions as a form of **Testimony** or **Witness**. It highlights the empirical and historical basis of their faith, grounding the abstract theological truth in the concrete, collective experience and oral tradition of the Israelite people. This device makes the declaration not just a statement of belief, but a verifiable truth passed down through generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:20 stands as a cornerstone declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, uniqueness, and covenant faithfulness. It encapsulates the core monotheistic confession of Israel, asserting that Yahweh is utterly distinct from all created beings and false deities. This truth forms the bedrock of biblical theology, establishing God as the sole source of power, wisdom, and authority. David's recognition of God's incomparability is a direct response to the unilateral covenant God has just made with him, demonstrating that only a God of such unparalleled greatness could initiate and fulfill such magnificent promises. This verse invites believers to worship a God who is truly without equal, whose character and actions are consistently revealed in history, and whose faithfulness is beyond question.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalms/86-8 "Psalm 86:8 - There is none like You among the gods, O Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:9](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9 - I am God, and there is none like Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:20 calls believers to a profound and exclusive devotion to the one true God. In a world that constantly presents competing allegiances, values, and sources of hope, David's declaration reminds us that there is truly "none like" the Lord. This truth should inspire unwavering trust, knowing that the God who made such an enduring covenant with David is the same God who remains faithful to His promises today. Recognizing His incomparability should lead us to reject all forms of idolatry—whether overt worship of false gods or subtle devotion to wealth, status, self, or anything that usurps His rightful place in our lives. Our worship, trust, and ultimate allegiance must be directed solely to Him, the God whose character has been consistently revealed throughout history, "according to all that we have heard with our ears." This verse encourages us to ground our faith not in fleeting sentiments, but in the verifiable, historical acts of God and His unchanging nature, fostering a deep sense of humility and gratitude for His sovereign grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to place trust or seek fulfillment from things "beside" God?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability impact your sense of security and hope?**
* **What "have you heard with your ears" about God's faithfulness and power, and how does that testimony strengthen your faith today?**
* **How can recognizing God's unparalleled nature lead you to deeper worship and more exclusive devotion?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of David's statement "according to all that we have heard with our ears"?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant because it grounds David's theological declaration in the historical experience and collective memory of Israel. It means that the truth of God's incomparability and singular deity is not an abstract philosophical concept, but a reality proven through generations of divine revelation and intervention. It refers to the oral traditions and written accounts of God's mighty acts—such as the [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance from Egypt"), the giving of the [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), His covenant faithfulness, and His miraculous provisions—which have consistently demonstrated that there is no other God like Yahweh. It emphasizes that Israel's faith is rooted in a verifiable history of God's self-disclosure, passed down from one generation to the next.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of monotheism in the Old Testament?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 17:20 is a quintessential expression of Old Testament monotheism. The declaration "neither [is there any] God beside thee" explicitly asserts that Yahweh is the one and only true God, rejecting the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world. This concept, often summarized by the [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!"), is foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. It demands exclusive worship and allegiance, distinguishing Israel from all other nations and their idolatrous practices. The verse underscores that God's uniqueness is not just a matter of superiority, but of absolute singularity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 17:20 directly extols the incomparable nature of the God of Israel, its profound declaration finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The "house" and "enduring kingdom" promised to David in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - God's Covenant with David") are ultimately realized in Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and whose throne is everlasting ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). If there is "none like" the Father, then the Son, who is "the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")), must also be incomparable. Jesus is the unique Son of God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")), and the one through whom all things were created and sustained ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Were Made Through Him")). The "heard with our ears" aspect of God's revelation culminates in Christ, for in Him, God has spoken His final and most complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, the incomparable God of David's prayer is fully revealed and made accessible in the person and work of Jesus, the unique and only Savior ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

Jeremiah 10:7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Isaiah 63:12

That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?