1 Chronicles 17:21

And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

And what one {H259} nation {H1471} in the earth {H776} is like thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, whom God {H430} went {H1980} to redeem {H6299} to be his own people {H5971}, to make {H7760} thee a name {H8034} of greatness {H1420} and terribleness {H3372}, by driving out {H1644} nations {H1471} from before {H6440} thy people {H5971}, whom thou hast redeemed {H6299} out of Egypt {H4714}?

Who can be compared with your people Isra'el? What other nation on earth did God set out to redeem and turn into a people for himself? You made yourself a reputation by doing great and terrifying things, as you drove out the nations from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt.

And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself? You made a name for Yourself through great and awesome wonders by driving out nations from before Your people, whom You redeemed from Egypt.

And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem unto himself for a people, to make thee a name by great and terrible things, in driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou redeemedst out of Egypt?

1 Chronicles 17:21 (KJV)

And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

Context

This verse is part of King David's heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving following the Lord's covenant promise delivered through the prophet Nathan in 1 Chronicles 17. God had just promised David an everlasting house, kingdom, and throne, a promise that ultimately points to the Messiah. Overwhelmed by God's grace and faithfulness, David reflects on God's past dealings with Israel, culminating in this declaration of Israel's unique status among nations due to God's mighty acts.

Key Themes

  • Israel's Unique Identity: The verse emphasizes that Israel is unlike any other nation on earth, set apart by God Himself.
  • Divine Redemption: It highlights God's active role in redeeming Israel from slavery, specifically bringing them out of Egypt.
  • God's Power and Glory: God's actions in redeeming Israel and driving out nations were intended to make a great and awe-inspiring name for Himself.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: David's reflection underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His people throughout their history.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "redeem" (Hebrew: padah) signifies the act of buying back or liberating, particularly from bondage or danger. Here, it refers to God's powerful liberation of Israel from Egyptian slavery. The term "terribleness" (Hebrew: mora') speaks to the awe-inspiring or dreadful power God displayed through His actions, causing nations to fear Him and His people.

Reflection and Application

David's prayer reminds us of God's sovereign choice and powerful intervention in history on behalf of His people. Just as God uniquely chose and acted for Israel, He demonstrates His power and grace in the lives of believers today. This verse calls us to remember God's past acts of redemption and faithfulness – both in biblical history like the crossing of the Red Sea and in our personal journeys. God's ultimate goal in redemption is to make His name known and glorified. We are called to be a people who reflect His greatness and power to the world, recognizing that our standing is not due to our own merit but solely to His gracious choice and mighty deeds, just as Israel's was.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 20:9

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

  • Ezekiel 20:10

    ¶ Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.

  • Deuteronomy 15:15

    And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

  • Isaiah 48:9

    ¶ For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

  • Psalms 147:20

    He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Psalms 66:3

    Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

  • Psalms 66:7

    He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
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