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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:21 captures King David's profound declaration of Israel's unparalleled status among nations, attributing their unique identity to God's sovereign and powerful acts of redemption. It highlights God's choice to liberate Israel from Egyptian bondage, establish them as His own treasured possession, and display His formidable power by dispossessing other nations, all with the ultimate purpose of making a great and awe-inspiring name for Himself through His people. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His singular relationship with Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of King David's prayer of thanksgiving, found in [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). This prayer immediately follows the Lord's covenant promise delivered through the prophet Nathan, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 17:4-14](/1_chronicles/17-4 "1 Chronicles 17:4-14 - God's Covenant with David"). God had just promised David an everlasting house, kingdom, and throne, a promise that significantly expands upon earlier covenant themes and ultimately points to the Messiah. Overwhelmed by God's unilateral grace and unwavering faithfulness, David responds with a prayer that moves from humble adoration to a recounting of God's past redemptive acts for Israel, culminating in this declaration of Israel's unique status among nations. The prayer in [1 Chronicles 17:16-27](/1_chronicles/17-16 "1 Chronicles 17:16-27 - David's Prayer") is a model of reverent submission and confident trust in God's promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early period of David's reign in Jerusalem, after he has consolidated his kingdom and brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city. This prayer reflects a moment of national stability and spiritual fervor. The reference to God "driving out nations" (referring to the Canaanite inhabitants of the Promised Land) and redeeming Israel "out of Egypt" places the verse firmly within the historical narrative of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, defining events in Israel's national identity. In the ancient Near East, nations often boasted of their gods' power in warfare and national deliverance. David's prayer, however, asserts that Israel's God is uniquely powerful, not merely one among many deities, but the one true God who actively intervenes in history for His chosen people, distinguishing them from all other peoples and their gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Israel's Unique Identity**, emphasizing that Israel is unlike any other nation on earth, set apart by God Himself through His mighty acts. It highlights **Divine Redemption**, specifically God's active role in liberating Israel from slavery in Egypt, a foundational act of salvation that defines their relationship with Him (see [Exodus 6:6-7](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6-7 - God's Promise to Redeem Israel")). The verse also points to **God's Power and Glory**, demonstrating that God's actions in redeeming Israel and dispossessing nations were intended to make a great and awe-inspiring name for Himself, a theme echoed in passages like [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed"). Finally, it reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, as David's reflection on past redemption serves as a basis for trusting God's future promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant detailed in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeem (Hebrew, _pādâ'_):** This verb signifies the act of buying back, ransoming, or liberating, particularly from bondage, danger, or a state of being lost. In this context, it refers to God's powerful and deliberate act of freeing Israel from their enslavement in Egypt. This redemption was not merely an escape but a divine acquisition, where God claimed Israel as His own people. The concept of "redemption" is foundational to Israel's understanding of their relationship with Yahweh, marking them as a people uniquely chosen and set apart by His saving power.
* **Terribleness (Hebrew, _môrā'_):** This noun conveys the idea of awe, dread, or fear inspired by God's mighty acts. It speaks to the formidable and awe-inspiring power God displayed through His actions, particularly in the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan. This "terribleness" was not merely destructive but served to establish God's reputation among the nations and to instill reverence (and sometimes fear) in those who witnessed His work on behalf of Israel. It denotes the majesty and sovereignty of God that commands respect and recognition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel":** This rhetorical question underscores Israel's absolute uniqueness among all peoples. It asserts that no other nation has experienced such a direct, powerful, and intimate relationship with its deity. This uniqueness is not based on Israel's inherent qualities but solely on God's sovereign choice and action.
* **"whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people":** This clause specifies the foundational act that established Israel's distinctiveness: God's personal intervention to liberate them from slavery. The phrase "went to redeem" emphasizes God's active, intentional, and determined pursuit of His people. The purpose of this redemption was to make them "His own people," a treasured possession (cf. [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")), establishing a unique covenant relationship.
* **"to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness":** This explains God's ultimate purpose behind His redemptive acts. His actions were not just for Israel's benefit but also to magnify His own name and reputation throughout the earth. The "greatness" refers to His supreme power and authority, while "terribleness" (as discussed above) refers to the awe and dread His mighty deeds inspired in the nations. This demonstrates God's self-glorifying purpose in salvation history.
* **"by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?":** This final clause provides further evidence of God's "greatness and terribleness." The "driving out nations" refers to the conquest of Canaan, where God supernaturally cleared the land for Israel. The repetition of "whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt" serves as a powerful rhetorical bookend, grounding all of God's subsequent acts of deliverance and establishment in the foundational act of the Exodus, which defines Israel's identity and God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question** ("And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel?"), immediately engages the listener and asserts Israel's unparalleled status, implying a resounding "none." This is followed by **Parallelism** and **Repetition**, particularly the repeated emphasis on "whom God went to redeem" and "whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt," which serves to reinforce the central theme of divine redemption as the basis of Israel's identity and God's glory. The phrase "make thee a name of greatness and terribleness" uses **Merism** (or a form of it) by combining two strong, complementary attributes to describe the comprehensive nature of God's renown. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Hymnic Declaration**, a poetic expression of praise and theological affirmation within David's prayer, celebrating God's unique relationship with His people and His awesome power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:21 articulates a profound theological truth: Israel's distinctiveness and identity are not self-derived but are entirely a result of God's sovereign choice and powerful redemptive acts. This verse underscores the concept of **election**, where God, out of His own initiative and love, chose a particular people to be His own. This divine election is always tied to a purpose—in this case, to display God's "greatness and terribleness" to the world. The Exodus, as the quintessential act of redemption, becomes the paradigm for understanding God's saving work throughout history, demonstrating His power to deliver His people from bondage and establish them for His glory. This foundational relationship between God and Israel, rooted in His covenant faithfulness, sets the stage for all subsequent divine interaction and prophecy, including the Davidic Covenant which promises an eternal kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Uniqueness in Redeeming a People")
* [Psalm 77:14-15](/psalm/77-14 "Psalm 77:14-15 - God's Mighty Redemption")
* [Isaiah 63:9](/isaiah/63-9 "Isaiah 63:9 - God's Compassion and Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer, encapsulated in 1 Chronicles 17:21, serves as a powerful reminder that our identity and significance are ultimately rooted in God's gracious choice and mighty acts, not in our own merit or achievements. 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 miraculous deliverance from Egypt, and in our personal journeys of salvation. Our standing as God's people is solely due to His gracious choice and mighty deeds. Moreover, 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, living in a way that testifies to His unique character and saving work. This should inspire both profound humility and unwavering confidence in the God who has redeemed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unique redemption of Israel shape your understanding of your own salvation experience?**
* **In what ways can your life, as one redeemed by God, make "a name of greatness and terribleness" for Him in the world today?**
* **What past acts of God's faithfulness in your life or in history can you reflect on to strengthen your trust in His future promises?**

### FAQ

**What does "redeem" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Chronicles 17:21, "redeem" (Hebrew: _pādâ'_) refers to God's powerful and decisive act of liberating Israel from their enslavement in Egypt. This was not merely a release but an act of divine acquisition, where God "bought back" or claimed Israel as His own treasured possession. It signifies a transfer of ownership and status, moving Israel from bondage under Pharaoh to freedom and a covenant relationship with Yahweh. This act of redemption is foundational to Israel's identity and their understanding of God's character as a deliverer, as seen throughout the book of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of Redemption").

**Why does David emphasize Israel's uniqueness among nations?**

Answer: David emphasizes Israel's uniqueness to highlight God's unparalleled power and faithfulness. Unlike other nations whose gods were often tied to specific regions or limited in power, Israel's God, Yahweh, is presented as the sovereign Lord of all the earth, who actively intervened in history to choose, deliver, and establish a people for Himself. This uniqueness is not based on Israel's inherent superiority but on God's singular, unmerited grace and His mighty acts, such as the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan. It serves to magnify God's name and underscore the extraordinary nature of His covenant relationship with Israel, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel, A Holy People").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 17:21 celebrates God's unique redemption of Israel from Egypt, its deepest fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "went to redeem" Israel to be His own people, so too in Christ, God has acted decisively to redeem a people for Himself from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrifice on the cross constitutes the new and greater Exodus, liberating believers from the dominion of darkness and transferring them into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption in Christ")). Through His resurrection, God made a "name of greatness and terribleness" for Himself, demonstrating His supreme power over sin and death, a power now available to all who believe. The church, comprised of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue, becomes the new "people for His own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood")), redeemed not by the blood of bulls and goats, but by the precious blood of Christ ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the unique identity and purpose of God's people, foreshadowed in Israel, find their ultimate and global expression in the new covenant community established through Christ, all to the glory of God's great 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

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.