1 Chronicles 17:23

Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.

Therefore now, LORD {H3068}, let the thing {H1697} that thou hast spoken {H1696} concerning thy servant {H5650} and concerning his house {H1004} be established {H539} for {H5704} ever {H5769}, and do {H6213} as thou hast said {H1696}.

So now, ADONAI, let the word that you spoke concerning your servant and his house be confirmed forever; do what you have promised.

And now, O LORD, let the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house be established forever. Do as You have promised,

And now, O Jehovah, let the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, be established for ever, and do as thou hast spoken.

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:23 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 17:23 captures King David's humble and fervent prayer of thanksgiving in response to God's magnificent covenant promise. This verse is a pivotal moment where David acknowledges God's faithfulness and petitions Him to establish His word forever.

Context

This verse is part of David's extended prayer found in 1 Chronicles 17:16-27. The chapter begins with David expressing his desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant. However, the prophet Nathan is sent by God to inform David that God has a different plan: instead of David building a house for God, God will build a "house" (dynasty) for David. This divine promise, often referred to as the Davidic Covenant, guarantees an eternal kingdom and a perpetual succession of David's descendants on the throne, culminating in the Messiah. Verse 23 is David's direct plea for God to fulfill this extraordinary promise, echoing his deep understanding and trust in God's character.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The core of David's prayer is an appeal to God's integrity. Having made a promise, God is faithful to bring it to pass. David's request is not born of doubt but of a desire to see God's glorious word established.
  • The Enduring Davidic Covenant: This verse underscores the eternal nature of the promise given to David. The phrase "established for ever" highlights the perpetuity of God's plan for David's lineage and kingdom, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
  • David's Humble Trust: Despite being a powerful king, David approaches God with profound humility, recognizing God's sovereignty and acknowledging that the promise originated solely from divine grace. His prayer is a model of praying God's promises back to Him.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: The promise of an eternal "house" or kingdom for David's descendant points directly to the Messiah. The New Testament affirms that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this covenant, the Son of David whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32-33).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "be established for ever" comes from the Hebrew words `qum` (קוּם), meaning "to rise, stand, confirm," and `ad olam` (עַד עוֹלָם), meaning "forever, to eternity." This combination emphasizes not just temporary stability but a permanent, enduring reality. David is asking for God's word to be made firm and to last through all generations, reflecting the eternal nature of God Himself. "Do as thou hast said" is a simple yet powerful declaration of faith, echoing God's own character as one who speaks and brings it to pass.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 17:23 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Pray God's Promises: Like David, we are encouraged to pray God's promises back to Him. When we know what God has declared in His Word, we can confidently ask Him to "do as He has said," trusting in His faithfulness.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: This verse is a powerful reminder that God is true to His word. His plans and promises are not subject to human failure or earthly circumstances; they are "established for ever."
  • Hope in Christ's Eternal Reign: Ultimately, David's prayer points us to Christ. The stability and eternal nature of David's house find their complete reality in Jesus, our eternal King. We can rest in the assurance that His kingdom is everlasting.
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.

  • Jeremiah 11:5

    That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

  • Psalms 119:49

    ¶ ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

  • Luke 1:38

    And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

  • 2 Samuel 7:25

    And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.

  • 2 Samuel 7:29

    Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

  • Genesis 32:12

    And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.
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