1 Chronicles 17:24

KJV

Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God of Israel, [even] a God to Israel: and [let] the house of David thy servant [be] established before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let it even be established {H539}, that thy name {H8034} may be magnified {H1431} for {H5704} ever {H5769}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, even a God {H430} to Israel {H3478}: and let the house {H1004} of David {H1732} thy servant {H5650} be established {H3559} before {H6440} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

May your name be confirmed and magnified forever; so that it will be said, 'ADONAI-Tzva'ot is the God of Isra'el and the God for Isra'el, and the dynasty of David your servant will be set up in your presence.'

Berean Standard Bible

so that Your name will be established and magnified forever when it is said, ‘The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, is God over Israel.’ And may the house of Your servant David be established before You.

American Standard Version

And let thy name be established and magnified for ever, saying, Jehovah of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and the house of David thy servant is established before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:24 captures the heart of King David's prayer of thanksgiving, a profound response to God's unsolicited and unconditional covenantal promise to establish his "house" (dynasty) forever. In this pivotal verse, David petitions for the eternal establishment of God's name, recognizing that the enduring nature of his own kingdom is entirely dependent on the perpetual magnification and acknowledgment of the LORD of hosts as the true God of Israel. It is a prayer that prioritizes God's glory and sovereign faithfulness, anticipating the lasting legacy of His divine plan through David's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic point in David's prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [1 Chronicles 17:16-27](/1-chronicles/17-16 "1 Chronicles 17:16-27 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). It immediately follows the prophet Nathan's delivery of God's extraordinary covenant to David in [1 Chronicles 17:3-15](/1-chronicles/17-3 "1 Chronicles 17:3-15 - Nathan's Prophecy to David"). David had initially purposed to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, but God, through Nathan, revealed a greater plan: He would build David a "house"—an enduring dynasty and kingdom. This divine reversal, where God acts first and gives far more than David could ask or imagine, prompts David's humble and awe-filled prayer. Verse 24, specifically, encapsulates David's desire that God's eternal faithfulness to His promises would lead to the perpetual magnification of His name and the secure establishment of David's royal line before Him. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 7](/2-samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David") provides additional insight into this foundational covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the establishment of a dynasty was paramount for a king, symbolizing stability, power, and divine favor. Kings often sought to build grand temples to solidify their rule and honor their deities. However, God's covenant with David in [1 Chronicles 17](/1-chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David") stands in stark contrast to typical human efforts. Instead of David building God a house, God promises to build David a house—a concept unique in its divine initiative and unconditional nature. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was a powerful declaration in a world where many gods were worshipped; it affirmed Yahweh's supreme authority over all heavenly and earthly powers, including armies, ensuring His capacity to fulfill His promises. David's prayer reflects a deep understanding of his position as a servant king under a sovereign God, whose promises were not contingent on human merit but on divine faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes converge in [1 Chronicles 17:24](/1-chronicles/17-24 "1 Chronicles 17:24 - David's Prayer for God's Name to be Magnified").
* **The Magnification of God's Name:** David's primary desire is not for his own glory but for God's name to be "magnified for ever." This reflects a deep theological understanding that God's actions, particularly His covenant faithfulness, are ultimately for the display of His own glory and character to all generations. It is a prayer that God's identity as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God would be universally acknowledged.
* **Divine Establishment and Permanence:** The repeated emphasis on "established" (Hebrew: `kun`) highlights the enduring and firm nature of God's promises. This theme is central to the Davidic Covenant, which guarantees the stability and perpetuity of David's dynasty. David recognizes that the security of his "house" is a direct consequence of God's own eternal nature and His commitment to His word, as promised in [1 Chronicles 17:12-14](/1-chronicles/17-12 "1 Chronicles 17:12-14 - God's Promise of an Enduring Kingdom").
* **God's Unique Relationship with Israel:** The declaration "The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel" powerfully affirms the exclusive covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people. It underscores His particular care, protection, and sovereign rule over them, setting Him apart from the gods of other nations. This affirmation reinforces the reliability of His promises to David, who serves as Israel's king.
* **Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** David's prayer is saturated with trust in God's unwavering faithfulness. He understands that God's plan for his dynasty is part of a larger divine purpose to reveal Himself as the true and living God. This verse is a testament to God's absolute control over history and His commitment to His redemptive purposes, which are ultimately fulfilled in the coming Messiah, the Son of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Established (Hebrew, _kun'_):** This verb, appearing twice in the verse, signifies firmness, permanence, and enduring stability. It implies setting something up securely so that it cannot be easily moved or overthrown. In the context of God's covenant, it denotes divine ordination and the certainty of His promises. When applied to God's name, it means His reputation and character are eternally fixed and acknowledged; when applied to David's house, it means a dynasty that will not fail.
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** To "magnify" God's name means to make it great, to exalt it, to cause it to be seen as glorious and worthy of honor. It is not about increasing God's inherent greatness, but about His greatness being revealed and acknowledged by creation. David's prayer is that God's actions, particularly His faithfulness to the covenant, would cause His name to be universally recognized and praised for its supreme power and glory.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth'_):** This majestic and frequently used title for God emphasizes His supreme power and authority. "Hosts" (`sabaoth`) refers to armies or heavenly bodies, portraying God as the commander of celestial armies and the sovereign ruler over all creation. It highlights His omnipotence and His ability to accomplish all His purposes, assuring David that the One making these promises is fully capable of fulfilling them, regardless of any opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever":** David begins by praying for the enduring confirmation of God's own reputation and character. The purpose clause "that thy name may be magnified for ever" reveals the ultimate goal of God's covenant with David: His own glory. David understands that the stability of his kingdom is not an end in itself, but a means by which God's greatness and faithfulness are perpetually displayed and exalted throughout history.
* **"saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God of Israel, [even] a God to Israel":** This phrase expresses the desired outcome of God's name being magnified. It is a declarative statement of faith and acknowledgment. People will declare that Yahweh, the supreme commander of all creation ("LORD of hosts"), is uniquely and exclusively the God of Israel, bound to them by covenant. The repetition "even a God to Israel" emphasizes the intimacy, particularity, and faithfulness of this relationship, affirming His protective and redemptive presence among His people.
* **"and [let] the house of David thy servant [be] established before thee":** Following the petition for God's name to be magnified, David then prays for the establishment of his own dynasty, recognizing it as a direct consequence and testament to God's faithfulness. The phrase "before thee" implies that this establishment is under God's watchful eye, by His divine decree, and for His purposes. It reiterates the promise of an enduring lineage and kingdom, not based on David's merit, but on God's sovereign grace and unconditional covenant.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 17:24 employs several significant literary devices. The verse functions as a **Theological Declaration** and a **Prayer**, articulating a profound truth about God's identity and David's humble response. **Repetition** is evident in the recurrence of the verb "established" (`kun`), underscoring the theme of permanence and divine ordination central to the Davidic Covenant. The phrase "for ever" serves as **Hyperbole** or **Eternal Language**, emphasizing the enduring and perpetual nature of God's name and David's house, pointing towards an ultimate, everlasting fulfillment. The use of the divine title "The LORD of hosts" is a powerful **Epithet**, highlighting God's omnipotence and sovereignty over all creation, reinforcing the reliability of His promises. The structure of the verse, moving from the establishment of God's name to the declaration of His identity, and then to the establishment of David's house, demonstrates a logical **Progression** that prioritizes God's glory as the foundation for all other blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:24 stands as a theological cornerstone, linking God's covenant faithfulness to His ultimate glory. It teaches that God's promises, especially those concerning an enduring kingdom, are not merely for human benefit but serve to magnify His name and reveal His unique identity as the sovereign "LORD of hosts." David's prayer demonstrates that true worship involves acknowledging God's absolute power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The establishment of David's house is thus a visible sign of God's invisible attributes, a testament to His faithfulness that resounds through history, inviting all to declare His greatness. This verse foreshadows a kingdom that transcends earthly limitations, rooted in divine decree rather than human strength.

* [Psalm 72:19](/psalms/72-19 "Psalm 72:19 - Blessed be His glorious name forever!")
* [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The increase of His government and peace will have no end")
* [Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - To the praise of His glorious grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:24 offers profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to reorient our perspectives and priorities. David's humble response to God's extravagant grace teaches us to prioritize God's glory above all else. Our prayers, like David's, should be less about our own desires and more about the magnification of God's name in the world. When we experience God's faithfulness in our lives, our ultimate response should be to declare His greatness, acknowledging Him as the "LORD of hosts" who is truly our God. This verse reminds us that God's promises are firm and eternally established, not because of our merit, but because of His unchanging character and sovereign power. We are called to live lives that bear witness to His faithfulness, so that others, seeing His work in and through us, might also declare His name magnified forever. Our ultimate purpose, like David's, is to live for the praise of His glorious grace, trusting that as His name is exalted, so too will His eternal kingdom be established in and through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's prayer for God's name to be magnified challenge my own prayer life and its focus?**
* **In what practical ways can I live my life so that God's name is "magnified for ever" through my actions and words?**
* **How does understanding God as "The LORD of hosts" impact my trust in His ability to fulfill His promises in my life?**
* **What does it mean for my "house" (my family, my work, my ministry) to be "established before" God, and how can I pursue that?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "The LORD of hosts"?**

Answer: "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is a powerful and majestic title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and omnipotence. "Hosts" refers to armies, whether celestial or earthly, implying that God is the commander of all forces and powers in the universe. This title assures David, and us, that the God who makes promises is fully capable of fulfilling them, overcoming any obstacle. It highlights His absolute sovereignty over all creation and history, making Him utterly trustworthy.

**How does David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:24 relate to God's promise to him?**

Answer: David's prayer in [1 Chronicles 17:24](/1-chronicles/17-24 "1 Chronicles 17:24 - David's Prayer for God's Name to be Magnified") is a direct, humble, and grateful response to God's unconditional covenantal promise in [1 Chronicles 17:10-14](/1-chronicles/17-10 "1 Chronicles 17:10-14 - God's Promise to David"). God promised to build David a "house" (an enduring dynasty) and establish his kingdom forever. David, overwhelmed by this unsolicited grace, responds by praying that God's name would be magnified forever *because* of this faithfulness, and that his own house would be established as a testament to God's glory. It shows David's understanding that God's blessings are ultimately for God's own praise.

**What does "let the house of David thy servant be established before thee" imply for the future?**

Answer: This phrase implies a divinely ordained and enduring dynasty for David, secured by God's own faithfulness. It points to a continuous line of kings from David's lineage, a promise that would find its ultimate and eternal fulfillment not in any earthly king, but in the Messiah. The phrase "before thee" signifies that this establishment is under God's direct oversight, by His decree, and for His purposes, ensuring its permanence and divine legitimacy. It sets the stage for the coming of the Son of David, whose kingdom will indeed be established forever.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:24 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of an eternally "established" house for David, made by the "LORD of hosts," culminates in the person and work of the Messiah. Jesus, as the rightful [Son of David](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - Jesus, Son of David"), inherits this covenant, and His kingdom is indeed the one that "shall be established for ever." The angel Gabriel's words to Mary in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom") explicitly connect Jesus to this enduring Davidic throne. Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ has established a spiritual and eternal kingdom that will never end, as declared in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"). It is through Jesus that God's name is most perfectly "magnified for ever," for He is the one who fully revealed the Father's glory ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")) and received a name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exalted Name")). The establishment of David's house "before thee" is thus realized in Christ's eternal reign at the right hand of God, where He truly is the "God of Israel, even a God to Israel" for all who believe, bringing about the ultimate magnification of God's name through His redemptive work.

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.