1 Chronicles 17:26

KJV

And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, LORD {H3068}, thou art God {H430}, and hast promised {H1696} this goodness {H2896} unto thy servant {H5650}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, ADONAI, you are God; and you have made this wonderful promise to your servant;

Berean Standard Bible

And now, O LORD, You are God! And You have promised this goodness to Your servant.

American Standard Version

And now, O Jehovah, thou art God, and hast promised this good thing unto thy servant:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:26 captures the profound essence of King David's prayerful response to God's astonishing covenant promise. In this pivotal verse, David acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness, affirming His divine nature as the source of an undeserved, yet magnificent, dynastic promise that would secure his lineage and throne eternally, far surpassing any human expectation or request.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of David's lengthy and 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"). The prayer immediately follows the prophet Nathan's delivery of God's message to David. Initially, David had expressed a desire to build a permanent temple, a "house" for the Ark of the Covenant, to honor God. However, God, through Nathan, decisively reorients David's perspective. Instead of David building a house for God, God promises to build a "house" for David—not a physical structure, but an enduring dynasty, an eternal kingdom, and a perpetual throne for his descendants. This divine promise, known as the Davidic Covenant, is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, paralleled in [2 Samuel 7](/2-samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). David's prayer, beginning with humble awe in [1 Chronicles 17:16](/1-chronicles/17-16 "1 Chronicles 17:16 - David's Humble Response"), is his deeply grateful and worshipful acknowledgment of this extraordinary, unsolicited divine favor, culminating in the affirmation of God's character in verse 26.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a period of significant consolidation and expansion for Israel, establishing Jerusalem as both its political and religious capital. In the ancient Near East, the stability of a dynasty was paramount, often secured through military might or strategic alliances. Kings typically sought to establish their legacy through grand building projects, including temples for their deities, believing such acts would secure divine favor and perpetuate their rule. David's desire to build a temple for Yahweh was thus culturally understandable. However, God's response in [1 Chronicles 17](/1-chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David") subverts this expectation. Rather than accepting a house built by human hands, God unilaterally promises to build David a "house" (dynasty), establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends human effort or merit. This highlights God's sovereignty and His initiative in covenant-making, setting the Davidic Covenant apart from typical ancient Near Eastern treaties, as it is based entirely on God's faithfulness, not human performance.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 17:26](/1-chronicles/17-26 "1 Chronicles 17:26 - David's Affirmation of God's Promise") powerfully encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Covenant-Keeping Character**. David's declaration, "LORD, thou art God," is an affirmation of God's supreme authority, reliability, and His commitment to His promises. This divine attribute is central to understanding God's relationship with His people, from the Abrahamic Covenant in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant") to the New Covenant in [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Magnitude and Unsolicited Nature of God's Grace**. The "goodness" promised to David—an eternal dynasty, a perpetual throne, and a son who would build God's house—far exceeds anything David could have imagined or requested. This exemplifies God's overflowing generosity and His initiative in bestowing blessings, as seen in the unmerited favor extended to Abraham in [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). Finally, David's response embodies **Humble Gratitude and Worship**. Despite his status as a powerful king, David responds to God's overwhelming grace with profound humility, recognizing that this promise is entirely undeserved and flows solely from God's character and loving initiative, a posture echoed in the New Testament call to humble service in [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility in Service").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). Its use here emphasizes God's intimate relationship with Israel and His active, faithful presence within their history. When David declares "LORD, thou art God," he is acknowledging the unique, self-existent, and covenant-keeping nature of the God of Israel, who is distinct from all other deities. It speaks to His personal commitment to His people and His promises.
* **God (Hebrew, _Elohim_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for deity, often used in a plural form but with a singular meaning, denoting supreme power, majesty, and universal sovereignty. When paired with "LORD" (Yahweh), as it is here, it reinforces a comprehensive understanding of God: He is both the transcendent, all-powerful Creator of the universe (_Elohim_) and the immanent, personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel (_Yahweh_). David's declaration thus encompasses both God's universal authority and His particular faithfulness to His chosen people.
* **goodness (Hebrew, _tovah_):** This term signifies more than just moral excellence; it encompasses prosperity, favor, blessing, and well-being. In the context of God's promise to David, _tovah_ refers to the rich and beneficial nature of God's pledge—the establishment of an enduring dynasty and an eternal kingdom. It implies a comprehensive blessing that extends beyond material wealth to encompass security, legacy, and divine favor, highlighting the benevolent and beneficial character of God's covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, LORD,"**: This phrase marks a transition in David's prayer, shifting from his humble self-reflection and acknowledgment of God's past deeds to a direct address and affirmation of God's present character and future promises. The "now" emphasizes the immediate, profound impact of God's revelation on David, prompting an immediate, worshipful response. It signals a moment of deep theological insight and personal commitment.
* **"thou art God,"**: This is a powerful theological declaration. David is not merely acknowledging God's existence but affirming His unique and ultimate deity. It is a statement of absolute truth and unwavering conviction, recognizing God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and singular nature. This affirmation serves as the foundation for David's trust in God's promises; because God is truly God, His word is inviolable and His promises are certain.
* **"and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:"**: This clause directly references the Davidic Covenant, specifically the "goodness" (blessing, favor, prosperity) that God has unilaterally pledged to David. The phrase "unto thy servant" highlights David's humble posture, acknowledging that he is merely a recipient of undeserved divine favor, not someone who has earned or merited such a magnificent promise. It underscores the grace-based nature of the covenant, flowing from God's character rather than David's merit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, "And now, LORD," creates an intimate and personal tone, emphasizing David's direct communion with God. The declarative statement, "**thou art God**," functions as a profound **Affirmation** or **Confession of Faith**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and unique deity. This is further enhanced by the **Juxtaposition** of God's personal covenant name (_Yahweh_) with the more general term for deity (_Elohim_), signifying that the transcendent, universal God is also the immanent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The entire verse functions as a moment of **Thanksgiving Prayer**, a literary form characterized by praise for God's character and gratitude for His actions. The phrase "promised this goodness" uses **Covenant Language**, indicating the solemn and binding nature of God's pledge, which is not merely a suggestion but a divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:26 stands as a profound testament to God's inherent faithfulness and the unmerited nature of His divine promises. David's declaration affirms that God's character is the ultimate guarantee of His word. The "goodness" promised transcends human understanding, revealing a God who initiates blessings far beyond what His servants could ask or imagine. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating redemptive history, demonstrating that His purposes are eternal and will be accomplished regardless of human limitations or failures. It sets the stage for a deeper understanding of God's long-term plan for His people, culminating in the establishment of an everlasting kingdom.

* [Psalm 89:34](/psalm/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Unchanging Covenant")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful model for our own faith and response to God's promises. Like David, we are called to recognize God for who He truly is—the sovereign, faithful, and benevolent Lord who keeps His word. When we contemplate the magnitude of God's grace in our lives, particularly through the covenant established in Christ, our natural response should be one of profound humility, awe, and heartfelt gratitude. This verse reminds us that God's plans are often grander and more far-reaching than our immediate circumstances suggest, unfolding across generations and pointing to an eternal reality. It encourages us to trust implicitly in His character, knowing that His "goodness" is not merely a fleeting favor but an enduring, covenantal blessing that shapes our past, present, and future. Our lives, like David's, are woven into a larger divine narrative, inviting us to participate with humble trust and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's declaration, "LORD, thou art God," challenge or deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting on God's "goodness" or the fulfillment of His promises? How does David's trust encourage you?**
* **How can cultivating a spirit of humble gratitude, like David's, transform your daily walk with God?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God's promises are rooted in His unchanging nature, rather than your performance?**

### FAQ
**What is the "goodness" promised to David in this verse?**

Answer: The "goodness" (Hebrew: _tovah_) promised to David in [1 Chronicles 17:26](/1-chronicles/17-26 "1 Chronicles 17:26 - David's Affirmation of God's Promise") refers to the comprehensive blessings outlined in the Davidic Covenant, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1-chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant Promises"). Specifically, it includes God's promise to establish David's "house" (dynasty) forever, to raise up a son who would build God's temple, and to establish his throne and kingdom eternally. This was an unsolicited, unilateral covenant from God, guaranteeing the perpetual reign of David's descendants, far surpassing David's initial desire to build a physical temple for God. It signifies divine favor, prosperity, and an enduring legacy that would ultimately find its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah.

**Why is David's response so humble, despite being a powerful king?**

Answer: David's profound humility, evident throughout his prayer (e.g., [1 Chronicles 17:16-18](/1-chronicles/17-16 "1 Chronicles 17:16-18 - David's Humble Prayer")), stems from his recognition of the sheer magnitude and unmerited nature of God's promise. He understands that the covenant is entirely a work of divine grace, not something he earned or deserved. As a king, David was accustomed to receiving homage, but before God, he recognized his position as a "servant" (as stated in [1 Chronicles 17:26](/1-chronicles/17-26 "1 Chronicles 17:26 - David's Affirmation of God's Promise")). This humility underscores a key biblical theme: true greatness in God's eyes is found in recognizing one's dependence on Him and responding with gratitude for His sovereign grace, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings on humility in [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility Exalted").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:26, with David's affirmation of God's character and His "goodness" promised to His servant, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "goodness" promised to David—an eternal house, an everlasting kingdom, and a perpetual throne—is fully realized in the person and work of the Messiah. Jesus, as the Son of David (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), inherits this covenantal promise. He is the one who truly builds God's "house," not a physical temple, but a spiritual one composed of believers (e.g., [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). His kingdom is indeed eternal, and His reign is forever established (e.g., [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). David's recognition that "LORD, thou art God" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is God incarnate (e.g., [John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1,14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "goodness" promised to David's "servant" extends through Christ to all who believe, as we become co-heirs with Him in His eternal kingdom (e.g., [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, David's prayer is not just a historical moment but a prophetic echo of the greater, more enduring covenant fulfilled in the Lamb of God, who reigns forevermore (e.g., [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;