1 Chronicles 17:26

Translation
King James Version
And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And now, LORD H3068, thou art God H430, and hast promised H1696 this goodness H2896 unto thy servant H5650:
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Now, ADONAI, you are God; and you have made this wonderful promise to your servant;
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
And now, O LORD, You are God! And You have promised this goodness to Your servant.
Ask
American Standard Version
And now, O Jehovah, thou art God, and hast promised this good thing unto thy servant:
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Now, LORD, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore nowe Lord (for thou art God, and hast spoken this goodnesse vnto thy seruant)
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
`And now, Jehovah, Thou art God Himself, and Thou speakest concerning Thy servant this goodness;
Ask
See also
Hebrews 6:18Exodus 34:6Exodus 34:7Titus 1:2
In the KJVVerse 10,890 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 17:26 encapsulates King David's profound and worshipful response to God's astonishing dynastic covenant. In this pivotal declaration, David acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness, affirming His divine nature as the singular source of an undeserved, yet magnificent, promise that would eternally secure his lineage and throne, far surpassing any human expectation or request. This verse serves as a cornerstone of David's prayer of thanksgiving, highlighting the grace and power of the God who initiates and fulfills His word.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is a crucial part of David's extended prayer of thanksgiving, found in 1 Chronicles 17:16-27. This prayer immediately follows the prophet Nathan's delivery of God's extraordinary message to David. Initially, David harbored a sincere desire to construct a permanent temple, a "house" for the Ark of the Covenant, as an act of devotion to 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 dwelling, but an enduring dynasty, an eternal kingdom, and a perpetual throne for his descendants. This divine promise, known as the Davidic Covenant, is a theological cornerstone of the Old Testament, with a parallel account in 2 Samuel 7. David's prayer, beginning with humble awe in 1 Chronicles 17:16, is his deeply grateful and worshipful acknowledgment of this extraordinary, unsolicited divine favor, reaching a theological crescendo in the affirmation of God's character in verse 26.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: David's reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a period of unprecedented national consolidation and territorial expansion for Israel, establishing Jerusalem as both its political and religious capital. In the ancient Near East, the stability and perpetuation of a dynasty were paramount, often secured through military prowess, strategic alliances, or grand building projects. Kings frequently sought to establish their legacy by constructing magnificent temples for their deities, believing such acts would garner divine favor and ensure the longevity of their rule. David's aspiration to build a temple for Yahweh was therefore culturally understandable and religiously commendable. However, God's response in 1 Chronicles 17 subverts this human 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 sovereign initiative in covenant-making, setting the Davidic Covenant apart from typical ancient Near Eastern treaties, as it is based entirely on God's faithfulness and grace, not human performance or reciprocal obligation.
  • Key Themes: 1 Chronicles 17:26 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 emphatic affirmation of God's supreme authority, absolute reliability, and His steadfast commitment to His promises. This divine attribute is central to understanding God's relationship with His people, from the foundational Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12 to the promise of a New Covenant in Jeremiah 31. 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 conceived or requested. This exemplifies God's overflowing generosity and His divine initiative in bestowing blessings, mirroring the unmerited favor extended to Abraham in Genesis 15. Finally, David's response embodies Humble Gratitude and Worship. Despite his exalted status as 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal, covenantal name, revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. 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. This name signifies His personal commitment to His people and His promises.
  • God (Hebrew, ʼĕlôhîym', H430): This is the generic Hebrew term for deity, frequently used in a plural form but with a singular meaning, denoting supreme power, majesty, and universal sovereignty. When paired with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), as it is here, it reinforces a comprehensive understanding of God: He is both the transcendent, all-powerful Creator of the universe (ʼĕlôhîym') and the immanent, personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel (Yᵉhôvâh'). David's declaration thus encompasses both God's universal authority and His particular faithfulness to His chosen people.
  • goodness (Hebrew, ṭôwb', H2896): This term signifies more than just moral excellence; it encompasses prosperity, favor, blessing, and comprehensive well-being. In the context of God's promise to David, ṭôwb' refers to the rich, beneficial, and benevolent 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 significant transition in David's prayer, shifting from his humble self-reflection and acknowledgment of God's past deeds to a direct address and profound affirmation of God's present character and future promises. The "now" emphasizes the immediate, overwhelming impact of God's revelation on David, prompting an instantaneous, worshipful response. It signals a moment of deep theological insight and personal commitment, indicating a direct, intimate communion with the divine.
  • "thou art God,": This is a powerful and unequivocal theological declaration. David is not merely acknowledging God's existence but affirming His unique, singular, and ultimate deity. It is a statement of absolute truth and unwavering conviction, recognizing God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and singular nature as the one true God. This affirmation serves as the unshakeable foundation for David's trust in God's promises; precisely because God is truly God, His word is inviolable and His promises are absolutely certain.
  • "and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:": This clause directly references the Davidic Covenant, specifically the "goodness" (blessing, favor, prosperity, and enduring legacy) 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 through his own deeds or status. It powerfully underscores the grace-based nature of the covenant, flowing solely from God's character and benevolent initiative rather than from David's merit or performance.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological and emotional impact. The direct address, Apostrophe, "And now, LORD," creates an intimate and personal tone, emphasizing David's direct and heartfelt 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 assertion is further enhanced by the Juxtaposition of God's personal covenant name (Yᵉhôvâh') with the more general, yet majestic, term for deity (ʼĕlôhîym'), signifying that the transcendent, universal God is also the immanent, personal, 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 profound gratitude for His actions. The phrase "promised this goodness" uses potent Covenant Language, indicating the solemn, binding, and irrevocable 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, making His promises utterly reliable. 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 that finds its ultimate expression in the Messiah.

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 meticulously keeps His word. When we contemplate the magnitude of God's grace in our lives, particularly through the new covenant established in Christ, our natural and appropriate response should be one of profound humility, reverent awe, and heartfelt gratitude. This verse reminds us that God's plans are often grander, more intricate, 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 unchanging 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, resting in the certainty of His promised goodness.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does David's declaration, "LORD, thou art God," challenge or deepen your understanding of God's character and His sovereignty?
  • 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 to persevere?
  • How can cultivating a spirit of profound humility and gratitude, like David's, transform your daily walk with God and your response to His blessings?
  • What does it mean for you personally that God's promises are rooted in His unchanging nature and faithfulness, rather than in your performance or merit?

FAQ

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

Answer: The "goodness" (Hebrew: ṭôwb') promised to David in 1 Chronicles 17:26 refers to the comprehensive and abundant blessings outlined in the Davidic Covenant, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. Specifically, it includes God's promise to establish David's "house" (dynasty) forever, to raise up a son who would build God's temple (referring to Solomon, but also prophetically to Christ), 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, security, 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), 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, deserved, or could ever achieve through his own power or righteousness. As a king, David was accustomed to receiving homage and wielding immense power, but before God, he recognized his true position as a mere "servant" (as stated in 1 Chronicles 17:26). This humility underscores a key biblical theme: true greatness in God's eyes is found not in self-exaltation, but in recognizing one's absolute dependence on Him and responding with gratitude for His sovereign grace, a posture powerfully exemplified by Jesus' teachings on humility in Matthew 23:12.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

1 Chronicles 17:26, with David's heartfelt affirmation of God's character and His "goodness" promised to His servant, finds its ultimate, most glorious, and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "goodness" promised to David—an eternal house, an everlasting kingdom, and a perpetual throne—is fully realized in the person and reign of the Messiah. Jesus, as the preeminent Son of David (e.g., Matthew 1:1), inherits and embodies this covenantal promise in its fullest sense. He is the one who truly builds God's "house," not a physical temple made of stone, but a spiritual dwelling composed of believers, His Church (e.g., Ephesians 2:19-22). His kingdom is indeed eternal, and His reign is forever established, extending over all creation (e.g., Luke 1:32-33). David's profound recognition that "LORD, thou art God" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is God incarnate, the Word made flesh dwelling among us (e.g., John 1:1, 14). The "goodness" promised to David's "servant" extends through Christ to all who believe, as we are graciously made co-heirs with Him in His eternal kingdom and recipients of His boundless grace (e.g., Romans 8:17). Thus, David's prayer is not just a historical moment but a powerful prophetic echo of the greater, more enduring covenant fulfilled in the Lamb of God, who reigns forevermore, and whose kingdom shall have no end (e.g., Revelation 11:15).

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17 verses 16–27

We have here David's solemn address to God, in answer to the gracious message he had now received from him. By faith he receives the promises, embraces them, and is persuaded of them, as the patriarchs, Heb, Ch1 11:13. How humbly does he here abase himself, and acknowledge his own unworthiness! How highly does he advance the name of God and admire his condescending grace and favour! With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel and what a value has he for the Israel of God! With what assurance does he build upon the promise, and with what a lively faith does he put it in suit! What an example is this to us of humble, believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him! These things were largely observed, 2 Sa. 7. We shall therefore here observe only those few expressions in which the prayer, as we find it here, differs from the record of it there, and has something added to it.

I. That which is there expressed by way of question (Is this the manner of men, O Lord God?) is here an acknowledgment: "Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree. Thou hast made me a great man, and then treated me accordingly." God, by the covenant-relations into which he admits believers, the titles he gives them, the favours he bestows on them, and the preparations he has made for them, regards them according to the estate of men of high degree, though they are mean and vile. Having himself distinguished them, he treats them as persons of distinction, according to the quality he has been pleased to put upon them. Some give these words here another reading: "Thou hast looked upon me in the form of a man who art in the highest, the Lord God; or, Thou hast made me to see according to the form of a man the majesty of the Lord God." And so it points at the Messiah; for, as Abraham, so David, saw his day and was glad, saw it by faith, saw it in fashion as a man, the Word made flesh, and yet saw his glory as that of the only-begotten of the Father. And this was that which God spoke concerning his house for a great while to come, the foresight of which affected him more than any thing. And let it not be thought strange that David should speak so plainly of the two natures of Christ who in spirit called him Lord, though he knew he was to be his Son (Psa 110:1), and foresaw him lower than the angels for a little while, but afterwards crowned with glory and honour, Heb 2:6, Heb 2:7.

II. After the words What can David say more unto thee, it is here added, for the honour of they servant? Ch1 17:18. Note, The honour God puts upon his servants, by taking them into covenant and communion with himself, is so great that they need not, they cannot, desire to be more highly honoured. Were they to sit down and wish, they could not speak more for their own honour than the word of God has spoken.

III. It is very observable that what in Samuel is said to be for thy word's sake is here said to be for thy servant's sake, Ch1 17:19. Jesus Christ is both the Word of God (Rev 19:13) and the servant of God (Isa 42:1), and it is for his sake, upon the score of his meditation, that the promises are both made and made good to all believers; it is in him that they are yea and amen. For his sake is all kindness done, for his sake it is made known; to him we owe all this greatness and from him we are to expect all these great things; they are the unsearchable riches of Christ, which, if by faith we see in themselves and see in the hand of the Lord Jesus, we cannot but magnify as great things, the only true greatness, and speak honourably of accordingly.

IV. In Samuel, the Lord of hosts is said to be the God over Israel; here he is said to be the God of Israel, even a God to Israel, Ch1 17:24. His being the God of Israel bespeaks his having the name of their God and so calling himself; his being a God to Israel bespeaks his answering to the name, his filling up the relation, and doing all that to them which might be expected from him. There were those that were called gods of such and such nations, gods of Assyria and Egypt, gods of Hamad and Arpad; but they were no gods to them, for they stood them in no stead at all, were mere ciphers, nothing but a name. But the God of Israel is a God to Israel; all his attributes and perfections redound to their real benefit and advantage. Happy therefore, thrice happy, is the people whose God is Jehovah; for he will be a God to them, a God all-sufficient.

V. The closing words in Samuel are, With thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed forever. That is the language of a holy desire. But the closing words here are the language of a most holy faith: For thou blessest, O Lord! and it shall be blessed for ever, Ch1 17:27. 1. He was encouraged to beg a blessing because God had intimated to him that he had blessings in store for him and his family: "Thou blessest, O Lord! and therefore unto thee shall all flesh come for a blessing; unto thee do I come for the blessing promised to me." Promises are intended to direct and excite prayer. Has God said, I will bless? Let our hearts answer, Lord, bless me, 2. He was earnest for the blessing because he believed that those whom God blesses are truly and eternally blessed: Thou blessest, and it shall be blessed. Men can but beg the blessing; it is God that commands it. What he designs he effects; what he promises he performs; saying and doing are not two things with him. Nay, it shall be blessed for ever. His blessings shall not be revoked, cannot be opposed, and the benefits conferred by them are such as will survive time and days. David's prayer concludes as God's promise did (Ch1 17:14) with that which is for ever. God's word looks at things eternal, and so should our desires and hopes.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–27. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying 1 Chronicles 17:26 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.