1 Chronicles 17:4

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

Go {H3212} and tell {H559} David {H1732} my servant {H5650}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Thou shalt not build {H1129} me an house {H1004} to dwell in {H3427}:

"Go, and tell David my servant that this is what ADONAI says: 'You are not to build me a house to live in,

“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build Me a house in which to dwell.

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith Jehovah, Thou shalt not build me a house to dwell in:

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:4 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 17:4 records a pivotal moment in the life of King David and the history of Israel, conveying God's direct message regarding the building of His temple. This verse, delivered through the prophet Nathan, clarifies God's immediate will concerning David's well-intentioned desire.

Context

In this chapter, King David, having settled in his own magnificent cedar palace, expresses a deep desire to build a more permanent and grand "house" for the Ark of the Covenant, which at the time resided in a tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). Nathan initially encourages David, but that very night, God speaks to Nathan, correcting his presumption and delivering the message found in this verse. This account parallels the detailed narrative found in 2 Samuel 7:5, where God similarly communicates through Nathan. The setting highlights David's heart for God's glory, yet also God's ultimate sovereignty over His own dwelling place and plans.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: God explicitly states, "Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in." This underscores that God's plans and timing are supreme, even over the sincere desires of His chosen servants.
  • God's Transcendence: The implicit message is that God does not *need* a physical house built by human hands to dwell in. He is not confined by human constructs. For centuries, He had "walked in a tent and in a tabernacle" (1 Chronicles 17:5), demonstrating His presence is not dependent on a fixed structure.
  • God's Choice and Timing: While David's heart was pure, God had a different plan and a different builder in mind for the temple. This refusal sets the stage for the profound Davidic Covenant, where God promises to build David a lasting "house" (dynasty) instead.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my servant, David" (‘abdî dāwîd in Hebrew) is significant. It emphasizes David's special relationship with God, denoting a position of trust, obedience, and chosenness. Despite the refusal to build the temple, God reaffirms David's status and His favor upon him. The term "house to dwell in" (bayith lāshevet) refers to a permanent dwelling place, a temple. The negative command highlights that God's presence is not contingent on man's architectural efforts, and His true dwelling is more profound and spiritual.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Will Over Our Own: Even our best intentions and most pious desires must submit to God's specific will and timing. What seems good to us may not be God's perfect plan.
  • Understanding God's Nature: We are reminded that God is not limited by physical spaces or human achievements. The New Testament further clarifies this concept, emphasizing that God does not dwell in temples made with hands, but rather in the hearts of believers and among His people (1 Corinthians 6:19).
  • Obedience and Trust: David's response to this news (later recounted in 1 Chronicles 17:16-27) demonstrates humble acceptance and trust in God's greater plan, even when it differs from his own. This serves as a model for our own walk of faith.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 28:2 (3 votes)

    Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

  • 1 Chronicles 28:3 (3 votes)

    But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.

  • Romans 11:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Romans 11:34 (2 votes)

    For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

  • 1 Kings 8:19 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.

  • 2 Samuel 7:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,

  • 2 Samuel 7:5 (2 votes)

    Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?