1 Chronicles 17:5

For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from [one] tabernacle [to another].

For I have not dwelt in {H3427} an house {H1004} since the day {H3117} that I brought up {H5927} Israel {H3478} unto this day {H3117}; but have gone from tent {H168} to tent {H168}, and from one tabernacle {H4908} to another.

because from the day I brought up Isra'el until today, I never lived in a house; rather, I've gone from tent to tent and from one tabernacle to another.

For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved from tent to tent and dwelling to dwelling.

for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, unto this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:5

The verse 1 Chronicles 17:5 is part of God's direct response to King David, delivered through the prophet Nathan. David, now settled in his grand palace, felt it was unfitting for the Ark of the Covenant – symbolizing God's presence – to reside in a mere tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). He desired to build a magnificent temple for the Lord. This verse reveals God's perspective on His dwelling place and His enduring relationship with Israel.

Context

This passage is a pivotal moment in David's reign, immediately following his consolidation of power and his establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. David's noble intention to build a permanent "house" for God is met not with a simple yes or no, but with a profound theological declaration from the Almighty. God reminds David of His continuous presence and provision throughout Israel's history, from their exodus from Egypt to their settlement in the Promised Land. The parallel account can be found in 2 Samuel 7:6.

Key Themes

  • God's Transcendent Presence: The verse emphasizes that God is not confined to structures built by human hands. His presence is dynamic and independent of physical buildings. This idea is echoed later in the New Testament, notably by Stephen in Acts 7:48 and Paul in Acts 17:24.
  • God's Faithfulness and Journey with His People: By stating, "I have not dwelt in an house... but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another," God highlights His intimate involvement with Israel's nomadic journey through the wilderness. He was literally "with" them, moving as they moved, signifying His constant protection and guidance.
  • The Nature of the Tabernacle: The Tabernacle (Hebrew: mishkan, meaning "dwelling place") was a portable sanctuary, designed by God Himself, to accompany the Israelites. Its temporary nature underscored that their relationship with God was based on covenant and presence, not fixed location.
  • Divine Initiative vs. Human Desire: While David's desire was commendable, God's response reveals that He initiates and defines the terms of His dwelling. Instead of David building God a house, God promises to build David a "house" – a lasting dynasty (1 Chronicles 17:10-14).

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of "tent" (Hebrew: ohel) and "tabernacle" (Hebrew: mishkan) emphasizes the mobile nature of God's dwelling among His people throughout their history. The phrase "from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another" paints a vivid picture of God's enduring presence and willingness to journey with Israel, adapting to their circumstances rather than demanding a fixed, permanent structure from the outset.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's presence is not limited to physical buildings or elaborate structures. While places of worship are valuable, true worship and relationship with God are not confined to them. God desires to dwell among His people wherever they are, in their daily lives and journeys. For believers today, this means recognizing that the church is not merely a building, but the assembly of God's people, the spiritual temple where the Spirit of God dwells.

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.

  • 2 Samuel 7:6

    Whereas I have not dwelt in [any] house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.

  • 1 Kings 8:16

    Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

  • Exodus 40:2

    On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

  • Exodus 40:3

    And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.

  • Isaiah 66:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

  • Isaiah 66:2

    For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

  • Acts 7:44

    Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
← Back