1 Chronicles 17:5

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 1 Chronicles 17:5, God directly addresses King David's desire to build Him a permanent temple, revealing through the prophet Nathan that He has never dwelt in a fixed "house" since bringing Israel out of Egypt. Instead, God emphasizes His enduring and dynamic presence, having journeyed with His people "from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another." This divine declaration underscores God's transcendence beyond human-made structures and highlights His intimate, mobile faithfulness throughout Israel's history, establishing the terms of His dwelling and relationship with His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within 1 Chronicles 17, which parallels 2 Samuel 7. It immediately follows David's noble but human-initiated desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, as he himself was now settled in a grand cedar palace ([1 Chronicles 17:1-2](/1_chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1-2 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). Nathan, initially approving David's plan, is then corrected by God, who delivers a profound message to David via the prophet. Verse 5 is God's direct historical recounting of His dwelling place, setting the stage for His subsequent covenant promise to build David a lasting "house"—a dynasty—rather than accepting a physical house from David ([1 Chronicles 17:7-14](/1_chronicles/17-7 "1 Chronicles 17:7-14 - God's Covenant with David")). The parallel account in [2 Samuel 7:6](/2_samuel/7-6 "2 Samuel 7:6 - God's Dwelling in a Tent") confirms the consistency of this divine message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a significant transition for Israel from a tribal confederacy to a consolidated monarchy with Jerusalem as its capital. The people were transitioning from a nomadic or semi-nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society. In the ancient Near East, it was customary for powerful kings to build magnificent temples for their gods, signifying their piety and the deity's power. David's desire was thus culturally appropriate for a king of his stature. However, God's response in this verse challenges this human expectation. For centuries, God had dwelt among Israel in the portable Tabernacle, a structure designed by divine command during their wilderness wanderings. This mobile sanctuary underscored God's unique relationship with His people, one based on covenant presence rather than a fixed, localized shrine, distinguishing Yahweh from the localized deities of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes. First, it emphasizes **God's Transcendent Presence**, asserting that the Almighty is not confined to structures built by human hands. His presence is dynamic, independent, and not limited by human architectural ambitions, a truth echoed later in the New Testament by Stephen, who declared that "[the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands](/acts/7-48 "Acts 7:48 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made by Hands")," and by Paul, who preached that "[God, who made the world and everything in it, is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - Paul's Sermon on God's Nature")". Second, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Journey with His People**. By recounting His continuous movement "from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another," God underscores His intimate involvement with Israel's nomadic journey from the Exodus through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. He was literally "with" them, moving as they moved, signifying His constant protection, guidance, and covenant keeping. Third, the verse illuminates **The Nature of the Tabernacle**, which, as described in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"), was a portable sanctuary, divinely designed to accompany the Israelites. Its temporary nature underscored that their relationship with God was based on His dynamic presence and covenant, not a fixed location or a permanent edifice. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Initiative vs. Human Desire**, demonstrating that while David's intention was commendable, God alone initiates and defines the terms of His dwelling and His dealings with humanity. Instead of David building God a house, God promises to build David a "house"—a lasting dynasty—as detailed in [1 Chronicles 17:10-14](/1_chronicles/17-10 "1 Chronicles 17:10-14 - God's Covenant with David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** This verb signifies "to sit, remain, settle, inhabit." In this context, it implies a permanent, fixed, and settled residence. God's declaration that He has "not dwelt in an house" directly challenges David's assumption that a stationary, magnificent structure is necessary or even preferred by God, emphasizing God's non-static nature.
* **Tent (Hebrew, _'ohel'_):** Refers to a portable dwelling, typically made of skins or fabric, characteristic of nomadic life. Its mention alongside "tabernacle" emphasizes the temporary, mobile nature of God's presence with Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings and early settlement, highlighting His adaptability to their circumstances.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkan'_):** Derived from the root _shakan_, meaning "to dwell," this term specifically refers to the portable sanctuary designed by God Himself. It literally means "dwelling place" and was the central place of worship and divine presence for Israel before the Temple. Its inclusion here underscores that even this divinely ordained structure was mobile, reinforcing the idea of a God who journeys with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day":** This initial clause establishes God's historical perspective, spanning from the Exodus to David's present day. It directly counters David's implicit assumption that God *should* have a permanent house like David's own palace. God asserts His enduring nature and active involvement in Israel's history, emphasizing that His presence has never been confined to a fixed, human-built structure. This highlights His sovereignty and independence from human constructs.
* **"but have gone from tent to tent, and from [one] tabernacle [to another]":** This second clause vividly illustrates the mobile and intimate nature of God's presence. The repetition and parallelism ("from tent to tent," "from one tabernacle to another") underscore the continuous movement and God's willingness to accompany His people through all their journeys. It signifies that God's presence was not static or geographically bound, but rather dynamic, personal, and continuously available wherever His people went, adapting to their nomadic lifestyle. This picture reinforces God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for an active, relational presence with His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of "an house" (implying permanence and human construction) with "tent" and "tabernacle" (denoting mobility and divine design). This highlights the fundamental difference between human desires for God's dwelling and God's actual mode of presence. **Repetition** and **Parallelism** are powerfully used in the phrase "from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another." This stylistic choice not only emphasizes the continuous and mobile nature of God's dwelling but also creates a rhythmic flow that reinforces the idea of an unbroken, journeying presence. Furthermore, **Anthropomorphism** is present in God's statement "I have gone," attributing human-like movement to God. This device makes God's actions relatable and emphasizes His active, personal involvement in the lives of His people, making His divine presence tangible and understandable within the human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's dwelling and His relationship with humanity. It challenges the common human inclination to contain or localize the divine, asserting God's transcendence over any physical structure. While the Tabernacle was divinely ordained, its very mobility underscored that God's presence was fundamentally covenantal and relational, not architectural. This concept foreshadows the New Testament understanding that God's true dwelling is not in buildings but among His people, and ultimately within the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not tied to fixed locations but is a dynamic, accompanying presence throughout our life's journey.

* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - Heaven is My Throne")
* [John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 1 Chronicles 17:5 resonates deeply with believers today, reminding us that God's presence is not confined to physical church buildings or specific sacred spaces. While gathering in dedicated places of worship is valuable and commanded, true worship and relationship with God are not limited to these structures. This verse liberates us from the misconception that God is more present in a sanctuary than He is in our homes, workplaces, or daily lives. It calls us to recognize that God desires to dwell among His people wherever they are, accompanying them through every season and circumstance. For the modern believer, this means understanding that the church is not merely a building, but the assembly of God's people, the spiritual temple where the Spirit of God truly dwells. Our focus should be on cultivating a constant awareness of His immanent presence and living lives that reflect His glory, knowing that He journeys with us, "from tent to tent," through all of life's transitions and challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do we, consciously or unconsciously, tend to confine God to certain places, times, or rituals in our thinking?**
* **How does God's willingness to "go from tent to tent" challenge our expectations of His presence and our understanding of what it means to worship Him?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's dynamic and accompanying presence in our daily lives, beyond formal worship settings?**

### FAQ
**Why did God refuse David's offer to build a temple?**

Answer: God's response to David was not a rejection of the *idea* of a permanent dwelling for Him, but rather a reassertion of His divine prerogative, timing, and choice of builder. God had a different plan: He would build David a lasting "house" (a dynasty), and it would be David's son, Solomon, who would build the physical temple ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David's Son")). This refusal underscored that God's presence was not dependent on human-built structures but on His covenant faithfulness and sovereign will. It also highlighted that God initiates and defines the terms of His dwelling among His people, rather than being dictated by human desires or architectural ambitions.

**What is the significance of "tent" and "tabernacle" in this verse?**

Answer: The terms "tent" and "tabernacle" are highly significant as they represent the mobile, temporary nature of God's dwelling among His people from the Exodus until David's time. The "tent" (Hebrew: *'ohel'*) speaks to the nomadic lifestyle of Israel and God's willingness to accompany them through their wilderness wanderings. The "tabernacle" (Hebrew: *mishkan*), meaning "dwelling place," was the divinely designed portable sanctuary, the central place of worship and divine presence. Its temporary and mobile nature underscored that God's relationship with Israel was based on His dynamic, covenantal presence, not a fixed, localized shrine. This emphasized that God was not confined by human structures but was a God who actively journeyed with His people, adapting to their circumstances and demonstrating His constant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration in 1 Chronicles 17:5, that God "has not dwelt in an house... but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament tabernacle and later the temple were shadows pointing to the reality of God's desire to dwell with humanity. This desire is perfectly realized in Jesus, for He is the true "tabernacle" – the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, God did not merely *go* from tent to tent, but *became* flesh, taking on a human "tent" to live intimately among His people. Jesus Himself spoke of His body as the true temple, which would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), signifying the end of a physical, localized dwelling for God and the inauguration of a new, spiritual reality. Through His atoning work, believers are now incorporated into Christ, becoming living stones built into a "spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House")) and the very "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This culminates in the vision of the New Jerusalem, where the ultimate fulfillment is declared: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling is with Man")). Thus, the mobile, relational presence of God, hinted at in the tabernacle, is fully realized in Christ, establishing a permanent, spiritual dwelling of God among His redeemed people.

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

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.