1 Chronicles 17:7

KJV

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, [even] from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore thus shalt thou say {H559} unto my servant {H5650} David {H1732}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, I took {H3947} thee from the sheepcote {H5116}, even from following {H310} the sheep {H6629}, that thou shouldest be ruler {H5057} over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore say to my servant David that this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: 'I took you from the sheep-yards, from following the sheep, to make you chief over my people Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

American Standard Version

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be prince over my people Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:7 stands as a foundational declaration within God's covenantal promise to King David, delivered through the prophet Nathan. This verse powerfully recounts God's sovereign initiative in elevating David from the humble obscurity of tending sheep to the exalted position of ruler over His people, Israel. It underscores the divine origin of David's kingship, emphasizing that his authority was not self-achieved but divinely bestowed, thereby setting the stage for the enduring and unconditional Davidic Covenant that would establish his dynasty forever.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within a broader narrative in [1 Chronicles 17](/1-chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David"), detailing God's response to King David's heartfelt desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord. David, now dwelling in a palace of cedar, feels it improper for the Ark of the Covenant to reside in a tent ([1 Chronicles 17:1](/1-chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1 - David's Desire to Build a Temple")). Initially, Nathan the prophet encourages David, but God intervenes that very night, delivering a message through Nathan that reorients David's ambition. Instead of David building God a "house" (temple), God promises to build David an eternal "house" (dynasty) and kingdom. Verse 7 specifically serves as a powerful preamble to this covenant, reminding David of his humble origins and God's sovereign hand in his ascent, thereby magnifying the grace inherent in the promises that follow in [1 Chronicles 17:8-14](/1-chronicles/17-8 "1 Chronicles 17:8-14 - God's Promise to David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, kingship was a complex institution, often fraught with human ambition and political maneuvering. However, David's kingship is consistently presented as divinely ordained. The imagery of being taken "from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep" vividly contrasts David's humble, pastoral background with his royal status. Shepherding was a common, yet often looked-down-upon, occupation. This highlights God's pattern of choosing the seemingly insignificant or overlooked for significant roles, as seen with figures like Gideon or Amos. The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was a powerful divine title, especially relevant in a military and political context, emphasizing God's supreme authority as the commander of heavenly armies and the true sovereign over earthly rulers. This context underscores that David's authority was not derived from human lineage, military prowess, or popular acclamation alone, but from the direct, unmerited choice of the Almighty God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and His ability to choose and empower individuals regardless of their social standing, as He did with David. The stark contrast between David's past as a shepherd and his present as a king emphasizes the theme of **Humble Beginnings, Exalted Calling**, illustrating that God often exalts the humble and uses them for His glory, a pattern seen throughout Scripture (compare [1 Samuel 16:11-13](/1-samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11-13 - David Anointed King")). Furthermore, the address "my servant David" introduces the theme of **Servanthood**, signifying a relationship of trust, obedience, and divine commission, where David's authority stemmed from his devoted service to the Lord. Ultimately, this verse serves as the **Foundational Preamble for the Davidic Covenant**, setting the stage for God's unconditional promise of an eternal dynasty, kingdom, and throne, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth'_):** This majestic divine title, frequently used in prophetic literature and historical books, emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Yahweh" is the personal, covenantal name of God, while "Sabaoth" (צבאות) literally means "armies" or "hosts," referring to heavenly armies, angelic beings, and the celestial bodies. When God is called "LORD of hosts," it signifies His universal dominion, His omnipotence, and His role as the commander of all creation. In this context, it underscores the absolute certainty and weight of the divine pronouncement to David; the one who speaks is the ultimate power in the universe.
* **sheepcote (Hebrew, _naveh'_):** This term refers to a humble dwelling or enclosure for sheep, a pasture or fold. Its use here vividly paints a picture of David's simple, rustic, and unpretentious background. The contrast between the "sheepcote" and the "palace of cedar" where David now resides is stark, serving to magnify God's transformative power and unmerited favor. It highlights that David's elevation was not due to any inherent royal lineage or aristocratic advantage, but solely to God's sovereign choice, picking him from the most ordinary of circumstances.
* **ruler (Hebrew, _nagid'_):** While often translated as "prince" or "leader," _nagid_ carries the connotation of someone appointed or designated by a higher authority. It implies a divinely chosen and commissioned leader, rather than merely a king who ascended by human means or inheritance. This term reinforces the idea that David's kingship was not a human achievement but a divine appointment, directly from God, to govern His chosen people, Israel. It emphasizes his role as God's representative and shepherd over the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The prophet Nathan is merely the messenger, relaying God's direct words. The title "my servant David" is significant, indicating a relationship of intimate trust, divine commission, and faithful obedience. It is a title of honor, signifying David's unique place in God's plan.
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts,"**: This phrase functions as a solemn, formal declaration, typical of prophetic oracles. It underscores the absolute truthfulness, power, and unchangeable nature of the words that follow. The speaker is the omnipotent, sovereign God, whose word is law and whose promises are unfailing. This reinforces the weight and certainty of the covenant about to be revealed.
* **"I took thee from the sheepcote, [even] from following the sheep,"**: This is a powerful statement of divine initiative and grace. God explicitly states that He was the one who acted to elevate David. The repetition of "from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep" emphasizes David's humble, pastoral origins and the stark contrast with his current royal status. It serves as a reminder that David's position was not earned or inherited, but was a direct result of God's sovereign choice and intervention, highlighting God's ability to choose the humble and overlooked for His grand purposes.
* **"that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:"**: This clause reveals the divine purpose behind David's elevation. God did not merely elevate David for his own sake, but for the sake of His covenant people. David was chosen to be God's appointed leader, a shepherd-king to guide and govern Israel. This highlights the theological concept of leadership as a divine trust and responsibility, emphasizing that David's authority was ultimately for the benefit and spiritual welfare of God's chosen nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, as the entire passage is presented as God's direct speech through Nathan, lending immense authority and gravitas to the message. There is a strong use of **Contrast**, juxtaposing David's humble past ("sheepcote," "following the sheep") with his exalted present ("ruler over my people Israel"). This contrast serves to highlight God's sovereign power and unmerited favor in elevating David. The phrase "I took thee" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (taking) to God, emphasizing His active involvement in David's life. Furthermore, the shift from David as a literal shepherd of sheep to a figurative shepherd-**Ruler** of God's people Israel is a subtle yet powerful **Metaphor**, reinforcing the pastoral and protective nature of his divinely appointed leadership. The repetition of "Thus saith" (implied by the structure and context) also serves as a form of **Anaphora**, reinforcing the divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 17:7 profoundly articulates the theme of divine election and the nature of God's covenant faithfulness. It establishes that David's kingship was not a human achievement but a direct, unmerited act of God's sovereign will, setting the stage for the unconditional and eternal Davidic Covenant that follows. This divine initiative underscores that all true authority and leadership ultimately derive from God, and that He often chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His grand purposes, demonstrating His glory through their weakness. The verse also highlights God's unwavering commitment to His people, Israel, by providing them with a divinely appointed shepherd-king, foreshadowing the ultimate Shepherd-King to come.

* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chose David, His Servant")
* [1 Samuel 16:11-13](/1-samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11-13 - David Anointed King from Among His Brothers")
* [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - God's Testimony of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 1 Chronicles 17:7 offers timeless encouragement and challenges for believers today. It reminds us that our past circumstances, perceived insignificance, or lack of conventional qualifications do not limit God's ability to call, equip, and use us for His purposes. Just as God elevated David from a humble sheepcote to a throne, He often chooses the "unqualified" and the "foolish things of the world" to display His power and wisdom, ensuring that no one can boast in human strength or merit. This should instill in us a deep sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that any position of influence or service we hold is ultimately a divine trust. For those in leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder that true authority comes from God and must be exercised in humble servanthood, prioritizing God's will and the welfare of His people. For all believers, it fosters unwavering trust in God's faithfulness; if He was faithful to elevate David and fulfill His promises to him, He remains faithful to His people in every generation, providing hope and security in His unchanging character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's humble origin challenge our own perceptions of who God can use for His purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's sovereign hand to elevate or direct you?**
* **How does the concept of "servant leadership," exemplified by God's description of David, apply to your own spheres of influence (family, work, church, community)?**
* **What specific promises of God encourage you, knowing that the "LORD of hosts" is the one who makes and keeps them?**

### FAQ
**Why does God remind David of his humble beginnings?**

Answer: God reminds David of his humble origins ("from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep") for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscores the **divine initiative** in David's kingship; his elevation was not by human merit, political maneuvering, or noble birth, but solely by God's sovereign choice and power. This prevents David from boasting in himself and magnifies God's grace. Secondly, it highlights God's pattern of choosing the seemingly insignificant or overlooked to accomplish His great purposes, demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness (compare [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")). Thirdly, it serves as a foundation for the **unconditional nature of the Davidic Covenant** that follows; the covenant is based entirely on God's character and promise, not on David's past or future performance. It reminds David, and us, that God is the one who establishes and sustains.

**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts" in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and universal dominion. "Yahweh" is God's personal covenant name, signifying His faithfulness and presence. "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts," referring to the celestial armies, angelic beings, and all the powers of the universe. When God declares Himself as the "LORD of hosts," it conveys that He is the ultimate commander and ruler over all creation, both visible and invisible. In [1 Chronicles 17:7](/1-chronicles/17-7 "1 Chronicles 17:7 - God's Word to David"), this title lends immense weight and certainty to the divine message being delivered to David. It assures David that the promises about to be made are from the most powerful and reliable source imaginable, guaranteeing their fulfillment. It underscores that the king of Israel is ultimately subservient to the King of all armies.

**How does this verse relate to the broader Davidic Covenant?**

Answer: [1 Chronicles 17:7](/1-chronicles/17-7 "1 Chronicles 17:7 - God's Word to David") serves as the crucial preamble and theological foundation for the Davidic Covenant detailed in the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 17:8-14](/1-chronicles/17-8 "1 Chronicles 17:8-14 - The Davidic Covenant")). By reminding David that God "took" him from obscurity to kingship, the verse establishes that David's entire reign and future dynasty are a result of God's sovereign, unmerited grace. This sets the stage for the unconditional nature of the covenant, where God promises to build David an "eternal house" (dynasty), establish his kingdom forever, and secure his throne perpetually. The covenant is not contingent on David's performance but on God's faithfulness and power, rooted in the same divine initiative that elevated David in the first place. Thus, [1 Chronicles 17:7](/1-chronicles/17-7 "1 Chronicles 17:7 - God's Word to David") highlights the divine origin of the kingship, making the subsequent promises of an eternal dynasty all the more profound and certain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 17:7, with its declaration of God's sovereign choice and elevation of David from a humble shepherd to ruler, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as David was chosen by God, not by human merit, so too was Jesus the divinely appointed King, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). The imagery of being taken "from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep" beautifully foreshadows Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who came not from earthly royalty but from humble beginnings in Nazareth, born in a manger, yet appointed by God to be the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). God's promise to David of an eternal "house" and an enduring kingdom ([1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1-chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - God's Covenant with David")) is fully realized in Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world but is eternal and spiritual ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Jesus, as the ultimate "servant" of God ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant")), perfectly fulfilled the role of the divinely appointed ruler over God's people, not just Israel, but all who believe ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). His resurrection and ascension confirm His eternal reign, establishing a spiritual dynasty that will never end, making Him the true and everlasting King promised to David's line ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus Will Reign Forever")).

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 6:21

And David said unto Michal, [It was] before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD.

Exodus 3:1

¶ Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb.

Exodus 3:10

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalms 78:71

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

Matthew 4:18

¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:22

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.