1 Chronicles 28:4

KJV

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} chose {H977} me before all the house {H1004} of my father {H1} to be king {H4428} over Israel {H3478} for ever {H5769}: for he hath chosen {H977} Judah {H3063} to be the ruler {H5057}; and of the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}, the house {H1004} of my father {H1}; and among the sons {H1121} of my father {H1} he liked {H7521} me to make me king {H4427} over all Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, ADONAI the God of Isra'el chose me out of my father's whole family to be king over Isra'el forever; for he chose Y'hudah to be the leader; and in the house of Y'hudah, in the house of my father, and among the sons of my father, it was his pleasure to make me king over all Isra'el;

Berean Standard Bible

Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.

American Standard Version

Howbeit Jehovah, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be prince; and in the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Chronicles 28:4, King David delivers a powerful testimony to the assembled leaders of Israel, articulating the profound and deliberate nature of God's sovereign choice in establishing his kingship and the enduring lineage of his house. This declaration, made as David prepares to transfer the kingdom to Solomon, underscores that his rule, the selection of the tribe of Judah, and the specific anointing of his family were not matters of human will or political maneuvering, but rather the direct, purposeful, and eternal decree of the LORD God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of King David's final public address to the entire assembly of Israel, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 28:1-10](/1_chronicles/28-1 "1 Chronicles 28:1-10 - David's Final Charge"). Having gathered all the officials, commanders, and mighty men, David begins by recounting God's divine guidance and promises concerning the building of the Temple and the succession plan for the kingdom. Verse 4 specifically serves as David's personal testimony and theological justification for his own reign and the subsequent divine appointment of his son Solomon, emphasizing that all aspects of Israel's leadership structure are rooted in God's sovereign election. It sets the stage for David's charge to Solomon to build the Temple and to walk in God's ways, grounding the future of the kingdom in divine decree rather than human ambition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of a king was initially met with resistance, as God was considered the true King ([1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - Israel Rejects God as King")). However, once kingship was established, divine election became paramount for legitimacy. Unlike surrounding nations where succession often involved intrigue or primogeniture, Israel's kingship, particularly the Davidic line, was uniquely tied to God's direct choice and covenantal promise. David's emphasis on God's choice in [1 Chronicles 28:4](/1_chronicles/28-4 "1 Chronicles 28:4 - God's Choice of David") would have resonated deeply with an audience steeped in the history of God's selective acts, from Abraham to Moses. Furthermore, the selection of Judah as the royal tribe fulfilled ancient prophecies, solidifying the historical continuity of God's plan for Israel's leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 Chronicles 28:4](/1_chronicles/28-4 "1 Chronicles 28:4 - God's Sovereign Choice") is **Divine Sovereignty and Election**. David explicitly declares that the LORD God "chose me," "chose Judah," and "liked me," unequivocally attributing his kingship and the dynastic promise to God's absolute authority and deliberate will. This highlights that human leadership in Israel was not self-appointed but divinely ordained. Another significant theme is **The Davidic Covenant and Dynasty**. The phrase "to be king over Israel for ever" directly echoes the covenant God made with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising an enduring throne and a perpetual kingdom through his descendants. This covenant is foundational to understanding Israel's messianic hope, as it points to an eternal king from David's line. Finally, the verse underscores **The Significance of Judah**, recalling Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah"), which foretold that the scepter would not depart from Judah, thus establishing its preeminence as the royal tribe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chose (Hebrew, _bachar_'):** This verb signifies a deliberate, purposeful selection or election, often with a divine agent. It implies a sovereign act of God, distinguishing the chosen one from others for a specific purpose. In this context, it underscores that David's kingship was not a matter of chance or human merit, but a direct, intentional act of God's will, establishing his divine legitimacy.
* **Forever (Hebrew, _'olam_'):** While _'olam_ can denote a long duration, in the context of God's promises and covenants, it often carries the weight of eternity or perpetuity. Here, it reinforces the enduring nature of God's choice and the Davidic dynasty, pointing to an everlasting kingdom that transcends David's lifetime and generations, ultimately finding its ultimate fulfillment in the eternal reign of the Messiah.
* **Liked me (Hebrew, _ratsah_'):** This word conveys God's favor, delight, acceptance, or pleasure. It's more than just a utilitarian choice; it suggests a divine approval and affectionate regard for David. This "liking" implies that David was not merely a tool in God's hands but a recipient of God's personal affirmation and delight, which further legitimizes his role and the subsequent covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever:"** David begins by testifying to God's direct and sovereign election of him. The phrase "before all the house of my father" highlights the unexpected nature of this choice, as David was the youngest son and not the heir apparent. The divine choice was not temporary but "for ever," indicating a perpetual appointment and setting the stage for the enduring Davidic dynasty.
* **"for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler;"** This clause explains the broader context of God's choice, tracing it back to the tribal level. God's selection of Judah as the ruling tribe fulfills the ancient prophecy of Jacob in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter of Judah"), establishing Judah's preeminence and its destined role as the source of Israel's kingship.
* **"and of the house of Judah, the house of my father;"** God's selection process is further narrowed down. Within the tribe of Judah, God specifically chose the house or family of Jesse, David's father. This demonstrates God's meticulous and precise providence, working through specific families to bring about His purposes.
* **"and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:"** The final layer of God's choice is the individual. From among Jesse's sons, God "liked" or was pleased with David, singling him out for the kingship. This personal affection and divine approval underscore the unique relationship between God and David, culminating in his anointing as king over the entire nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and David's divinely ordained legitimacy. **Repetition** of the verb "chose" (or its derivatives) three times ("chose me," "hath chosen Judah," "liked me to make me king") powerfully reinforces the divine agency behind every step of David's ascent to the throne, from the tribal level to the individual. This creates a sense of overwhelming divine intentionality. The structure also demonstrates **Emphasis through Progression**, moving from the broad selection of a tribe (Judah) to a specific family within that tribe (Jesse's house), and finally to a particular individual (David himself). This layered selection highlights the meticulous nature of God's plan. Furthermore, the verse functions as David's **Personal Testimony or Confession**, a public declaration of God's gracious and sovereign work in his life, serving as an example for the assembly and for Solomon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:4 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of divine election, demonstrating that God's purposes are not contingent on human merit or political maneuvering but are rooted in His sovereign will and faithful promises. David's testimony serves as a powerful reminder that all authority, particularly in leadership, ultimately derives from God. This verse connects the specific historical event of David's anointing to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, revealing how God meticulously works through individuals, families, and tribes to fulfill His redemptive plan for humanity. It highlights the enduring nature of God's promises, specifically the Davidic Covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's powerful declaration in 1 Chronicles 28:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our lives, our callings, and our unique gifts are not accidental but are part of God's sovereign design. Just as God meticulously chose David, He also has a specific purpose for each of us, often selecting the unexpected or the overlooked. This should cultivate a deep sense of humility, recognizing that any position of influence or ability we possess is a divine endowment, not a personal achievement. It also fosters profound trust in God's overarching providence, knowing that His plans are perfect and His choices are immutable, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or our path unclear. We are called to live in responsive obedience to the God who "chose" and "liked" us, seeking to fulfill the unique purposes for which He has set us apart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice in David's life impact your view of your own calling, gifts, or current circumstances?**
* **In what ways can you discern and affirm God's "liking" or delight in you, as David experienced?**
* **How does the enduring nature of God's promises (like the Davidic covenant) strengthen your faith in His faithfulness and long-term plans for your life and the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does David emphasize God's choice so much in his final address?**

Answer: David's strong emphasis on God's choice serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it **legitimizes his own kingship** and, by extension, the entire Davidic dynasty, including the succession of Solomon. By declaring that God "chose me" and "liked me," David firmly roots his authority in divine appointment rather than human ambition or military might. Secondly, it **establishs a theological foundation** for the future of Israel, particularly concerning the building of the Temple and the ongoing governance of the nation. David wants the assembly and Solomon to understand that the kingdom is God's, and its future depends on obedience to His will, not human strategy. Finally, it **sets a precedent for Solomon**, reminding him that his future reign will also be contingent on God's favor and faithfulness, urging him to walk in God's ways as outlined in [1 Chronicles 28:9](/1_chronicles/28-9 "1 Chronicles 28:9 - David's Charge to Solomon").

**What is the significance of Judah being chosen as the ruling tribe?**

Answer: The selection of Judah as the ruling tribe is deeply significant because it fulfills an ancient prophecy given by Jacob to his son Judah in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah"), which declared that "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This prophecy established Judah as the royal tribe from which Israel's kings would emerge. David, being from Judah, embodies the initial fulfillment of this promise. More profoundly, it points forward to the ultimate King, the Messiah, who would also come from the tribe of Judah, establishing an eternal kingdom, as seen in the lineage of Jesus Christ in [Matthew 1:2-3](/matthew/1-2 "Matthew 1:2-3 - Jesus' Genealogy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:4, with its emphatic declaration of God's eternal choice of David and his lineage to be king "for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's kingship, though divinely appointed and enduring for a time, was merely a shadow of the perfect and eternal reign of the true Son of David. The promise that God "chose me... to be king over Israel for ever" points directly to Jesus, who is the promised heir to David's throne, as affirmed by the angel Gabriel in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary"): "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Jesus is the one truly "liked" by God, the Beloved Son in whom God is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism and God's Affirmation")). He perfectly embodies the divine choice, the eternal nature of the kingdom, and the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Judah, being born of the tribe of Judah ([Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Jesus from the Tribe of Judah")) and the root of David ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")). Thus, David's testimony in this verse is not just about his own reign, but a prophetic echo of the coming King whose kingdom is truly everlasting and whose rule is absolutely sovereign.

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

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

1 Chronicles 5:2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

1 Samuel 16:6

¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed [is] before him.

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

1 Chronicles 17:27

Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and [it shall be] blessed for ever.