Jeremiah 33:17

¶ For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; David {H1732} shall never {H3808} want {H3772} a man {H376} to sit {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478};

For this is what ADONAI says: "There will never be cut off from David a man to occupy the throne of the house of Isra'el.

For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel,

For thus saith Jehovah: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

Commentary

Jeremiah 33:17 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with King David. This verse assures that the lineage of David will perpetually have a king reigning over the house of Israel, a promise that resonates deeply with Messianic hope.

Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah chapters 30-33, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation." Written during a period of immense national crisis, when the Babylonian exile was imminent or already underway, these chapters offer messages of hope and future restoration amidst severe judgment. While Judah faced the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of its king and temple, God promised a return from captivity and the re-establishment of a righteous kingdom. Jeremiah 33 specifically reiterates divine assurances regarding both the priestly line and the Davidic line, ensuring an enduring spiritual and political future for Israel.

Key Themes

  • The Davidic Covenant: The core message reaffirms the unconditional covenant God made with David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, promising that his kingdom and throne would be established forever. This promise was not contingent on Israel's obedience, highlighting God's sovereign grace.
  • Divine Faithfulness: Despite the current desolation and Israel's unfaithfulness, God declares His commitment to His word. This verse emphasizes that God's promises are eternal and will certainly come to pass, even when circumstances seem to contradict them.
  • Messianic Prophecy: Ultimately, this promise points beyond earthly kings to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the eternal King from David's line, whose reign will truly be without end.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall never want a man" translates the Hebrew לֹא יִכָּרֵת לְדָוִד אִישׁ (lo yikkarēt l'David ish), which literally means "there shall not be cut off for David a man." The verb yikkarēt (from *karat*) implies 'to be cut off,' 'exterminated,' or 'lacking.' Its negation strongly emphasizes the absolute and enduring nature of the Davidic succession, ensuring an unbroken line of kingship.

Theological Significance and Fulfillment

Historically, the earthly Davidic monarchy did seem to "want a man" after the Babylonian exile, with no king ruling over Israel for centuries. However, the true fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel's words to Mary in Luke 1:32-33 explicitly link Jesus to the throne of His father David, declaring that "He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Jesus, as the "Root and the Offspring of David" (Revelation 22:16), perfectly embodies this eternal promise, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never be overthrown.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 33:17 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God is faithful to His covenants, even when human circumstances appear bleak or promises seem delayed. In times of uncertainty or despair, we can rest on the certainty of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His plans. This verse also directs our hope to Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, whose spiritual reign provides security and eternal hope for all who believe.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:4 (6 votes)

    That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

  • Psalms 89:29 (5 votes)

    His seed also will I make [to endure] for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

  • Psalms 89:37 (5 votes)

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Luke 1:32 (5 votes)

    He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  • Luke 1:33 (5 votes)

    And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:11 (4 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go [to be] with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:14 (4 votes)

    But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.