1 Chronicles 17:1-27
Q.1. How did God respond to David’s plan to build a permanent place for the Ark? Has God’s promise about the permanence of Israel in the land been fulfilled? – (1 Chron.17:1-9)
Though Nathan the prophet initially agreed with David’s plan to build a more permanent building for the Ark, God came to David that night and unfolded a better plan. Just as the humble tent was totally acceptable, God reminded David, through Nathan, that he too had started his rise to fame from very humble beginnings. God had far loftier things in mind for Himself, David, and His people – 8 … I will make you a name like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 9 I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and not be moved again; and the wicked will not waste them anymore as formerly (1 Chron.17:8-9). He would dwell amongst them as their God, and they would be His people forever.
Q.2. What Covenant promise did God make to David? How long would this promised kingdom last? – (1 Chron.17:10-15)
God promised to give David and His people success over their enemies. This envisions a future, when – I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and not be moved again … (1 Chron.17:9). A future descendant would arise – He shall build for Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever … I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom forever, and His throne shall be established forever (17:12 & 14 c.f. 2 Sam.7:8-17). This promise has not yet been fulfilled. It seems to point to the future time of the Millennium.
Q.3. How did David respond? How did David understand the elevation of himself and His people? Who should be the focus of our attention? – (1 Chron.17:16-27)
David was humbled to the dust by Nathan’s message from God. He acknowledged that only God is worthy – O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears (1 Chron.17:20). He recalled God’s redemption of His people from Egypt, and His grace in driving out the nations from the land of their inheritance. David focused on God and prayed – Let Your name be established and magnified forever, saying, `The Lord of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel; and the house of David Your servant is established before You.’ (1 Chron.17:24).