1 Chronicles 17
-The covenant of God’s continuing favor upon the rule of
David’s descendents is the primary focus of this chapter that starts out with a
desire to see the LORD’s House established with a more permanent structure (1
Chronicles 17:1). David’s desire is a noble one, but God does not need an
earthly structure to dwell in as He relates to the prophet Nathan (1 Chronicles
17:2-6). Nevertheless, He will allow for a place of worship and a place for His
Spirit to dwell on earth, but it will be built by the one following David (1
Chronicles 17:11-14). The parallel cross reference to this event is in 2 Samuel
7. Here God gives His promise to the Davidic line, from which the Messiah will
come as an everlasting Kingdom. He recounts the path of bringing David to greatness,
and the fact that He was always with him assuring victory in the conquest ultimately
for His Name’s sake, not a house of cedar. He also promises in this chapter
that Israel will have a permanent dwelling place, planted and secure, because
of the righteousness of David and his relationship with God (1 Chronicles
17:7-9). So, Nathan relates his prophetic vision received in the night word for
word (1 Chronicles 17:3, 15).
-David’s response is recorded in the remaining verses of
this chapter (1 Chronicles 17:16-27). He comes before the LORD with complete
reverence and humility in recognition of His great words and works of blessing
unto His servant. David realizes that God knows him intimately and acknowledges
his dependence upon Him for all things. “There is none like You, nor is there any
God besides You,” the king proclaims in his confession to the LORD (1
Chronicles 17:20). David gives thanks as he recounts the redemption of the LORD
for His people Israel from the land of Egypt. The king is grateful for the fact
that the LORD thinks enough of his line and family to make it an everlasting
establishment according to the Word of God (1 Chronicles 17:23). David rightly
recognizes that this is ultimately for God’s glory, and not his own. God’s
revelation is paramount to David’s courage to go on and pray before His
righteous King and accept His magnificent promise of blessing forever (1
Chronicles 17:25-27).
-*Application* Here we see an example of what it takes to be
a great man of God. Notice the traits and qualities of this king’s response to
the Word of the LORD. He doesn’t fight what God wants to do with any spirit of
pride or vain conceit. He allows God to be God and is thankful for the
opportunity to serve the LORD. He knows his past and where the LORD had taken
him from. He is grateful to get undeserved blessings and honor, even when it
will come through his descendents. David is not selfish. He gives credit and
glory to his Maker. Total respect is seen in his response. He is determined to
sit before God and let Him dictate the course and plan. David is simply along
for the blessed and joyful ride. He received the revelation because he gave up
his own rights even as the leader of Israel. How should that affect the way we
approach things in our own life? Practice these qualities before God and we too
will also be greatly blessed and highly favored.
Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 17:23
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