1 Chronicles 17:1 - Meaning and Application

Let us notice here,

I. How eager and concerned good people should be to serve the interests of God’s kingdom in the world as fully as they can. David could not be comfortable in a house of cedar while the ark was still kept in a tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). The needs of the public should always stay close to our hearts. What joy can we take in our own success if we do not care for the good of Jerusalem?

When David had power and wealth, look at what filled his thoughts. He did not ask, “What shall I do for my children so they can have inheritances? What shall I do to fill my barns and enlarge my land?” Instead, he asked, “What shall I do for God, to serve and honor him?” Those who think about where to give their harvest and their resources would do well to ask what condition the ark is in, and whether some of what they have could be well used for it.

II. How ready God’s prophets should be to encourage every good plan. Nathan, who was one of David’s prophets, no sooner heard of David’s good intention than he told him to go and do all that was in his heart (1 Chronicles 17:2). He had no reason to doubt that God was with David in it. Ministers should help stir up the gifts and graces in others, as well as in themselves.

III. How little God cares for outward show and splendor in his service. His ark was content with a tabernacle, that is, a tent-like dwelling place (1 Chronicles 17:5), and God never even mentioned building a house for it. He did not do so when he had settled his people in great and beautiful cities they had not built (Deuteronomy 6:10). He told the judges to feed his people, but never commanded them to build him a house (1 Chronicles 17:6). We can be content for a time with plain surroundings. God’s ark was content with them.

IV. How graciously God accepts the good intentions of his people, even when he himself keeps them from carrying them out. David was not allowed to build this house (1 Chronicles 17:4). He was to prepare for it, but not build it, just as Moses brought Israel within sight of Canaan, but left Joshua to lead them into it. It belongs to Christ alone to be both the author and the finisher of his work.

Yet David must not think that, because he was not allowed to build the temple, his calling was wasted. God said, “I took you from the sheepfold, not to be a temple builder, but to be ruler over my people Israel” (1 Chronicles 17:7). That was honor enough for him. He should leave the rest to the man who would come after him. Why should one person try to do everything and finish every good work? Let something remain for those who come later.

God had given David victories and made him famous (1 Chronicles 17:8). He also planned to use him to establish Israel and protect them from their enemies (1 Chronicles 17:9). That was the work of a man of war, and David was fit for it. He had to leave the building of the temple to one who was not made for battle.

Nor should David think his good purpose was wasted or that he would lose the reward for it. Since God himself stopped the work, David would be rewarded just as fully as if he had done it. God said, “The Lord will build you a house” and attach the throne of Israel to it (1 Chronicles 17:10). If a person has a willing heart, God will not only accept it, but also reward it.

Nor should David think that, because he could not do this good work, it would never be done. God said, “I will raise up your descendant, and he will build me a house” (1 Chronicles 17:11-12). God’s temple will be built at the appointed time, even if we do not have the honor of helping build it or the joy of seeing it finished.

Nor should David limit his thoughts to the earthly success of his family. He must also look ahead to the kingdom of the Messiah, who would come from his line and whose throne would last forever (1 Chronicles 17:14). Solomon was not fully settled in God’s house as he should have been, and his family was not fully settled in the kingdom. But God promised, “One will come from you whom I will establish in my house and in my kingdom.” This points to one who would be both a high priest over God’s house and the one with full rule over God’s kingdom among people, with all authority in heaven and on earth, in the house and in the kingdom, in the church and in the world.

He would be a priest on his throne, and peace would rest between both offices, and he would build the Lord’s temple (Zechariah 6:12-13).