1 Chronicles 17:1-15
This passage parallels 2 Samuel 7. Chronologically this may have been later in David's life since Hiram, King of Tyre, didn't become king till 980 B.C. David had settled in his expensive home and it occured to him that God needed a house. He had a nicer home than the Ark of the Covenent. At first Nathan encouraged David without seeking God. You have to acknowledge David's attitude of 'what can I do for God?' No one had ever offered to build the Ark a home before. God is honored but He didn't want David to build this temple; He, in fact, commanded him not to build it.
In a response to David's desire to build God a home, the Lord offers David a covenant promise. The immediate promise was of a secure and blessed Israel under David's reign. The long term promise was an everlasting throne of David.
This is the 4th of 5 irrevocable and unconditional covenants made by God.
1. Noahic Covenant (Gen 9:8-17)
2. Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 15:12-21)
3. Levitic or priestly Covenant (Numbers 3:1-18; 18:1-20; 25:10-13)
4. David Covenant
5. Future "New Covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28)
So the Davidic Covenant makes 3 promises while he's alive and 2 when he's dead.
1. He gave David a great name. Think about how great his name is. Everyone knows his stories and deeds.
2. He appointed a place for Israel.
3. He gave David rest from all his enemies.
4. His son would sit on the throne
5. A Son would rule in a kingdom established forever – the messiah.
Instead of David making God a house, he responded in making David a house beyond his wildest dreams; it wasn't just a house but a kingdom.
1 Chronicles 17:16-27
David had to have felt blessed and wanted to build God a house. But God wasn't done blessing – there is no end to God's blessings. David responds to these blessings by asking, "Who am I?" This wasn't a man looking to be served by God but looking to serve God. It is truly overwhelming when we stop to count our blessings and when we give God all the glory for those blessings, He just wants to bless us more. David wasn't blessed with an easy life or a windfall of cash. He didn't have a perfect family. He wasn't perfect himself. He had bad days, made mistakes, was hated by others, and had to fight wars. And through it all, God led him and kept him and guided his life.
©2016 Doug Ford
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