1 Chronicles 17 Study Notes
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17:1-2 Both David and the prophet Nathan were committed to the idea of building a temple. David felt that he was shortchanging the ark of the covenant by housing it in a tent. Nathan, who knew David’s motives were pure, had no reason at this point to think that David should not proceed with his plans to build a temple.
17:3-15 God’s message to David by way of Nathan about the temple was positive because that is how David took it. Eventually there would be a temple because God had promised Moses a central place of worship, which would become the exclusive place for sacrifices (Dt 12:5-7). David would not be allowed to build this house for God to dwell in, but God would give the king a far greater promise. The Lord declared that he would build David’s house—a dynasty, a succession of kings that would last many generations (vv. 10-12). One of his sons would become the next king and would be the one to build the temple, and he would also continue the lineage of David for all eternity.
nagiyd
| Hebrew pronunciation | [nah GEED] |
| CSB translation | leader, ruler |
| Uses in 1 Chronicles | 12 |
| Uses in the OT | 44 |
| Focus passage | 1 Chronicles 17:7 |
Nagiyd relates to neged (“before, in front of”) and nagad (“tell”); nagad may involve placing something before someone. Nagiyd indicates nobleman (Jb 29:10) and communicates specific leadership positions. It is a synonym for “king,” designating the ruler of Tyre (Ezk 28:2) and the covenant prince Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt (Dn 11:22). Mostly it calls Israelite kings, including the Messiah (Dn 9:25), rulers (1Sm 10:1) or leaders (2Kg 20:5). Nagiyd describes national leaders (Ps 76:12). It designates the chief official of God’s house (Neh 11:11) or of an Israelite tribe (1Ch 27:16). It denotes a palace governor (2Ch 28:7) and town or fortress leaders (2Ch 11:11). It is a leader of gatekeepers (1Ch 9:20) or an officer over community offerings (2Ch 31:12). Nagiyd specified leaders in Assyria’s army who were one step below commanders (2Ch 32:21). Besides people, nagiyd can describe noble things (Pr 8:6).
17:16-27 David accepted God’s words with thanksgiving.
17:16-22 David understood the promise that his son would build the temple, even if he himself was not allowed to, as a positive affirmation from God. Moses had previously asked God, Who am I, with a slightly different spirit (Ex 3:11; cp. 1Sm 18:18; 2Sm 7:18; 1Ch 29:14; 2Ch 2:6). David showed striking humility. In 1Ch 17:16-22 David praises God for his blessings.
17:20 In Ex 8:10 Moses declared, “There is no one like the Lord our God.” Hannah declared in 1Sm 2:2, “There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God.” See also 1Kg 8:23; Jr 10:6-7.
17:21 In the fashion of biblical praise (16:8-36), David praised the Lord by referring to what he had done.
17:23-26 It may seem odd that David repeated what God had promised as though it were a petition directed to God, but there were three important points in this last half of David’s prayer. First, he showed submission to what the Lord had planned for him. Second, he showed God that what he desired was whatever God wanted for him. Third, David tells us that it is never wrong to express our thoughts and desires to the Lord. Whether we are joyfully accepting what God has already said or struggling with trying to accept something he is making clear to us, God always knows what is on our hearts. We have the privilege of voicing our thoughts and feelings to him.
17:27 The chapter ends with David’s affirmation that God’s blessing is irrevocable.