Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, “Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house, that you have brought me this far? This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have respected me according to the standard of a man of high degree, Yahweh God. What can David say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? For you know your servant. Yahweh, for your servant’s sake, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, to make known all these great things. Yahweh, there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt? For you made your people Israel your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God. Now, Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, be established forever, and do as you have spoken. Let your name be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel. The house of David your servant is established before you.’ For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. Now, Yahweh, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant. Now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.”
Parallel Translations
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Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, “Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house, that you have brought me this far?
This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have respected me according to the standard of a man of high degree, Yahweh God.
What can David say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? For you know your servant.
Yahweh, for your servant’s sake, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, to make known all these great things.
Yahweh, there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt?
For you made your people Israel your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God.
Now, Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, be established forever, and do as you have spoken.
Let your name be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel. The house of David your servant is established before you.’
For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you.
Now, Yahweh, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant.
Now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.”
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And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.
O LORD, for thy servant’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things.
O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God.
Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.
Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
For thou, O my God, hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house: therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before thee.
And now, LORD, thou art God, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.
Show all 3 translations
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Then David the king went in, and sat before the LORD; and he said: 'Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me thus far?
And this was a small thing in Thine eyes, O God; but Thou hast spoken of Thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me after the manner of a man of high degree, O LORD God.
What can David say yet more unto Thee concerning the honour which is done to Thy servant? for Thou knowest Thy servant.
O LORD, for Thy servant's sake, and according to Thine own heart, hast Thou wrought all this greatness, to make known all these great things.
O LORD, there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
And who is like Thy people Israel, a nation one in the earth, whom God went to redeem unto Himself for a people, to make Thee a name by great and tremendous things, in driving out nations from before Thy people, whom Thou didst redeem out of Egypt.
For Thy people Israel didst Thou make Thine own people for ever; and Thou, LORD, becamest their God.
And now, O LORD, let the word that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant, and concerning his house, be established for ever, and do as Thou hast spoken.
Yea, let it be established, and let Thy name be magnified for ever, that it may be said: The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel; and the house of David Thy servant shall be established before Thee.
For Thou, O my God, hast revealed to Thy servant that Thou wilt build him a house; therefore hath Thy servant taken heart to pray before Thee.
And now, O LORD, Thou alone art God, and hast promised this good thing unto Thy servant;
and now it hath pleased Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may continue for ever before Thee; for Thou, O LORD, hast blessed, and so let Thy servant be blessed for ever.'
Cross-references (126)
- 2 Samuel 7:18 (v16) Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, “Who am I, Lord Yahweh, and what is my house, that you have brought me…
- Psalms 119:49 (v23) Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
- Isaiah 44:6 (v20) This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there…
- Jeremiah 11:5 (v23) that I may establish the oath which I swore to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey,’ as it is today.” Then I…
- Ephesians 3:20 (vv17, 20) Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Show all 100 cross-references
- Genesis 32:10 (v16) I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my…
- Genesis 32:12 (v23) You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’ ”
- Exodus 15:11 (v20) Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
- 2 Samuel 7:25-29 (v23) Now, Yahweh God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, confirm it forever, and do as you have…
- Jeremiah 10:6-7 (v20) There is no one like you, Yahweh. You are great, and your name is great in might. Who shouldn’t fear you, King of the nations? For it…
- Luke 1:38 (v23) Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” The angel departed from her.
- Ephesians 3:8 (v16) To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
- Isaiah 63:12 (vv20–21) Who caused his glorious arm to be at Moses’ right hand? Who divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name?
- Exodus 19:5-6 (v22) Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all…
- Deuteronomy 3:24 (v20) “Lord Yahweh, you have begun to show your servant your greatness, and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or in earth that…
- Deuteronomy 4:39 (v20) Know therefore today, and take it to heart, that Yahweh himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath. There is no one else.
- Deuteronomy 33:26 (v20) “There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies.
- 1 Samuel 2:2 (v20) There is no one as holy as Yahweh, for there is no one besides you, nor is there any rock like our God.
- Psalms 78:3-4 (v20) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come…
- Psalms 86:8 (v20) There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.
- Psalms 89:6 (v20) For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the sons of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh,
- Psalms 89:8 (v20) Yahweh, God of Armies, who is a mighty one, like you? Yah, your faithfulness is around you.
- Psalms 144:3 (v16) Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him?
- Isaiah 37:35 (v19) ‘For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.’ ”
- Isaiah 43:10 (v20) “You are my witnesses,” says Yahweh, “With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he.…
- Isaiah 45:5 (v20) I am Yahweh, and there is no one else. Besides me, there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me,
- Isaiah 45:22 (v20) “Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
- Isaiah 49:6 (v17) Indeed, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of…
- Ephesians 1:3 (v27) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
- Philippians 2:8-11 (v17) And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also…
- Exodus 18:11 (v20) Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the way that they treated people arrogantly.”
- Deuteronomy 4:35 (v20) It was shown to you so that you might know that Yahweh is God. There is no one else besides him.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (v16) Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Yahweh helped us until now.”
- 1 Samuel 9:21 (v16) Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of…
- 1 Chronicles 17:7-8 (v17) “Now therefore, you shall tell my servant David, ‘Yahweh of Armies says, “I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, to be…
- 1 Chronicles 17:11-15 (v17) It will happen, when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your offspring after you, who…
- Psalms 44:1 (v20) We have heard with our ears, God; our fathers have told us what work you did in their days, in the days of old.
- Psalms 78:70-72 (v17) He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the…
- Psalms 89:19-37 (v17) Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people. I…
- Isaiah 40:18 (v20) To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to him?
- Isaiah 40:25 (v20) “To whom then will you liken me? Who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
- Isaiah 49:5-6 (v19) Now Yahweh, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, says to bring Jacob again to him, and to gather Israel to him, for I am…
- Ezekiel 20:9-10 (v21) But I worked for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, in whose sight I made…
- Romans 11:29 (v27) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
- Ephesians 1:9-11 (v19) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him to an administration of the fullness of…
- Titus 1:2 (v26) in hope of eternal life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before time began;
- Hebrews 6:18 (v26) that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to…
- 1 Peter 2:9 (v22) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of…
- Genesis 17:7 (v22) I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to…
- Genesis 48:15-16 (v16) He blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day,…
- Exodus 3:7-8 (v21) Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I…
- Exodus 19:4-6 (v21) ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will…
- Exodus 34:6-7 (v26) Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness…
- Deuteronomy 4:7 (v21) For what great nation is there that has a god so near to them as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him?
- Deuteronomy 4:32-34 (v21) For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and from the one end of the…
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (v21) When Yahweh your God brings you into the land where you go to possess it, and casts out many nations before you—the Hittite, the…
- Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (v22) For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who…
- Deuteronomy 15:15 (v21) You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today.
- Deuteronomy 26:18-19 (v22) Yahweh has declared today that you are a people for his own possession, as he has promised you, and that you should keep all his…
- Deuteronomy 33:26-29 (v21) “There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies. The eternal God is your…
- Joshua 10:42 (v21) Joshua took all these kings and their land at one time because Yahweh, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
- Joshua 21:43-45 (v21) So Yahweh gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers. They possessed it, and lived in it. Yahweh gave them rest…
- Joshua 24:11-12 (v21) “ ‘You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the…
- Judges 6:15 (v16) He said to him, “O Lord, how shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
- 1 Samuel 2:30 (v18) “Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father should walk before me forever.’ But…
- 1 Samuel 9:15 (v25) Now Yahweh had revealed to Samuel a day before Saul came, saying,
- 1 Samuel 12:22 (v22) For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (v18) But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man…
- 2 Samuel 7:19 (v17) This was yet a small thing in your eyes, Lord Yahweh; but you have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come; and this…
- 2 Samuel 7:20-24 (v18) What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Lord Yahweh. For your word’s sake, and according to your own heart, you have…
- 2 Samuel 7:21 (v19) For your word’s sake, and according to your own heart, you have worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it.
- 2 Samuel 12:8 (v17) I gave you your master’s house, and your master’s wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that would…
- 1 Kings 3:13 (v17) I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you for all…
- 2 Kings 3:18 (v17) This is an easy thing in Yahweh’s sight. He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.
- 2 Kings 19:14 (v16) Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to Yahweh’s house, and spread it before…
- 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (v19) Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is…
- 2 Chronicles 6:33 (v24) then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of…
- Nehemiah 9:10 (v21) and showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, and against all his servants, and against all the people of his land; for you knew that they…
- Psalms 10:17 (v25) Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear,
- Psalms 21:13 (v24) Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength, so we will sing and praise your power.
- Psalms 44:2-3 (v21) You drove out the nations with your hand, but you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, but you spread them abroad. For they didn’t get…
- Psalms 65:5 (v21) By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are…
- Psalms 66:3-7 (v21) Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you. All the earth will…
- Psalms 72:17 (v27) His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.
- Psalms 72:19 (v24) Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
- Psalms 77:15 (v21) You have redeemed your people with your arm, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
- Psalms 90:17 (v24) Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalms 107:2 (v21) Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the adversary,
- Psalms 111:3 (v19) His work is honor and majesty. His righteousness endures forever.
- Psalms 111:6 (v19) He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
- Psalms 111:9 (v21) He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awesome!
- Psalms 114:3-8 (v21) The sea saw it, and fled. The Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs. What was it, you sea,…
- Psalms 139:1 (v18) Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.
- Psalms 147:20 (v21) He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise Yah!
- Isaiah 42:1 (v19) “Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.
- Isaiah 48:9 (v21) For my name’s sake, I will defer my anger, and for my praise, I hold it back for you so that I don’t cut you off.
- Isaiah 49:3 (v19) He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
- Isaiah 63:9 (v21) In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them. He bore…
- Isaiah 64:3 (v21) When you did awesome things which we didn’t look for, you came down, and the mountains quaked at your presence.
- Jeremiah 31:1 (v24) “At that time,” says Yahweh, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”
100 distinct cross-references across this passage (126 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (15 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 19, 24, 25, 26 He went into the tent where the Ark was,…
He went into the tent where the Ark was, showing what we ought to do when we receive any benefits of the Lord.
Or, remained.
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Meaning to this kingly estate.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv16, 18, 25, 27 1Ch 17:16 And David the king came and sat…
1Ch 17:16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who [am] I, O LORD God, and what [is] mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
Ver. 16. And sat before the Lord.] Or, Abode before the Lord, as the Jewish doctors render it: who hold also that men ought to pray standing: for so, say they, do the holy angels.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 19, 24 Sat before the Lord; which may note either his…
Sat before the Lord; which may note either his gesture, or his continuance there till he had finished this following prayer.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v16 We have here David's solemn address to God, in…
We have here David's solemn address to God, in answer to the gracious message he had now received from him. By faith he receives the promises, embraces them, and is persuaded of them, as the patriarchs, Heb, Ch1 11:13. How humbly does he here abase himself, and acknowledge his own unworthiness! How highly does he advance the name of God and admire his condescending grace and favour! With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel and what a value has he for the Israel of God! With what assurance does he build upon the promise, and with what a lively faith does he put it in suit! What an example is this to us of humble, believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him! These things were largely observed, 2 Sa. 7. We shall therefore here observe only those few expressions in which the prayer, as we find it here, differs from the record of it there, and has something added to it.
I. That which is there expressed by way of question (Is this the manner of men, O Lord God?) is here an acknowledgment: "Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree. Thou hast made me a great man, and then treated me accordingly." God, by the covenant-relations into which he admits believers, the titles he gives them, the favours he bestows on them, and the preparations he has made for them, regards them according to the estate of men of high degree, though they are mean and vile. Having himself distinguished them, he treats them as persons of distinction, according to the quality he has been pleased to put upon them. Some give these words here another reading: "Thou hast looked upon me in the form of a man who art in the highest, the Lord God; or, Thou hast made me to see according to the form of a man the majesty of the Lord God." And so it points at the Messiah; for, as Abraham, so David, saw his day and was glad, saw it by faith, saw it in fashion as a man, the Word made flesh, and yet saw his glory as that of the only-begotten of the Father. And this was that which God spoke concerning his house for a great while to come, the foresight of which affected him more than any thing. And let it not be thought strange that David should speak so plainly of the two natures of Christ who in spirit called him Lord, though he knew he was to be his Son (Psa 110:1), and foresaw him lower than the angels for a little while, but afterwards crowned with glory and honour, Heb 2:6, Heb 2:7.
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II. After the words What can David say more unto thee, it is here added, for the honour of they servant? Ch1 17:18. Note, The honour God puts upon his servants, by taking them into covenant and communion with himself, is so great that they need not, they cannot, desire to be more highly honoured. Were they to sit down and wish, they could not speak more for their own honour than the word of God has spoken.
III. It is very observable that what in Samuel is said to be for thy word's sake is here said to be for thy servant's sake, Ch1 17:19. Jesus Christ is both the Word of God (Rev 19:13) and the servant of God (Isa 42:1), and it is for his sake, upon the score of his meditation, that the promises are both made and made good to all believers; it is in him that they are yea and amen. For his sake is all kindness done, for his sake it is made known; to him we owe all this greatness and from him we are to expect all these great things; they are the unsearchable riches of Christ, which, if by faith we see in themselves and see in the hand of the Lord Jesus, we cannot but magnify as great things, the only true greatness, and speak honourably of accordingly.
IV. In Samuel, the Lord of hosts is said to be the God over Israel; here he is said to be the God of Israel, even a God to Israel, Ch1 17:24. His being the God of Israel bespeaks his having the name of their God and so calling himself; his being a God to Israel bespeaks his answering to the name, his filling up the relation, and doing all that to them which might be expected from him. There were those that were called gods of such and such nations, gods of Assyria and Egypt, gods of Hamad and Arpad; but they were no gods to them, for they stood them in no stead at all, were mere ciphers, nothing but a name. But the God of Israel is a God to Israel; all his attributes and perfections redound to their real benefit and advantage. Happy therefore, thrice happy, is the people whose God is Jehovah; for he will be a God to them, a God all-sufficient.
V. The closing words in Samuel are, With thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed forever. That is the language of a holy desire. But the closing words here are the language of a most holy faith: For thou blessest, O Lord! and it shall be blessed for ever, Ch1 17:27. 1. He was encouraged to beg a blessing because God had intimated to him that he had blessings in store for him and his family: "Thou blessest, O Lord! and therefore unto thee shall all flesh come for a blessing; unto thee do I come for the blessing promised to me." Promises are intended to direct and excite prayer. Has God said, I will bless? Let our hearts answer, Lord, bless me, 2. He was earnest for the blessing because he believed that those whom God blesses are truly and eternally blessed: Thou blessest, and it shall be blessed. Men can but beg the blessing; it is God that commands it. What he designs he effects; what he promises he performs; saying and doing are not two things with him. Nay, it shall be blessed for ever. His blessings shall not be revoked, cannot be opposed, and the benefits conferred by them are such as will survive time and days. David's prayer concludes as God's promise did (Ch1 17:14) with that which is for ever. God's word looks at things eternal, and so should our desires and hopes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv16, 18, 19, 24, 27 Who am I, &c. - We have here David's…
Who am I, &c. - We have here David's solemn address to God, in answer to his gracious message. How humbly does he here abase himself, and acknowledge his own unworthiness! How highly does he advance the name of God, and admire his condescending favour? With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel: with what assurance build upon the promise! What an example is this of believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him!
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv16, 25, 27 Verse 16. And what is mine house, that thou…
Verse 16. And what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?] I am not of any regal family, and have no natural right to the throne.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv16, 18, 24, 27 1Ch 17:16. Who am I? &c. — We have…
1Ch 17:16. Who am I? &c. — We have here David’s solemn address to God, in answer to his gracious message. How humbly does he here abase himself, and acknowledge his own unworthiness! How highly does he advance the name of God, and admire his condescending favour! With what devout affections does he magnify the God of Israel: with what assurance build upon the promise! What an example this of believing, fervent prayer! The Lord enable us all thus to seek him!
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv17, 18, 24, 27 Hast regarded me ... - i. e., “Thou hast…
Hast regarded me ... - i. e., “Thou hast elevated me above other men, by making my kingdom perpetual, regarding me as if I were a man of high degree.” Compare the 2Sa 7:19 note.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv17, 18, 21, 27 Men. Who was ever more favoured by God than…
Men. Who was ever more favoured by God than David? Hebrew, "Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree." (Protestants) (Haydock)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v16 David the king . . . sat before the…
David the king . . . sat before the Lord, and said--(See on Sa2 7:18).
Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 18
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 16. And … came] R.V. Then … went in…
16. And … came] R.V. Then … went in (as Sam.), i.e. into the tent which he had pitched for the ark; 1Ch_16:1.
sat before the Lord] So LXX. and 2Sa_7:18. The Targ. rightly paraphrases, “and tarried in prayer before Jehovah.” The same use of the verb “sit” to imply continuance is found in the Creeds; in which it is said that Christ “sitteth” on the right hand of the Father.
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hitherto] R.V. thus far.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv16–27 (16) Sat before the Lord.—In the tent of the…
(16) Sat before the Lord.—In the tent of the Ark.
And said.—Comp. Psalms 18, title.
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Who am I.—The longer form of the pronoun I is used in Samuel (’anokhî; here ’anî).
O Lord God.—Heb., Jehovah Elohim. Samuel has “Adonai Jehovah,” which is more original. David addresses God as “my Lord, Jehovah;” just as in 1Ch_17:4; 1Ch_17:7, God speaks of David as “my servant.” (Comp. the frequent style of the Assyrian kings, who speak of their wars as undertaken in the service of the gods their lords.)
Mine house.—My family.
Hitherto.—To this pitch of greatness. With this and the next verse, compare David’s last words (2Sa_23:5).
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 Vers. 16-27. These verses contain David"s response to the…
Vers. 16-27. These verses contain David"s response to the gracious communication which had been made to him, and thanksgivings for the promise made to him as regards his seed. His appreciation of the contents of that promise is expressed in a manner which would seem to indicate that he was not altogether untaught, even then, by the Spirit of some of the deeper significance of the far-reaching promise.
Sat before the Lord; i.e. before the ark. It has surprised many that it should be said that David sat before the Lord, in the act of prayer or devotion. But this was not altogether unusual (1Ki_19:4) in the first place; and then, secondly, it is not quite clear that this is said. Possibly he sat awaiting first some such token as he might know how to construe into the presence of Jehovah, and into his gracious vouchsafing to give him audience, and thereupon he may have altered his attitude. Confessedly, however, the other is the morn natural reading.
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Humility.
This chapter is one of peculiar beauty, as exhibiting at once the gracious intentions of the Lord towards one of his servants, and the grateful response of that servant to the condescension and loving-kindness with which he was treated. The spirit of self-abnegation and humility breathing in the language of the text awakens our admiration, and calls for our imitation. We are reminded by these words of
I OUR UNWORTHINESS AND ILL DESERT. "Who am I that thou hast brought me hitherto?" It is an unwonted attitude for many minds. Men are so prone to regard their own fancied excellences, that language of humiliation and contrition is often suspected of insincerity. Yet, in the presence of him who is at once the perfectly holy and the Searcher of hearts, what more appropriate than prostration of soul and acknowledgment of sin?
II GOD"S GRACE AND KINDNESS TO THOSE WHO DEPEND UPON HIM. The Lord exalts the humble and meek. The king acknowledged not only his own utter unworthiness of the distinction accorded to him, but God"s infinite mercy and goodness in his treatment of his servant. "According to thine own heart hast thou done all this greatness." There are in Scripture many beautiful examples of God"s grace to the lowly in heart. Read the song of Hannah, and the Magnificat of Mary the mother of Jesus; and observe how the Lord is acknowledged as the great King who delights to have mercy upon the feeble who yet are faithful, and to put honour upon them, and reveal to them his love and mercy. In fact, revelation abounds with practical proofs of God"s purpose ever to reject the proud, and to favour and exalt the meek, the lowly, and the contrite. It is upon those who sincerely ask, "Who am I?" that the Lord of glory delights to confer the tokens of his approval and favour.
III THE SPECIAL FAVOUR SHOWN TO US BY GOD, WHO DEIGNS TO USE US IT HIS SERVICE ANY KINGDOM. Evidently David felt that the highest honour was put upon him in being allowed to serve Jehovah to be an instrument in his hands for the carrying out of Divine purposes. What dignity and happiness does it give to life, to know that we are commissioned and employed by the King of kings!
PRACTICAL LESSONS.
1. These considerations should enhance our conceptions of God"s gloryand grace. Let us recount his mercies, and acknowledge their Divine source.
2. They should induce us to consecrate afresh to Heaven the nature Heavenhas created, and the powers Heaven has conferred. T.
Vers. 16-18.
Our relation to God.
The attitude which David assumed and the words of devotion he uttered on this occasion are suggestive of the relation in which we stand to our Creator and Redeemer. We gather
I THAT WE CANNOT BE LED TO A BETTER STATE THAN A DEEP SENSE OF OUR NOTHINGNESS AND THE DIVINE GREATNESS. When Nathan had delivered his message David placed himself in the posture of deliberate reflection (ver. 16), and, thus seated, he became possessed of a profound sense of his own unworthiness. "Who am I, O Lord, and what is my house?" etc. (ver. 16). He soon passed on to cherish a deep feeling of God"s supremacy. "O Lord, there is none like thee," etc. (ver. 20). This is a most suitable end to any transaction between our God and ourselves. We are then arriving at the truth, reaching a place of spiritual safety, in an attitude that is most becoming, when we are impressed with our own nothingness and with the absolute greatness of our God and Saviour.
II THAT GOD NOT ONLY CALLS US TO SONSHIP, BUT TREATS US AS HIS CHILDREN. "Thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree" (ver. 17). This probably means that, in David"s thought, God had treated him as one who was most exalted, and who might on that ground look for the largest things. At any rate it was true if this be not the exact thought of the obscure passage that God was treating David in a way which corresponded with the exalted position to which he had called him. And this truth has its illustration in the Divine dealing with all his sons. In the gospel we are all called to be the sons of (Joh_1:12; 1Jn_3:2) And having reinstated us in this filial position, our heavenly Father treats us as the reconciled sons and daughters we have become.
1. He confides in us; not laying down a multitude of precepts in detail, butgiving us a few living principles to apply for ourselves.
2. He gives us constant access to his person; whensoever we will we may approach and address him.
3. He chastens rather than punishes us. (Heb_12:5-11)
III THAT GOD HAS CONFERRED ABOUNDING HONOUR ON US IN JESUS CHRIST. David felt that God had put so much honour on him that he did not know how he could ask for more (ver. 18). The utmost desires of his heart were fulfilled. And what more of honour and position could we have asked of God that he has not given us in the gospel of his grace? We are even said to be "kings and priests unto God". (Rev_1:6)
1. We are children of the heavenly Father: "noware we the sons of God.
2. We are heirs of God. (Rom_8:17)
3. We are the friends of Christ. (Joh_15:14, Joh_15:15)
4. We are fellow-labourers with the living God, "workers together with (1Co_3:9; 2Co_6:1; Act_15:4) What could we speak more for the honour of his servants? C.
Vers. 16-27.
David"s prayer.
God"s great and precious promises to David drew forth from his heart this prayer. It is so at all times. The constraining motive of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving is God"s great mercy and wondrous love contained in the "exceeding great and precious promises" to the soul. We see also David"s great humility: "Who am I, and what is mine house?" God"s grace always humbles. We see also how David exalts God another effect of God"s great and precious promises: "O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God to be compared with thee." And all this grace in God is "according to all that we have heard." Every experience of the believer at all times confirms the Divine testimony of God in his Word. He is ready to exclaim as he reads, "It is all true, all of it, and I have found it so." And this God is moreover "the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel and a God to Israel." He is not only the God of his people, but a God to them, to each one. He is all that his name means to each one of his family. And mark David"s closing words. "Let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever." This is the end for which we should ask any blessing that we ourselves may be before him, walk before him and live before him. "Walk before me and be thou perfect," was his word to Abraham of old, and still is to each one of his people; and it is only as God"s promises and God"s blessings lead to this that they can be real blessings. W.
The humbling influence of the Divine goodness.
Precisely the position and the attitude of David we cannot with certainty explain. The expression came indicates that he left his palace and crossed over within the tabernacle precincts. But we have no means of knowing whether he sat in the court facing the sacred tent, or whether he was permitted to go within the sacred curtains, and face the entrance to the holy of holies, where the ark was. It is possible that the king may have claimed priestly rights so far as to enter the holy place. His attitude is explained by some knowledge of Oriental customs. "One of the postures by which a person testifies his respect for a superior is by sitting upon his heels, which is considered as a token of great humility." The sitting was really half-sitting and half-kneeling, so as to rest the body upon the heels. The Talmudists say (but apparently only on the authority of this passage) that none may pray sitting except only the kings of the house of David. But we fix attention on the spirit in which David responded to the very gracious message which God sent to him, and in his spirit we find an example well worthy of our imitation. God"s goodness brought home to him a sense of his own unworthiness, and filled him with wonder that he should be made such a monument of mercy. The goodness of God humbles true hearts much more than does his frown. Its right work is to "lead us to repentance." The following points are suggested by this example:
I WITH GOD FAR OFF, MAN MAY GROW PROUD. He can then see nothing but his own doings.
II WITH GOD NEAR, MAN BOWS IN REVERENT AWE, as is seen in Abraham, Moses, Job, Isaiah, and St. John.
III GOD SPEAKING WORDS OF GRACE HUMBLES MAN INTO PENITENCE AND HUMILITY. Gifts are always humbling, because they awaken the sense of desert. So Divine gifts are ever most humbling.
R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv16, 17, 23 Who am I, O Lord God, and what is…
1Ch_17:16
Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that Thou hast brought me hitherto?
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The greatness of Divine favours
I. They infinitely surpass human desert.
II. They fill all times from remotest past to distant future.
III. They spring from sovereign mercy.
IV. They are beyond all human comprehension. (J. P. Lange.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv16, 19, 22, 25 he said
he said
"David said"
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Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this point?
David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. AT: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God." (See: Rhetorical Question)
this was a small thing
Something that is not important is described as being small. (See: Idiom)
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "in your judgment" (See: Metaphor)
your servant's family
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. AT: "my family" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)
for a great while to come
This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. AT: "and what will happen to them in the future" (See: Metaphor)
What more can I, David, say to you?
David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. AT: "There is nothing more I can say to you." (See: Rhetorical Question)
your servant
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. AT: "me" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)
You have honored your servant. You have given your servant special recognition
These two phrases have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)
You have given your servant special recognition
The abstract noun "recognition" can be translated using the verb "recognize." AT: "You have recognized your servant in a special way" (See: Abstract Nouns)
translationWords
Yahweh
God
family
servant
generation
honor
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.