David's Prayer: 1 Chronicles 17

1 Chronicles 17  •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 12
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1 Chronicles 17
We have but few comments to make on this chapter, in view of the account in 2 Sam. 7. Nevertheless, in this chapter we find fresh proof of the conscious modifications (additions or omissions) made in view of the object the Spirit of God proposes in this book. Before noting them, let us again remind ourselves that Chronicles presents God's counsels and promises with regard to the kingship established in the house of David, counsels and promises which will be fully accomplished in Christ, "for whatever promises of God there are, in Him is the yea, and in Him the amen, for glory to God by us" (2 Cor. 1:2020For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (2 Corinthians 1:20)).
As we have already noticed previously, the name of Jehovah is usually replaced in this chapter by that of God.
1 Chron. 17:1313I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: (1 Chronicles 17:13) is very remarkable. God says: "I will be his father, and he shall be my son," a passage which is cited in Heb. 1:55For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Hebrews 1:5) in reference to Christ and concerning God's counsels regarding His Anointed. This same passage in 2 Sam. 7:1414I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: (2 Samuel 7:14) applies to the fallible and responsible king: "I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the sons of men," etc. This is what happened to David himself in the book of Samuel, whereas Chronicles mentions neither his failure nor the prolonged chastisement, the "rod of men," which was its consequence.
In 1 Chron. 17:1414But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore. (1 Chronicles 17:14) it says: "And I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever." In 2 Sam. 7:1616And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. (2 Samuel 7:16) we read: "And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made firm forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever".
For the same reason we read (1 Chron. 17:18-1918What can David speak more to thee for the honor of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. 19O 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. (1 Chronicles 17:18‑19)): "What can David say more to thee for the glory of thy servant? thou indeed knowest thy servant. Jehovah, for thy servant's sake...hast thou done all this greatness," etc. This phrase "thy servant" carries our thoughts far beyond David, to the person of Christ. 2 Sam. 7:2121For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. (2 Samuel 7:21) is worded thus: "For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, to make thy servant know it."
And finally in 1 Chron. 17:2727Now 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. (1 Chronicles 17:27): "And now, let it please Thee to bless the house of Thy servant, that it may be before Thee forever, for thou, Jehovah, hast blessed it, and it shall be blessed forever"; whereas 2 Sam. 7:2929Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. (2 Samuel 7:29) says: "For thou, Lord Jehovah, hast spoken it; and with thy blessing shall the house of thy servant be blessed forever." The first of these passages refers to the unconditional promises made to Abraham (Gen. 12:22And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (Genesis 12:2)); the second expresses a desire that could not be realized by the posterity of David, the responsible king, as he himself says in his last words: "Although my house be not so before God." Nevertheless, trusting in the promises of grace, he immediately adds: "Yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in every way and sure; for this is all my salvation, and every desire, although He make it not to grow" (2 Sam. 23:55Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. (2 Samuel 23:5)). Recognizing the ruin of his house under the rule of responsibility, he goes back to the eternal covenant, to "the sure mercies of David," and this truth which is emphasized in Chronicles, in 2 Samuel sustains the king's heart when at the end of his career he must face the ruin of his house, the fruit of his own failure.