Year 9, Day 289: 1 Chronicles 17

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Today, David learns that he will not be the one to build a temple for the Lord.  God does not want him to build the temple.  What’s interesting in this chapter is that we are not told why David isn’t to build the temple.  We are given clues in a couple of chapters, but we are not told here.  If you are curious, the later testimony indicates that David’s past is too violent for God to want him to build the temple for Him.

Of course, this is true.  God’s Word is not wrong.  For a closer look at what is going on, read through what God says.  There is more to this passage than meets the eye.

First, notice that God corrects David’s desire by saying that He has never asked for a house.  He has never lived in a house built by human hands because the universe is His dwelling!  What need does God have for a dwelling?  The whole creation is His!  David’s desire for God to have a home is just that: David’s desire.  David wants God to have a home in Jerusalem so that people will know where God dwells.  God Himself doesn’t need a home.  Neither does He need people to build Him an adequate home.

In fact, God tells David that He will build David a house instead.  God is the one who makes people great.  God is the one who gives us dwelling.  He is the one who meets our needs, not the other way around.  David’s desire isn’t wrong per se, but it does show that his thoughts are misguided.

Furthermore, David tells Him that David’s son will build a temple.  God also tells David that He will be a father to David’s son and David’s son will be a son to Him.  While this could be a slight to David’s parenting technique and his many wives, I think this is honestly just a confirmation that God will be with his offspring.  God is David’s God, He will be the God of his offspring, too.

In summary, this chapter is all about who I provider and who is the recipient.  God is the provider.  He doesn’t need us to provide for Him.  He is happy to accept our gifts, our praise, and our offerings.  He doesn’t need them, however.  He is capable of helping Himself just fine.  He is our provider.

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