Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

17:1-27 The larger section (13:1–17:27) concludes with Nathan’s prophecy about David and David’s prayer of thanks.

17:1-15 David wanted to build a home for the Ark that would equal his own palace, but the Lord designated David’s heir, Solomon (ch 22), to build the Temple. Jerusalem was to be the single place of worship for all Israel.

Verse 10

17:10-14 David had resolved to build a house for the Lord—the Temple. Instead, the Lord would build a house for David—a dynasty of kings. Establishing David’s eternal dynasty was the central part of God’s plan to establish his rule on earth.

Verse 12

17:12 The construction of the Temple was a central aspect of God’s kingdom on earth. Solomon later built the Temple (2 Chr 2–7) and fulfilled this promise.

Verse 13

17:13 The Chronicler made this declaration about Solomon in particular (see 22:9; 28:5-6; cp. 2 Sam 7:14).

Verse 14

17:14 In the parallel at 2 Sam 7:16, God promises to establish David’s house, kingdom, and throne, whereas here it is Solomon’s. While the books of Samuel and Kings cast David as Israel’s ideal king, the Chronicler views Solomon as David’s equal. David made all the preparations for building the Temple, but God designated Solomon as the Temple builder. The promise to Israel was secured in the combined reigns of David and Solomon.