16 King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: 17 But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow and looked on me, Master God, as a Somebody. 18 What's left for David to say to this - to your honoring your servant, even though you know me, just as I am? 19 O God, out of the goodness of your heart, you've taken your servant to do this great thing and put your great work on display. 20 There's none like you, God, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears. 21 And who is like your people, like Israel, a nation unique on earth, whom God set out to redeem as his own people (and became most famous for it), performing great and fearsome acts, throwing out nations and their gods left and right as you saved your people from Egypt? 22 You established for yourself a people - your very own Israel! - your people forever. And you, God, became their God. 23 So now, great God, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it forever! Do exactly what you've promised! 24 Then your reputation will be confirmed and flourish always as people exclaim, "The God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God over Israel, is Israel's God!" And the house of your servant David will remain rock solid under your watchful presence. 25 You, my God, have told me plainly, "I will build you a house." That's how I was able to find the courage to pray this prayer to you. 26 God, being the God you are, you have spoken all these wonderful words to me. 27 As if that weren't enough, you've blessed my family so that it will continue in your presence always. Because you have blessed it, God, it's really blessed - blessed for good!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:16-27
Chapter Contents
David's purposes; God's gracious promises.
This chapter is the same as Isaiah 42:1; and it is for his sake, upon account of his mediation, that the promises are made good to all believers; it is in him, that they are yea and amen. For His sake it is done, for his sake it is made known; to him we owe all this greatness, 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 Lord Jesus, we cannot but magnify as the only true greatness, and speak honourably of them. For this blessedness may we look amidst the trials of life, and when we feel the hand of death upon us; and seek it for our children after us.