In 1 Chronicles 17, we learn so much about the prophecy of the coming temple in Jerusalem and it being built up for God. It was the prophet Nathan who came to David and talked about the coming temple, and more importantly God’s kingdom on earth. Where the kingdom would begin with the building of the temple, which the Father would establish forevermore. This is amazing and for this reason, we must read it together. 1“I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning, and since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the Lord will build thee an house. And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I 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: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.” (1 Chronicles 17:9-14) So before David’s life was over, Solomon, David’s son would be called to build the temple. Jesus, who is the lineage of David, and his seed, would then come forth from this kingdom.
It was after Nathan, the prophet, told David all this that he began to pray. And because David’s prayer is so beautiful, let’s read it together also. 1“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.” (1 Chronicles 17:16-22) Surely, what God wants to do for us, is not comparable to anything else in this life. There is nothing like our God and anything that comes before Him is idolatry in his sight. We can do so much for God’s kingdom when we become His willing servant.
His prayer ends with him saying, 1“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.” (1 Chronicles 17:23-27) Amen. David’s prayer to God was so sincere and said with much humility. He didn’t call himself a king, but a servant to God instead. He didn’t wish to be magnified, but to magnify the Lord. He understood that everything good comes from God and blessed Him. In his prayer, it was his wish to bless the kingdom of God, that it may be blessed forevermore. I love how he came and sat before the Lord. God was not distant, but always near him at all times. This is why David could hear God and respond to His desires. This is a man after God’s own heart. It is my prayer that you will also seek the Lord often throughout the day, through reading the Bible, and prayer. Then, go forth and listen and obey what the Lord would do you for your life.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I come to You now and sit at Your feet. May Your presence come into my life and speak to the inner parts of my soul. Help me to sit down awhile and take in everything that You would wish to counsel me in. I do not wish to be defiant or do my own things any longer, but be Your willing servant. You are what I need in my life, Lord, and the joy that You have to offer me is what is the most fulfilling. I don’t need the luxuries of this world to find happiness, for doing Your will is what makes me the happiest person alive. You are so great in the heavens and earth, and I am so blessed to have You my life. I am amazed that the God of Abraham wants to be a part of my life. There is no one like Your kingdom, for You, my King is great and should be honored and praised, over all people on the earth and heavens above. May Your Name be lifted up high. Whatever You have for my life, be it unto me according to Your will. I am so much better off when I trust in You, and not my own desires. Even my beliefs have meaning when they are built upon Your Words in the Bible and on prayer. What You have spoken is all I need to find peace and direction in this life and the next. Thank You for coming down, Jesus, and redeeming Your people, and even Your adopted children from our sins. We may not be Jewish or be of the Israelite seed but are blessed to know that You died for our sins on the cross. This is the greatest sacrifice for mankind, and I am grateful to be forgiven of my sins. I have freedom from sin, because of what You have done. Your mercy endures forever, and I am so grateful it is for me. I love You, Lord. All the praise and glory to Your Name. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.