1 Chronicles 17 24

1 Chronicles 17:24 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 17:24 nkjv

So let it be established, that Your name may be magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God.' And let the house of Your servant David be established before You.

1 Chronicles 17:24 niv

so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, 'The LORD Almighty, the God over Israel, is Israel's God!' And the house of your servant David will be established before you.

1 Chronicles 17:24 esv

and your name will be established and magnified forever, saying, 'The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God,' and the house of your servant David will be established before you.

1 Chronicles 17:24 nlt

And may your name be established and honored forever so that everyone will say, 'The LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, is Israel's God!' And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.

1 Chronicles 17 verses

1 Chronicles 17 24 Meaning

1 Chronicles 17:24 is a segment of King David's prayer of thanksgiving, directly responding to God's covenant promise through the prophet Nathan. It expresses David's fervent desire and affirmation that God's name and reign be eternally glorified through the fulfillment of His promise to establish the house of David. The verse acknowledges God's unique identity as the sovereign "Lord of hosts," the covenant "God of Israel," and a personal "God to Israel," believing that the stability of David's kingdom serves as a testament to God's ultimate power and faithfulness, ensuring His magnification forever.

1 Chronicles 17 24 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 17 recounts God's profound covenant promise to King David, delivered through the prophet Nathan. David had expressed a desire to build a "house" (temple) for God. However, God responds by saying that He, not David, will build a "house" (dynasty/kingdom) for David, promising him an enduring line, an eternal throne, and that his son (Solomon, but ultimately Christ) would build the temple. Verse 24 is part of David's humble and awe-filled prayer of response, following the detailed outline of God's magnificent covenant. The historical context is early monarchic Israel, a period of consolidation under David's strong leadership. Culturally, it underscores the Israelite belief in God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty over kings and nations, contrasting sharply with pagan conceptions of gods dependent on human acts or residing solely in temples. This prayer elevates YHWH's reputation and name, a subtle polemic against the numerous local deities of Canaan.

1 Chronicles 17 24 Word analysis

• And let it even be established: (וְיֵאָמֵ֗ן - ve·ye'a·men from root 'aman) - This goes beyond mere desire; it's a declaration of faith that God's word is firm and reliable. It implies permanence and trustworthiness, echoing God's own attribute of faithfulness (Amen). This divine establishment ensures stability.
• and Thy name magnified for ever: (וְיִגְדַּ֥ל שִׁמְךָ֙ עַד־עוֹלָ֔ם - ve·yiḡ·dal shim·ḵā ʿaḏ-ʿō·w·lām) -
  • magnified (יִגְדַּל - yiḡ·dal from gadol): To become great, illustrious, highly esteemed. David desires God's name, representing His character, power, and authority, to be openly acknowledged and honored eternally.
  • Thy name: God's name (שֵׁם - shem) represents His revealed character, attributes, and presence. Magnifying His name is recognizing and exalting who He is.
  • for ever (עַד־עוֹלָם - ʿaḏ-ʿō·w·lām): Forever, to eternity. This speaks to the absolute and enduring nature of God's glory and covenant.
• saying: (לֵאמֹ֑ר - le·'mor) - Introduces the content of what should be proclaimed, not merely an internal thought but an external confession.
• The Lord of hosts: (יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת - YHWH Tzeva'ot) -
  • YHWH: The covenant name of God, revealing His self-existence and active presence.
  • Tzeva'ot (צְבָאוֹת): Means "armies" or "hosts." This title emphasizes God's supreme power, His command over heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces (nations, creation). It speaks to His irresistible might and sovereignty as the Universal Commander. It underscores His capacity to fulfill the promise.
• is the God of Israel: (הוּא הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל - hu ha·'elohim l'yisra'el) - Affirms God's unique covenant relationship with Israel, His chosen people. He is not merely a god, but the God who specially cares for, owns, and works on behalf of Israel.
• even a God to Israel: (וְלֹהִים לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל - v'lohim l'yisrael) - This phrasing reiterates and emphasizes the previous statement. It personalizes the relationship, confirming His active, protective, and providing role for Israel. It conveys intimacy and a possessive, protecting care.
• and let the house of David thy servant be established before Thee. (וּבֵית֩ דָּוִ֨יד עַבְדְּךָ֥ יִהְיֶֽה־נָּכֹ֖ון לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃ - u·veit dā·wīḏ ʿav·de·ḵā yih·yeh nā·ḵō·wn lə·fā·ne·ḵā) -
  • house of David: Refers to his dynasty, his royal lineage, his posterity, and kingdom.
  • thy servant: David humbles himself, recognizing his position relative to God.
  • be established: (נָכֹון - nā·ḵō·wn) Similar to the opening "established," it signifies permanence, certainty, and divine confirmation.
  • before Thee: Indicates that this establishment is by God's decree, under His watchful eye, and dependent on His presence and power. It also suggests that this enduring kingdom would perpetually serve His divine purposes.

Words-group analysis:

• "And let it even be established, and Thy name magnified for ever": David connects the divine establishment of his "house" directly to the eternal glory of God's name. The stability of David's throne is seen as a means to a greater end: the universal and perpetual exaltation of YHWH. This shows that David's ultimate concern is God's honor, not his own.
• "The Lord of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel": This powerful confession anchors the entire prayer. "Lord of hosts" speaks of God's universal omnipotence, while "God of Israel" speaks of His particular covenant relationship. The repetition and slight variation emphasize God's unwavering and intimate commitment to His people, securing His unique identity amidst other deities claimed by surrounding nations. This is a clear theological statement of YHWH's distinctiveness.
• "and let the house of David thy servant be established before Thee": This re-emphasizes David's central request in light of God's promise. It shows David’s understanding that his dynasty's continuity is solely due to God's initiative and ongoing preservation. The "before Thee" signifies divine approval and oversight.

1 Chronicles 17 24 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on "established" (nā·ḵō·wn) underscores the theological theme of divine stability versus human ephemerality. God is the one who establishes, confirms, and makes firm. This promise given to David extends beyond human kingship, finding its ultimate, unbreakable establishment in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the Messiah from David's line, through whom God's name truly receives ultimate magnification throughout creation. This perspective transforms David's humble prayer into a prophetic anticipation of the kingdom that will never end.

1 Chronicles 17 24 Commentary

1 Chronicles 17:24 reveals David's profound theological insight and his heart surrendered to God's purposes. He prays that God's name, representing His majestic character and supreme authority, would be eternally magnified through the very covenant promise God has made regarding his dynasty. The establishment of David's house is not seen as an end in itself, but as a perpetual billboard for the glory of YHWH, the "Lord of hosts." This title proclaims God's unrivaled power and dominion over all creation and all armies, demonstrating His absolute ability to bring about His promises. Furthermore, identifying YHWH as "the God of Israel, even a God to Israel" underscores the unique, covenantal intimacy and faithfulness that God has with His chosen people, distinct from all other false deities. The longevity of David's line, culminating in Christ, indeed stands as an enduring testimony to God's faithfulness and His sovereign rule, proclaiming His name's greatness to all generations. The practical usage is a model of prayer that subordinates personal blessing to the greater goal of God's glory; it encourages believers to pray not just for God to keep His promises but that His keeping of those promises will bring Him deserved honor and recognition.