1Chr 17

David who is known to us as a “man after God’s heart” had a dream to build God’s house – a temple worthy of the God he loved and served. Nathan the prophet initially says “yes of course that is a good idea, but God speaks to Nathan to forbid David from building it. Later in 1 Chr 22:8 we are told why – because he was a man of war; “You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.” The temple was to be built by a man of peace not war – because it was intended to be a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7). It would be built under Solomon. David would start stockpiling the materials again in ch22 – he was not called to build it but he could lay the spiritual foundations for it by raising a son who loves God. David’s ceiling (to mix the building metaphors again!) would be Solomon’s floor.

It’s instructive for us that this shattered dream did not lead to disappointment or offence as God. Sometime’s we get to cheer others on to great exploits, paying a part in raising them up, training and sending them on rather than winning the battle ourselves.

God then reminds David of how much he has changed. Verse 7 “I took you from the pasture and made you a king.” When we are in difficulty, disappointment, delay and even lockdown, it’s good to remember what God has done. And then what He will still do v11 and 12 – a kingdom and throne forever.

David continues to show his maturity with how he responds, “Who am I?” v16. He has remembered how far God has brought him. He knows he is a servant and that God has done great things and then in v18 “what more can I say?”.

Chuck Smith comments “David one of the most articulate men in history, smitten speechless by the grace of God.” Isn’t God good? Hasn’t He done amazing things?

Why not make a list of the things God has done in your life since he rescued you from our sin and rejoice!

Andy Moyle