King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 17:20 Mean?
“O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
1 Chronicles 17:20 · KJV
Context
18
What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant.
19
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. great: Heb. greatnesses
20
O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
21
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?
22
For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, LORD, becamest their God.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Davidic Covenant - God's promise of eternal dynasty. The Hebrew term עוֹלָם (olam) - everlasting/eternal is theologically significant here, pointing to God's unconditional covenant promises. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.
Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.
Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's unconditional covenant promises. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Jesus as eternal Son of David.
Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.
Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's unconditional covenant promises. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Jesus as eternal Son of David.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.
The historical setting of Davidic Covenant - God's promise of eternal dynasty occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.
Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.
The historical setting of Davidic Covenant - God's promise of eternal dynasty occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.
Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse's emphasis on God's unconditional covenant promises challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
- What does Jesus as eternal Son of David teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
- In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsאֱלֹהִ֖ים5 of 10
“there is none like thee neither is there any God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּכֹ֥ל7 of 10
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר8 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ9 of 10
“thee according to all that we have heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃10 of 10
“with our ears”
H241broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 17:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Chronicles 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge