King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:5 Mean?

“For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. have gone: Heb. have been”

Context

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another. have gone: Heb. have been

Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?

Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel: from following: Heb. from after

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Since the day that I brought up Israel** (“out of Egypt,” Samuel) **unto this day.**—The construction, as compared with Samuel, is simplified, and the sentence abbreviated. **But have gone** **. . .**—Literally, *and I became from tent to tent, and from dwelling.* This is clearly too brief for sense; some words must have fallen out, or the reading of Samuel may be original here. The phrase *“*and I became” almost demands a participle, and the one actually read in Samuel may be here disguised under the expression translated “from tent.” A slight further change (in the prepositions) will give the sense: “And I continued walking in a tent and in a dwelling.” Perhaps, however, the original text was, “and I walked from tent to tent, and from dwelling to dwelling;” alluding to the various sanctuaries anciently recognised, such as Bethel (Judges 20:18; Judges 20:26), Mizpeh (Judges 11:11; 1Samuel 10:17), and Shiloh. The word “dwelling” (*mishkān*) is a more general term than tent. It includes the sacred tent and its surrounding court.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 17:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.