King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:6 Mean?

“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?”

Context

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

And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Wheresoever.**—*As long as* . . . Literally, *In all that* . . . **With **(in)** all Israel.**—Samuel, “in (among) all the sons of Israel.” (Comp. Leviticus 26:11-12; Deuteronomy 23:15.) **The judges of Israel.**—Samuel has “tribes.” The term “judges” would be more intelligible in later times, and has probably been substituted for the more difficult original expression. The following clause seems to refer to individual rulers, but is not really incompatible with a reference to the ascendency or hegemony of different tribes at different epochs of Israelite history. (Comp. Genesis 49:10; 1Chronicles 28:4; Psalm 78:67-68.) The word “tribe” (*shēbet*) might only denote *clan,* or *house,* as in Judges 20:12 (Heb.). **To feed.**—*Shepherd,* or *tend—i.e.,* to govern. (Comp. Psalm 78:71.)

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 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.