King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:7 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **I took thee from the sheepcote . . .**—Comp. Psalm 78:70-72. The pronoun is emphatic: “I it was who took thee from the pasture.” **From following.**—Heb., *from behind.* Samuel has the older form of this preposition. **That thou shouldest** **be*.****—That thou mightest become.* **Ruler.**—*Nāgîd* (1Chronicles 9:11; 1Chronicles 9:20). (Comp. 1Chronicles 11:2.)

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 17:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.