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Book of 1 Chronicles - Chapter 17 - Verse 4

17:4
Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

Meaning

In this verse, the LORD is speaking to David, informing him that he is not to build a house for the LORD to dwell in. This message carries a significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. The LORD is emphasizing that He cannot be contained within a physical structure like a house, as He is omnipresent and transcends all boundaries. This verse serves as a reminder to David, and to all believers, that God's presence cannot be limited to a single location or structure. Additionally, it highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. Instead of focusing on building a physical house, David is encouraged to focus on spiritual matters and be a servant to the LORD. Through this verse, believers are reminded to prioritize their spiritual relationship with God over material accomplishments. It serves as a message of faith and trust, acknowledging that God's plans are greater than our own.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of 2 Samuel 7:5, it is important to consider the context in which this verse occurs. In this passage, the prophet Nathan is instructed by God to relay a message to King David. The message is that David is not the one who is meant to build a house for God to dwell in. This can be seen as a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and David, as it highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God's will. Despite David's desire to build a grand structure for the Lord, God's plan is ultimately different. This verse can serve as a reminder to believers that God's ways are higher than our own, and that we must trust in His guidance even when it goes against our own desires. Additionally, a word study on the phrase "my servant" in this verse reveals the significance of David's role as a chosen individual to carry out God's purposes. The term "servant" implies a deep level of commitment and obedience to God, emphasizing David's loyalty and devotion to the Lord.

American Standard Version

Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith Jehovah, Thou shalt not build me a house to dwell in:
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