2 Chronicles 4

2 Chronicles 4:1

What God Is for David

David’s holy desire to build a house for the glory of God is the opportunity for God to tell of what He has done to David (1 Chronicles 17:7-8) and what He will do to him (1 Chronicles 17:9-14). 1 Chronicles 17:9 will be fully realized in the kingdom of peace. In this verse and the following verses, we see a reference to the Messiah. 1 Chronicles 17:10 is elaborated in 1 Chronicles 18-20, as a premonition of the judgments that precede the kingdom of peace.

God does not mention a particular son, but He speaks in a general sense of one “of your sons” (1 Chronicles 17:11). That fits in this Bible book. One “of your sons” refers to the Messiah and not Solomon as the physical son. It is about the Lord Jesus, the Son of God (Psalms 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5; Acts 13:33), for Whom God will be a Father and Who will be His Son (1 Chronicles 17:13; 1 Chronicles 22:10; 1 Chronicles 28:6).

The Son will build a house for the LORD. The reign and kingship of the Son shall be “without end” (1 Chronicles 17:12b; 1 Chronicles 17:14; Luke 1:32-33; Daniel 2:44). It is also clearly said that the kingdom of the Son is the kingdom of the LORD: “My kingdom”.

As a faithful envoy, withholding nothing from the whole purpose of God, Nathan conveys to David all the words of the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:15). He is as faithful in this as Paul is later, who says to the elders of Ephesus: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27).

2 Chronicles 4:2

What God Is for David

David’s holy desire to build a house for the glory of God is the opportunity for God to tell of what He has done to David (1 Chronicles 17:7-8) and what He will do to him (1 Chronicles 17:9-14). 1 Chronicles 17:9 will be fully realized in the kingdom of peace. In this verse and the following verses, we see a reference to the Messiah. 1 Chronicles 17:10 is elaborated in 1 Chronicles 18-20, as a premonition of the judgments that precede the kingdom of peace.

God does not mention a particular son, but He speaks in a general sense of one “of your sons” (1 Chronicles 17:11). That fits in this Bible book. One “of your sons” refers to the Messiah and not Solomon as the physical son. It is about the Lord Jesus, the Son of God (Psalms 2:7; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5; Acts 13:33), for Whom God will be a Father and Who will be His Son (1 Chronicles 17:13; 1 Chronicles 22:10; 1 Chronicles 28:6).

The Son will build a house for the LORD. The reign and kingship of the Son shall be “without end” (1 Chronicles 17:12b; 1 Chronicles 17:14; Luke 1:32-33; Daniel 2:44). It is also clearly said that the kingdom of the Son is the kingdom of the LORD: “My kingdom”.

As a faithful envoy, withholding nothing from the whole purpose of God, Nathan conveys to David all the words of the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:15). He is as faithful in this as Paul is later, who says to the elders of Ephesus: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27).

2 Chronicles 4:3

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:4

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:5

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:6

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:7

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:8

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:9

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:10

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:11

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:12

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:13

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:14

The Prayer of Thanksgiving of David

We read, as a rarity, that someone sits before the LORD (1 Chronicles 17:16). The more common postures are that someone throws himself before the LORD, kneels or stands up respectfully. Here with David we see that he confidentially “sat”, which means that he sits down with the LORD. It is a beautiful example of a confidential relationship with the LORD, in which he takes into account the greatest respect at the same time. He wants to speak to the LORD about what he has heard from Him and what has been promised by Him.

When David speaks, he is no longer talking about his wish that is not fulfilled. He is not sad or depressed now that the LORD does not allow him to do what he wishes to do. Instead of discouragement there is great gratitude with him. He flows over with joy for what the LORD promised him concerning his descendancy, what He will give him, him and his house. Later, we see that he does what is in his power to collect what is necessary for the temple which not he, but his son Solomon may build.

This is an example for us. With the means that the Lord has given us, we can cooperate in a work we would have liked to have done ourselves, but for which the Lord has appointed someone else. We come to this when we see how much we ourselves have been gifted by the Lord. This is the first thing we find with David.

In the presence of the LORD, David’s first remark about himself is: “Who am I?”, and about his house he says: “What is my house?” He is deeply impressed by the grace that has been bestowed upon him and his home. That leads him to speak about his own smallness. This is the appropriate sense of received grace that should also characterize us in our dealings with the Lord.

He also shows his faith and trust. David acknowledges in his prayer of thanks what the LORD said earlier that it is about the future, about the coming of “a man of high degree”, that is the great Son of David (1 Chronicles 17:17; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In Him, that is in Christ, a row of people in an ascending line will culminate in the distant future. David is already king and his descendancy is already chosen, but that doesn’t make him proud, for everything is the consequence of God’s blessing. He is of humble descent and has been led to great heights by God. David’s feeling is the feeling that Mary is singing about when she is told she will become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-49).

David speaks to the LORD about “David” (1 Chronicles 17:18) and not about “King David”, for earthly glory is forgotten in the presence of the LORD. David is not speechless, but he also cannot add anything to the benefits that are being done to him. He knows that he is the object of the love and grace of the LORD. This he is, not because of who he is in himself, but because it is in the heart of the LORD Himself (1 Chronicles 17:19) to bless His servant David. He also wanted to make this known to him. These are indeed “great things”.

The Lord loves to hear from us as well, wherein we value His blessings. We may say prayers expressing our needs, but it is also beautiful to tell Him our appreciation of His blessings and promises.

Then follows a confession of the uniqueness of God (1 Chronicles 17:20). That He is a unique God, He has proved in the redemption of His people (1 Chronicles 17:21). Directly linked to the uniqueness of God is the uniqueness of God’s people (1 Chronicles 17:22). God and His people belong together. The people owe their uniqueness to Who God is as the unique God. God has chosen that people as His property. He has done that to make Himself through them a Name on earth. His people are His honor because He has given them His honor.

God wants us to pray to Him for what He has promised (1 Chronicles 17:23). In Luke 1 the continuation of this prayer comes as a first fulfilment: “The Lord God will give Him [i.e. the Lord Jesus] the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

The content of David’s prayer is of high order. He addresses the LORD in expectation of his hearing: “Let the word … be established forever, and do” (1 Chronicles 17:23); “let Your name be established and magnified … and the house of David Your servant is established” (1 Chronicles 17:24). The promises for the future are the ground for his prayer (1 Chronicles 17:25). God loves that His unquestionable promises are accepted by His own, without any restraint. If His promises are accepted as certain by a faithful heart, this will be reflected in the gratitude that is brought to Him.

Because the LORD is God and He has promised this good thing (1 Chronicles 17:26), David trusts that his prayer will be heard. He expresses the certainty of the hearing. He says that the LORD has blessed his house, and that it will therefore be blessed forever (1 Chronicles 17:27). There is no better basis for our prayers than the promises God has given in His Word. That gives the certainty of the hearing. The time of the hearing is God’s matter.

2 Chronicles 4:16

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:17

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:18

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:19

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:20

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:21

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).

2 Chronicles 4:22

Introduction

In the previous chapter we are in the sanctuary. In the chapter we have before us now, we find ourselves in the battle outside the sanctuary. When David has been with God in the sanctuary, he comes out strengthened and can gain victories over the enemies. David spreads to all sides the glory of Israel and of his reign. In this, He is an example of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes out of the sanctuary, He will subdue and judge all His enemies and establish His kingdom on all the earth.

The contents of this chapter can also be found in 2 Samuel 8. Following the events described in this chapter, David wrote Psalms 60 (Psalms 60:1-2).

The record of David’s victories must have been a great encouragement for the returned exiles. They too have to deal with all kinds of adversaries. They return from exile in a land that has remained untended for seventy years.

David owes his victories not to himself, but to God. It is to that God that the heart of the remnant is directed above all. Whom He has been for David He is also for them. For them and for us, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Victories of David

David successively conquers the Philistines in the west (1 Chronicles 18:1), the Moabites in the east (1 Chronicles 18:2), the king of Zoba and the Arameans, or Syrians, in the north (1 Chronicles 18:3-11) and the Edomites in the south (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). He is successful because the LORD is with him (1 Chronicles 18:6; 13), for the LORD is always with the one who is with Him.

This does not mean that the victories are just handed over to David. He really has to fight hard for it. To wage these wars he also had a hard training school during the time he was on the run from Saul. The Lord also gives us victory, but He does so only if we are fully committed to Him.

By defeating the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1) David subdues an enemy who has been a plague to Israel for many years, already from the time of the judges. They even distressed Saul so much that he committed suicide and they killed his sons (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The Philistines have also conquered cities of Israel and started to live there themselves (1 Chronicles 10:7). David breaks their power. By taking Gath and its towns out of the power of the Philistines, he now conquers cities instead of the other way around. Later on, the killing of some of the remaining giants is reported (1 Chronicles 20:4-8).

David also defeats the Moabites (1 Chronicles 18:2). Just like about defeating the Philistines, the chronicler is brief about that. He devotes only one verse to it, as well as to the defeat of the Philistines. The result is that the Moabites serve David and have to bring him tribute. In so doing David continues to exercise his power over them, thereby averting the danger that apart from him they again will develop into a dangerous power.

The moment Hadadezer, the king of Zoba, wants to establish his power, David defeats him (1 Chronicles 18:3). He makes the enemies prisoners, and he makes the means on which they have trusted, powerless (1 Chronicles 18:4). If the enemies unite to fight together against David, this unification is only like the gathering of “sheaves to the threshing floor” (1 Chronicles 18:5; Micah 4:11-12). David doesn’t have to fight against all these realms separately, but can defeat them in one war.

The rich booty of bronze from this battle will be used for the construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 18:8). “King David” – David twice emphatically is called king (1 Chronicles 18:10-11) – sanctifies for the LORD both what he has received in gifts and what he has conquered in booty, to be used for the construction and decoration of the temple.

By defeating Hadadezer David gives reason for joy to Tou the king of Hamath (1 Chronicles 18:9-11). Defeating enemies has therefore a richer effect than just personal joy. Just as failure has evil consequences for others (1 Chronicles 13:6-10), so a victory in the power of God has good effect for others. It is wise of Tou to thank David for that. It is an example for us to make sure we become friends with those of whom we see that God is with them.

The literal enemies of David and Israel represent spiritual enemies for us. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It is good to realize that in ourselves there is no strength to overcome any enemy. Just as there are various enemies of David, so sin, using the evil powers in the heavenly realms, has many manifestations, such as jealousy and pride.

All these manifestations are enemies who want to influence our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God is given to us for this (Ephesians 6:13-18). If we have put it on, without forgetting one part, we will remain standing.

David also puts “garrisons” in two hostile territories. He does so in Aram, or Syria (1 Chronicles 18:6), and in Edom (1 Chronicles 18:13). This teaches us that once an enemy has been defeated, it must be kept down. A defeated enemy must not be given the chance to get up again.

We can also see these two enemies in a different way. Syria represents an enemy who wants to take away the blessings of the land, he comes to take them from us. In practice, this means that, for example, we cannot enjoy the Lord’s things through all kinds of pressure. Edom, that is Esau, is known for not being interested in the blessing of the land at all. It is the indifference to the things of God that can also bother us. Edom represents the flesh that is only interested in here-and-now (Genesis 25:29-34). It must be held in subjection, for on the cross God “condemned sin in the flesh” (Romans 8:3).