1 Chronicles 17:13

I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor.

Study Bible

I will be his father
This phrase establishes a profound relationship between God and the future king, Solomon, as well as a typological foreshadowing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "father" is "אָב" (av), which signifies not only a biological relationship but also a role of protector, provider, and guide. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a father was seen as the head of the family, responsible for the well-being and direction of his children. This divine promise indicates God's commitment to Solomon, ensuring divine guidance and support. It also reflects the covenantal relationship God desires with His people, where He assumes the role of a loving and caring Father.

and he will be My son
The term "son" in Hebrew is "בֵּן" (ben), which implies not just a biological offspring but also an heir and a representative of the father's legacy. In the Davidic covenant, this sonship is not merely about lineage but about a special relationship with God, marked by favor and responsibility. This phrase points to Solomon's role as a king who is to embody the values and laws of God, serving as a representative of divine authority on earth. Furthermore, this sonship is a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, fulfilling the ultimate promise of a king who reigns with justice and righteousness.

I will never remove My loving devotion from him
The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy." It denotes a loyal, covenantal love that is enduring and faithful. God's promise here is one of unwavering commitment, a pledge that His love and favor will remain with Solomon despite human failings. This assurance of divine chesed is central to the understanding of God's character throughout the Bible, emphasizing His faithfulness and grace. It serves as a reminder to believers of the unchanging nature of God's love, which is not dependent on human actions but on His covenantal promises.

as I removed it from your predecessor
This phrase refers to King Saul, whose reign was marked by disobedience and eventual rejection by God. The removal of divine favor from Saul serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's commands. The historical context here highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's will. Saul's failure contrasts with the promise given to David and his descendants, underscoring the conditional nature of God's blessings based on covenantal faithfulness. For contemporary believers, this serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes to remain in His favor.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel to whom God is speaking through the prophet Nathan. David desires to build a temple for God, but God instead promises to establish David's lineage.

2. Nathan
The prophet who delivers God's message to David. Nathan plays a crucial role in communicating God's covenant with David.

3. Solomon
David's son, who is the immediate fulfillment of this promise. Solomon will build the temple and be established as king.

4. God's Covenant with David
This event marks the establishment of the Davidic Covenant, where God promises to establish David's throne forever.

5. Saul
David's predecessor, from whom God removed His favor due to disobedience.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God's promise to David highlights His unwavering faithfulness. Despite human failures, God's covenant remains steadfast.

Father-Son Relationship
The language of "father" and "son" signifies a deep, personal relationship. This foreshadows the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Unconditional Love
God's "loving devotion" (Hebrew: "chesed") is a steadfast, covenantal love that does not waver, unlike His relationship with Saul.

Legacy and Obedience
David's desire to build a temple is redirected by God, showing that obedience to God's plan is more important than personal ambition.

Christ as Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, establishing an eternal kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's promise to David in 1 Chronicles 17:13 reflect His character and faithfulness?

2. In what ways does the father-son relationship between God and Solomon point to the relationship between God and Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the concept of God's "loving devotion" in our daily lives, especially in our relationships with others?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to God's redirection of his plans to build the temple?

5. How does understanding the Davidic Covenant enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as the eternal King?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 7
This chapter parallels 1 Chronicles 17 and provides additional context to God's covenant with David.

Psalm 89
This psalm reflects on the Davidic Covenant and God's faithfulness to His promises.

Hebrews 1:5
This New Testament verse references the father-son relationship, connecting it to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promise.

Luke 1:32-33
The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary about Jesus, affirming His eternal reign on David's throne.