The Adam Clarke Commentary

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Chapter 17

David consults Nathan about building a temple for God, 1,2. God sends him an answer by Nathan, informing him that Solomon shall build the house, 3-14. David receives the Divine purpose with humility and joy, and gives God praise, 15-27.

Notes on Chapter 17

Verse 1. Now it came to pass
See every thing recorded in this chapter amply detailed in Clarke's notes on "2Sa 7:1",

Verse 5. But have gone from tent to tent
"I have transferred my tabernacle from Gilgal to Nob, from Nob to Shiloh, and from Shiloh to Gibeon."-Targum and Jarchi.

Verse 9. Neither shall the children of wickedness
They shall no more be brought into servitude as they were in the time they sojourned in Egypt. This is what is here referred to.

Verse 12. I will establish his throne for ever.
David was a type of Christ; and concerning him the prophecy is literally true. See Isaiah 9:7, where there is evidently the same reference.

Verse 13. I will not take my mercy away from him
I will not cut off his family from the throne, as I did that of his predecessor Saul.

Verse 16. And what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
I am not of any regal family, and have no natural right to the throne.

Verse 25. Hath found in his heart to pray
The Targum expresses a full sense: "Therefore thy servant hath found an opening of mouth, that he might pray before Thee."

Verse 27. For thou blessest, O Lord
"Thou beginnest to bless the house of thy servant, therefore it shall be blessed for ever."-T.

THE reader is requested to refer to 2 Sam. 7, and the notes there for many particulars that belong to the parallel places here, and which it should answer no good purpose to repeat in this place.