1 Chronicles 17: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 17 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David expresses a desire to build a house for the ark of Yahweh's covenant while he dwells in a house of cedar (vv. 1-2). That night, God speaks to Nathan, instructing him to tell David that he will not build a house for Yahweh (vv.

Key verse

“but I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever. His throne will be established forever.”’”
1 Chronicles 17:14 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 17:1–2 David's Desire to Build a Temple
1 Chronicles 17:3–7 God's Response to David
1 Chronicles 17:8–10 God's Covenant with David
1 Chronicles 17:11–14 Promise of an Eternal Kingdom
1 Chronicles 17:15–19 David's Humble Response
1 Chronicles 17:20–24 God's Unique Relationship with Israel
1 Chronicles 17:25–27 Closing Prayer for Blessing

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Nathan initially encourage David to do?
What does God tell Nathan to convey to David in v4?
God's promise in v10 raises the question of how God will 'subdue all your enemies'?
In v13, what is the implication of God saying, 'I will not take my loving kindness away from him'?
When have you felt unworthy like David, asking 'Who am I, Yahweh God'?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 17: 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 89, 1 Kings 8.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 18.