1 Chronicles 17:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Settled at last in a fine cedar palace, David is troubled that the ark of God still rests in a tent, and he opens his heart to Nathan the prophet.
What Does 1 Chronicles 17:1 Mean?
The wars are mostly behind David, and he is finally at rest in a house built of cedar, the costliest timber of the age. But the contrast pricks his conscience. He lives in permanence and splendor, while the ark of the covenant, the visible sign of the LORD's presence among His people, still abides under mere curtains. He brings the matter to Nathan, the prophet who speaks God's word to the king.
David's unease is the mark of a heart that loves God more than its own comfort. He cannot enjoy his blessings while the honor of God seems neglected. Such holy restlessness is a gift; it is the soul refusing to be satisfied with anything less than God's glory. Yet as the chapter unfolds, we learn that God's plans are larger and kinder than even David's best intentions.
1 Chronicles 17:1 in the Original Language
berith (בְּרִית), 'covenant' -- a binding, sworn bond, here the gracious relationship the LORD established with His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 17:1
What does 1 Chronicles 17:1 mean?
Settled at last in a fine cedar palace, David is troubled that the ark of God still rests in a tent, and he opens his heart to Nathan the prophet.