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.

1 CHRONICLES 17:1KJV
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1 Chronicles 17:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 17:1 mean?

1 Chronicles 17:1 describes a moment when King David, settled comfortably in his own house made of cedar wood, notices that the ark of the covenant—the sacred chest representing God's presence—still remains in a tent under curtains. David shares this observation with Nathan the prophet, highlighting the contrast between his own dwelling and the temporary shelter for the ark.

In this verse, David is speaking to Nathan, who is recognized as a prophet. The setting is after David has become established as king and has built himself a fine house (a "house of cedars"). David’s words show his concern that while he enjoys a permanent, luxurious home, the ark of the covenant of the LORD (the symbol of God’s presence and agreement with Israel) is still housed in a much less impressive, temporary structure. This sets the stage for the conversation about building a temple for God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 17:1

  • בֵּית (bayit, "house"): This word appears twice, once for David’s own house and once in his statement about where he dwells. It emphasizes the permanence and quality of David’s living situation compared to the ark’s.
  • אֲר֣וֹן (aron, "ark"): Refers specifically to the ark of the covenant, the most sacred object in Israel’s worship, highlighting its central role and the contrast with David’s house.
  • בִּירִיעָֽה (biryah, "curtains"): This word means "curtains" or "tent coverings," pointing out that the ark is still in a movable, temporary dwelling, not a permanent structure.

Why 1 Chronicles 17:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s desire to build a temple for God comes from his own sense of gratitude and concern, not from a command; it is David who initiates the idea.
  • The contrast between David’s house and the ark’s tent underscores the theme of honoring God appropriately, which becomes a major topic in the following verses.
  • The mention of Nathan the prophet signals a turning point, as Nathan will soon deliver God’s response, shaping the future of Israel’s worship and David’s legacy.

Where else these words appear

“curtains” Hebrew H3407 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 26:1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 26:12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
  • Exodus 36:16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

“Nathan” Hebrew H5416 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
  • 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:5 And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

“cedars” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
  • Psalms 148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: