Question 1

Why does David ask, "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house"?

Accepted Answer

David has just heard that God will establish his house and kingdom for a long time to come. When he sits before God, he feels very small compared to what God has promised. By asking, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house,” he is not looking for information. He is expressing deep humility and surprise that God would give such honor to him and his family. He knows he does not deserve this grace, and this moves him to worship and thankful prayer.

Question 2

What does it mean that God spoke of David’s house "for a great while to come"?

Accepted Answer

When David says God has spoken of his house “for a great while to come,” he is talking about God’s promise that his line and kingdom would continue into the future. This is more than just a short blessing on his own lifetime. God is looking far ahead and giving a lasting place to David’s family. David sees this as a very great thing, far beyond his own worth, and it fills him with awe that God is planning good for his house long after he is gone.

Question 3

Why does David say there is none like the LORD and no other God beside him?

Accepted Answer

David praises God by saying there is none like the LORD and no other God beside him. He looks at what he and Israel have heard and seen: God redeemed Israel from Egypt, drove out nations before them, and made them his own people forever. No other so-called god did such things or truly cared for a people like this. By speaking this way, David is lifting God above every false god and giving him the unique place that belongs only to the living God who saves and keeps his people.

Question 4

What is special about Israel being called God’s own people forever?

Accepted Answer

David remembers how God redeemed Israel out of Egypt to be his own people. He says God made Israel his people forever and became their God. This means God did not just rescue them once and leave them. He took them into a lasting bond with himself. He put his name on them and acted for their good. David sees this as a great honour both to God and to Israel. It shows God’s faithfulness and helps explain why David is so sure that God will keep his promise about his house.

Question 5

Why does David ask God to establish his house "for ever" if God already promised it?

Accepted Answer

David does not doubt God’s word. When he asks God to establish his house forever and to “do as thou hast said,” he is taking hold of the promise in prayer. God’s promises are meant to be believed and prayed back to him. David is asking God to carry out what he has spoken, so that God’s own name will be magnified. This shows faith, not unbelief. He trusts that what God has promised will stand, and so he asks boldly for the very thing God has already said he will do.

Question 6

What does it mean that God is "the God of Israel, even a God to Israel"?

Accepted Answer

Calling the LORD “the God of Israel” means that he has taken Israel as his own people and bears that name among them. Saying he is “a God to Israel” goes further. It means he truly acts as their God. He protects, saves, guides, and blesses them. Other nations had idols they called gods, but those idols did nothing for them. In contrast, the LORD’s power and kindness really reach his people. David is praising God because all that God is, in his greatness and mercy, is used for Israel’s good.

Question 7

Why does David say "thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever"?

Accepted Answer

At the end of his prayer, David is sure that what God blesses cannot be undone. When he says, “thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever,” he is resting in God’s power and faithfulness. Human blessing is weak and can fade, but God’s blessing is firm and lasting. If God chooses to bless David’s house, that blessing will stand and reach into the future. This confidence encourages David to ask God to bless his house so it may be before God forever.

Question 8

How does David’s prayer show both humility and strong faith?

Accepted Answer

David’s words show humility because he lowers himself and his family, asking, “Who am I?” and admitting that God knows his servant. He does not boast in his own worth. At the same time, his prayer shows strong faith. He believes what God has said, asks God to “do as thou hast said,” and is sure that what God blesses “shall be blessed for ever.” He holds together a low view of himself with a high view of God’s promise, which is a good pattern for anyone praying today.

1 Chronicles 17:16

¶ And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving

Cross References

1 Chronicles 17:16

¶ And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

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David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving

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