1 Chronicles 17:21
And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
1 Chronicles 17:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 1 Chronicles in the Bible highlights the unique and special relationship between the nation of Israel and God. The verse praises the nation of Israel as being unlike any other nation on earth, chosen by God for a special purpose. It speaks of how God redeemed the people of Israel and made them His own, establishing them as a great and formidable nation. The verse references the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, a significant event in their history that symbolizes God's power and faithfulness to His chosen people. By driving out other nations before the Israelites, God demonstrated His commitment to establishing Israel as a distinct and favored nation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's unique relationship with Israel and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people.
Theological Overview
The verse from 2 Samuel 7:23 underscores the unique relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals God's special favor and protection over the Israelites, whom He chose to be His own people. Through the act of redemption from Egypt, God demonstrated His power and sovereignty, establishing the Israelites as a distinguished nation among all others. The phrase "to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness" indicates that God intended for Israel to be a beacon of His glory and power, striking fear in the hearts of their enemies. The word "terribleness" here can also be translated as "awesome" or "awe-inspiring," emphasizing the reverential fear that the nation of Israel commanded as a result of God's mighty deeds on their behalf. By driving out nations before the Israelites, God displayed His authority and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, protection, and sovereignty over His people throughout history.
1 Chronicles 17:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem unto himself for a people, to make thee a name by great and terrible things, in driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou redeemest out of Egypt?
World English Bible
What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt?
Douay-Rheims
For what other nation is there upon earth like thy people Israel, whom God went to deliver, and make a people for himself, and by his greatness and terrors cast out nations before their face whom he had delivered out of Egypt?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whose God went to redeeme them to be his people, and to make thy selfe a Name, and to doe great and terrible things by casting out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast deliuered out of Egypt?