1 Chronicles 17:5
For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.
1 Chronicles 17:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Samuel highlights the nomadic lifestyle of the prophet Samuel. Samuel's dedication to serving the Lord meant that he did not settle in a permanent house but instead moved from tent to tent and tabernacle to tabernacle. This passage emphasizes Samuel's itinerant existence as he traveled throughout Israel, from one place of worship to another, in order to carry out his prophetic duties. By choosing to live in tents rather than a fixed dwelling, Samuel remained flexible and mobile, always ready to respond to the call of the Lord. This verse reflects the transient nature of Samuel's ministry and his willingness to go wherever God led him, regardless of the inconvenience. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of Samuel's unwavering commitment to his divine mission and his willingness to adapt to different environments in order to fulfill God's will.
Theological Overview
In this verse, God is expressing that He has not dwelt in a fixed or permanent structure, like a house, since the time He led the Israelites out of Egypt until the current day. Instead, He has moved from tent to tent and from one tabernacle to another. This passage highlights God's mobility and adaptability, as He has chosen to reside amongst His people in a manner that is not confined to a specific location. The theological interpretation of this verse speaks to God's intimate relationship with His people, emphasizing that His presence is not limited to a physical structure but can be experienced wherever His people are gathered in His name. The word studies in this verse reveal the significance of God's choice to dwell in temporary dwellings, underscoring the transient nature of human existence and the importance of remaining flexible and open to God's presence in all circumstances.
1 Chronicles 17:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, unto this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from [one] tabernacle [to another] .
World English Bible
for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tent to another.
Douay-Rheims
For I have not remained in a house from the time that I brought up Israel, to this day: but I have been always changing places in a tabernacle, and in a tent,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I haue dwelt in no house, since the day that I brought out the childre of Israel vnto this daye, but I haue bene from tent to tent, and from habitation to habitation.