1 Chronicles 7:5

Fourscore and seven thousand. At the first census of Moses the warriors of Issachar numbered 54,400 (Num. 1:29), and at the second, 64,300 (Num. 26:25).

My servant David. David was a servant of God and had himself spoken by inspiration, as in the composition of his psalms. To him also applied the title “prophet” (Acts 2:30). On this occasion the Lord chose to speak to him not directly, but through another prophet. God works through different individuals and divine light comes through various channels. Similarly today, God works through the organization of His church and calls for mutual love and confidence among the brethren and warns against the danger of individual independence. If David had possessed pride of opinion, he might have become highly incensed at having his ideas crossed. Instead he accepted the divine rebuke, even though it was contrary to both his own purpose and the prophet’s judgment.

Thus saith the Lord. When messages come bearing this label men ought to give heed. If there is suspicion as to the genuineness of the message (see John 4:1), tests have been specified in the Word of God whereby the validity of the claims may be tested (Num. 12:6; Deut. 13:1-3; 18:22; Matt. 7:15-20; John 4:1-3). The responsibility is ours to discover the source of the communication, and if it be of God, to follow it.

Build me an house? The question implies a negative answer. The parallel passage reads: “Thou shalt not build me an house” (1 Chron. 17:4).