Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 8:16

"Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be there; but I chose David to be over my people Israel." — 1 Kings 8:16 (ASV)

I chose no city. —In this verse, as in some other cases, for coherence of idea, it seems necessary to correct using the fuller version in 2 Chronicles 6:5–6, by an addition after the word “therein”. It should read: Neither chose I any man to be ruler over my people, but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

The parallel in the two points referred to is exact. As there were temporary resting places for the ark—such as Gilgal, Shiloh, Kirjathjearim, and Zion—so there were rulers raised up successively for a time, and then removed. Now there was to be one fixed place as the Sanctuary of God, and one royal house of David to continue forever.