1 Chronicles Chapter 16

Old Testament Historical 43 Verses

What is 1 Chronicles 16 about?

A priestly perspective on David's reign, his gathering of Temple materials, and preparations for Solomon's building project. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God.
2And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offering and the peace-offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Jehovah.
3And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion [of flesh], and a cake of raisins.
4And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of Jehovah, and to celebrate and to thank and praise Jehovah, the God of Israel:
5Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, with psalteries and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;
6and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.
7Then on that day did David first ordain to give thanks unto Jehovah, by the hand of Asaph and his brethren.
8O give thanks unto Jehovah, call upon his name; Make known his doings among the peoples.
9Sing unto him, sing praises unto him; Talk ye of all his marvellous works.
10Glory ye in his holy name; Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.
11Seek ye Jehovah and his strength; Seek his face evermore.
12Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
13O ye seed of Israel his servant, Ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
14He is Jehovah our God; His judgments are in all the earth.
15Remember his covenant for ever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
16[The covenant] which he made with Abraham, And his oath unto Isaac,
17And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
18Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance;
19When ye were but a few men in number, Yea, very few, and sojourners in it;
20And they went about from nation to nation, And from one kingdom to another people.
21He suffered no man to do them wrong; Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,
22[Saying], Touch not mine anointed ones, And do my prophets no harm.
23Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth; Show forth his salvation from day to day.
24Declare his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples.
25For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods.
26For all the gods of the peoples are idols: But Jehovah made the heavens.
27Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and gladness are in his place.
28Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength;
29Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come before him: Worship Jehovah in holy array.
30Tremble before him, all the earth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved.
31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth.
32Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; Let the field exult, and all that is therein;
33Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before Jehovah; For he cometh to judge the earth.
34O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever.
35And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us together and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks unto thy holy name, And to triumph in thy praise.
36Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And all the people said, Amen, and praised Jehovah.
37So he left there, before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day`s work required;
38and Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obed-edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;
39and Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of Jehovah in the high place that was at Gibeon,
40to offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah upon the altar of burnt-offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Jehovah, which he commanded unto Israel;
41and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Jehovah, because his lovingkindness [endureth] for ever;
42and with them Heman and Jeduthun [with] trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and [with] instruments for the songs of God; and the sons of Jeduthun to be at the gate.
43And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 4
“And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, etc.] By singing the praises of God: and to record; or bring to remembrance; to commemorate in a song the great and good things God had done for Israel as a people: and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel; for all his benefits, and the blessings of his goodness bestowed on them.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“DAVID'S FESTIVAL SACRIFICE AND LIBERALITY TO THE PEOPLE. (Ch1 16:1-6) he blessed the people in the name of the Lord--The king commended their zeal, supplicated the divine blessing upon them, and ordered the remains of the thank offerings which had been profusely sacrificed during the procession, to be distributed in certain proportions to every individual, that the ceremonial might terminate with appropriate festivities (Deu 12:7).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“The first three verses form part of the narrative commenced at 1 Chronicles 15:25. Compare 2 Samuel 6:17-19, where the passage is not torn from its proper context. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 4
“To thank, and praise - All our rejoicings should express themselves in thanksgivings to him, from whom all our comforts are received. 1 Chronicles 16:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“16:1-43 The transfer of the Ark (16:1-3) and the conclusion of the event (16:43) are reported exactly as in Samuel (see 2 Sam 6:17-20). However, between these bookends, the Chronicler elaborates on the celebrations that accompanied the event and on the permanent arrangements for worship (1 Chr 16:4-42). David’s psalm of celebration is the central focus of the account.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“they brought: Sa2 6:17-19; Kg1 8:6; Ch2 5:7 in the midst: Ch1 15:1, Ch1 15:12; Ch2 1:4; Psa 132:8 they offered: Kg1 8:5; Ch2 5:6; Ezr 6:16-18 1 Chronicles 16:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · on verse 1
“The religious festival, and the arrangement of the sacred service before the ark of the covenant in the city of David. - This section is not found in 2nd Samuel, where the Conclusion of this whole description ( Ch1 16:43, Chron.) follows immediately upon the feasting of the people by the king, Ch1 16:19 and Ch1 16:20. 1 Chronicles 16:4”
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