Scroll Scroll

1 Chronicles 16

The Ark Placed in the Tent

1They brought in God’s ark, and set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

2When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the LORD’s name.

3He gave to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

4He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the LORD’s ark, and to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel:

5Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;

6with Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.

David's Psalm of Thanksgiving

7Then on that day David first ordained giving of thanks to the LORD by the hand of Asaph and his brothers.

8Oh give thanks to the LORD. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples.

9Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works.

10Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

11Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more.

12Remember his marvelous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

13you offspring of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14He is the LORD our God. His judgments are in all the earth.

15Remember his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

16the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac.

17He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

18saying, “I will give you the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance,”

19when you were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it.

20They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.

21He allowed no man to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,

22“Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!”

23Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day.

24Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples.

25For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods.

26For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

27Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place.

28Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!

29Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship the LORD in holy array.

30Tremble before him, all the earth. The world also is established that it can’t be moved.

31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

32Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is in it!

33Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

34Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

35Say, “Save us, God of our salvation! Gather us together and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise.”

36Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. All the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD.

Regular Worship Established

37So he left Asaph and his brothers there before the ark of the LORD’s covenant, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required;

38and Obed-Edom with their sixty-eight relatives; Obed-Edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;

39and Zadok the priest and his brothers the priests, before the LORD’s tabernacle in the high place that was at Gibeon,

40to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the LORD’s law, which he commanded to Israel;

41and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his loving kindness endures forever;

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.

43All the people departed, each man to his house; and David returned to bless his house.

Previous1 Chronicles 15
Next1 Chronicles 17

David successfully brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem and establishes formal worship practices around it. The chapter features an extensive psalm of thanksgiving that celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, calling all nations to recognize the Lord's supremacy. David appoints Levitical musicians and priests to maintain regular worship, creating an organized system of praise and sacrifice that will continue perpetually before the ark.

Context

This chapter follows David's successful transport of the ark to Jerusalem in chapter 15 and establishes the worship practices that will influence Solomon's future temple service.

Key Themes

Outline

  • 1-3
    The Ark Installed in JerusalemDavid places the ark in the prepared tent, offers sacrifices, blesses the people, and distributes food to all Israel.
  • 4-6
    Worship Leaders AppointedDavid assigns specific Levites as musicians and priests to minister continually before the ark with various instruments.
  • 7-22
    Psalm of Covenant RemembranceDavid's thanksgiving psalm recalls God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant and His protection of the patriarchs.
  • 23-33
    Universal Call to WorshipThe psalm expands to call all nations and creation itself to praise the Lord as supreme over all gods.
  • 34-36
    Concluding Praise and AmenThe psalm ends with thanksgiving for God's enduring love and a communal 'Amen' from all the people.
  • 37-43
    Ongoing Worship EstablishedDavid organizes regular daily worship at both the Jerusalem tent and the Gibeon tabernacle with appointed personnel.

The Ark Placed in the Tent

16:1–16:6
narrativenarrationcelebratory

The Ark is placed in David's tent with burnt and peace offerings, followed by David blessing the people and distributing food. Levitical musicians are appointed for continual worship before the Ark.

person_contrast

David transforms from warrior-king to worship leader, personally offering sacrifices and blessing Israel—a priestly role typically reserved for Aaron's descendants.

David's Psalm of Thanksgiving

16:7–16:36
poetrysongjoyful

David's psalm of thanksgiving celebrates God's covenant faithfulness, calling all nations to worship and remember God's marvelous works. The psalm emphasizes God's eternal covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the promised land.

person_contrast

David's transformation from warrior-king to worship leader reaches its zenith here, as he personally composes and orchestrates Israel's first formal liturgical thanksgiving service.

Regular Worship Established

16:37–16:43
narrativenarrationpeaceful

David establishes regular worship systems with Levites ministering before the Ark in Jerusalem and priests offering sacrifices at Gibeon. This creates an organized structure for continual worship and thanksgiving to God.

person_contrast

Zadok, typically portrayed as a figure of royal authority, here appears uniquely focused on ritual law and offerings, highlighting David's separation of political and liturgical power structures.

1 Chronicles 16:1

2 Samuel 6:17lexical

They brought in the LORD’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and Dav…

1 Kings 3:15lexical

Solomon awoke; and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the LORD’s covenant, an…

Numbers 6:14lexical

and he shall offer his offering to the LORD: one male lamb a year old without defect for a burnt offering, one ewe lamb…

1 Chronicles 16:2

2 Samuel 6:18lexical

When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LO…

Ezekiel 43:27lexical

When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day and onward, the priests shall make your burnt o…

Leviticus 9:22lexical

Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the…

Exodus 20:24lexical

You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your s…

1 Chronicles 16:3

2 Samuel 6:19lexical

He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bre…

1 Chronicles 16:4

2 Chronicles 31:2lexical

Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his servic…

Nehemiah 12:24lexical

The chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers close to them, to pr…

2 Chronicles 7:6lexical

The priests stood, according to their positions; the Levites also with instruments of music of the LORD, which David the…

2 Chronicles 8:14lexical

He appointed, according to the ordinance of David his father, the divisions of the priests to their service, and the Lev…

1 Chronicles 15:2lexical

Then David said, “No one ought to carry God’s ark but the Levites. For the LORD has chosen them to carry God’s ark, and…

1 Chronicles 16:5

1 Chronicles 15:18lexical

and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maa…

1 Chronicles 15:20lexical

and Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;

1 Chronicles 15:21lexical

and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lea…

2 Chronicles 20:14lexical

Then the LORD’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah…

1 Chronicles 25:1lexical

Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Je…

1 Chronicles 16:6

1 Chronicles 15:24lexical

Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before God’s ark…

1 Chronicles 15:28lexical

Thus all Israel brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant up with shouting, with sound of the cornet, with trumpets, and wi…

2 Chronicles 20:14lexical

Then the LORD’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah…

1 Chronicles 16:9

Psalms 105:2lexical

Sing to him, sing praises to him! Tell of all his marvelous works.

1 Chronicles 16:10

Psalms 105:3lexical

Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Psalms 105:4lexical

Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more.

1 Chronicles 16:12

Psalms 105:5lexical

Remember his marvelous works that he has done: his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

1 Chronicles 16:13

Isaiah 65:9lexical

I will bring offspring out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains. My chosen will inherit it, and my se…

Psalms 105:6lexical

you offspring of Abraham, his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

1 Chronicles 16:15

Psalms 105:8lexical

He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

Deuteronomy 32:7lexical

Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, an…

1 Chronicles 16:16

Psalms 105:9lexical

the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac,

1 Chronicles 16:17

Psalms 105:10lexical

and confirmed it to Jacob for a statute; to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

1 Chronicles 16:18

Psalms 105:11lexical

saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance,”

1 Chronicles 16:19

Psalms 105:12lexical

when they were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it.

Deuteronomy 26:5lexical

You shall answer and say before the LORD your God, “My father was a Syrian ready to perish. He went down into Egypt, and…

Jeremiah 44:28lexical

Those who escape the sword will return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah few in number. All the remnant of…

1 Chronicles 16:21

Psalms 105:14lexical

He allowed no one to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,

1 Chronicles 16:22

Psalms 105:15lexical

“Don’t touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!”

1 Chronicles 16:23

Psalms 96:2lexical

Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day!

1 Chronicles 16:24

Psalms 96:3lexical

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:27

Psalms 96:6lexical

Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 16:28

Psalms 96:7lexical

Ascribe to the LORD, you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Psalms 29:1lexical

Ascribe to the LORD, you sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

1 Chronicles 16:29

Psalms 29:2lexical

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Worship the LORD in holy array.

Psalms 96:9lexical

Worship the LORD in holy array. Tremble before him, all the earth.

Psalms 96:8lexical

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come into his courts.

1 Chronicles 16:30

Psalms 93:1lexical

The LORD reigns! He is clothed with majesty! The LORD is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can’t be…

Psalms 96:10lexical

Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is also established. It can’t be moved. He will judge the peoples wi…

Isaiah 26:18lexical

We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance…

Proverbs 12:3lexical

A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Isaiah 14:21lexical

Prepare for slaughter of his children because of the iniquity of their fathers, that they not rise up and possess the ea…

1 Chronicles 16:31

Psalms 97:1lexical

The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!

Psalms 96:11lexical

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!

1 Chronicles 16:32

Psalms 96:11lexical

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!

Psalms 98:7lexical

Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

1 Chronicles 16:33

Psalms 96:12lexical

Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy

Isaiah 44:23lexical

Sing, you heavens, for the LORD has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains,…

1 Chronicles 16:34

2 Chronicles 7:3lexical

All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the LORD’s glory was on the house. They bowed themsel…

Psalms 106:1lexical

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psalms 107:1lexical

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psalms 136:2lexical

Give thanks to the God of gods, for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psalms 118:1lexical

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:35

Psalms 106:47lexical

Save us, LORD, our God, gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise!

Zephaniah 3:19lexical

Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; and I will save those who are lame and gather those who…

1 Chronicles 16:36

Psalms 106:48lexical

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the…

Psalms 72:19lexical

Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.

1 Chronicles 16:37

Deuteronomy 10:8lexical

At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the LORD’s covenant, to stand before the LORD to mi…

1 Chronicles 16:39

1 Chronicles 21:29lexical

For the LORD’s tabernacle, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering, were at that time in the…

1 Chronicles 16:40

2 Chronicles 31:3lexical

He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings: for the morning and evening burnt offer…

Ezra 3:3lexical

In spite of their fear because of the peoples of the surrounding lands, they set the altar on its base; and they offered…

2 Kings 16:15lexical

King Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, “On the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, the evening meal off…

Joshua 8:31lexical

as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses: an…

Ezra 3:2lexical

Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak stood up with his brothers the priests and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his relati…

1 Chronicles 16:41

1 Chronicles 25:6lexical

All these were under the hands of their father for song in the LORD’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and har…

2 Chronicles 29:14lexical

and of the sons of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

1 Chronicles 25:1lexical

Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Je…

2 Chronicles 35:15lexical

The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place, according to the commandment of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun t…

2 Chronicles 5:12lexical

also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arra…

1 Chronicles 16:42

2 Chronicles 5:12lexical

also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arra…

1 Chronicles 25:6lexical

All these were under the hands of their father for song in the LORD’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and har…

2 Chronicles 5:13lexical

when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when t…

1 Chronicles 25:1lexical

Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Je…

1 Chronicles 13:8lexical

David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, with harps, with stringed instruments, wit…

Interlinear

Word-by-word original language

v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
v. 20
v. 21
v. 22
v. 23
v. 24
v. 25
v. 26
v. 27
v. 28
v. 29
v. 30
v. 31
v. 32
v. 33
v. 34
v. 35
v. 36
v. 37
v. 38
v. 39
v. 40
v. 41
v. 42
v. 43

Historical Context

Places and events in this chapter

Loading map...