Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 16

Verse 1

brought the ark. See note on 1 Chronicles 15:3 . This was in 951-950 B.C. A Sabbatic year.

the ark. See notes on 1 Chronicles 13:3 , and Exodus 25:22 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . See note on 1 Chronicles 14:10-16 .

the tent. See note on 1 Chronicles 15:1 .

offered = brought near. Hebrew. karab. App-43 .

Verse 2

David. Not with his own hand, but by the priests'.

offering = offering up. Hebrew. 'alah. App-43 .

Verse 3

every one = every one, to a man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

Verse 4

to record. Compare titles of Psalms 38:0 (Psalms 38:1 ) and 70 (Psalms 70:1 )

Verse 6

continually: i.e. morning and evening, as prescribed.

Verse 7

this psalm. Supply the Ellipsis thus: "Delivered first [the following words] to thank", &c. Other Psalms were Proverbs 5:11 ; Pro 5:68 . Originally provided for this event, Psalms 68:0 was afterward divided up and incorporated in Psalms 105:1-15 ; Psalms 96:1-13 ; Psalms 106:1 , Psalms 106:47 , Psalms 106:48 . Exactly the same has been done since then by many human authors. It is those who say they "treat the Bible like any other book" who deny to the Divine Author this right to do as He will with His own.

Verse 8

people = Peoples.

Verse 9

Talk ye = meditate.

Verse 11

His strength. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 . "Strength" put for the Ark, which was the sign of the presence of Jehovah, and the symbol of His strength. Compare Psalms 105:4 with Psalms 132:8 , and see note on 1 Chronicles 13:3 and Exodus 25:22 .

Verse 12

judgments = righteous rules.

Verse 13

Israel. When adapted for more general worship, in Psalms 105:0 , this was changed to the more general term "Abraham" (1 Chronicles 16:6 ).

children = sons.

Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

Verse 15

Be ye mindful. This was specially for this occasion. In Psalms 105:8 , where it is for more general use, David (in editing) changed it to "He hath remembered". See note on 1 Chronicles 16:7 .

Verse 16

with Abraham . . . Isaac. See note on Genesis 50:24 , and compare Genesis 17:2 ; Genesis 26:3 ; Genesis 28:13 .

Verse 17

Jacob. See note on Genesis 50:24 and 1 Chronicles 16:13 above.

Verse 18

lot = measuring line. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the boundaries marked out by it.

Verse 19

ye. In Psalms 105:12 it is "they". See notes on verses: 1 Chronicles 16:13 and 1 Chronicles 16:15 above.

Verse 21

do them wrong = oppress them. Hebrew. 'ashak.

Verse 22

Mine anointed. Israel was regarded as a kingdom of anointed kings and priests (Exodus 19:6 ).

Verse 24

heathen = nations.

nations = peoples.

Verse 26

people = peoples. Not same word as 1 Chronicles 12:17 .

idols = things of naught, or nothings.

Verse 27

in His place = in His dwelling-place: i.e. the place of the Ark of the Covenant. In Psalms 96:6 , which is more general, it is "in His sanctuary". Compare verses: 1 Chronicles 16:7 and 1 Chronicles 16:15 .

Verse 28

Give = ascribe, as in Psalms 96:7 , Psalms 96:8 .

kindreds = families.

Verse 29

offering = gift offering. See App-43 .

come before Him. In Psalms 96:8 , which is more general, it is "come into His courts".

the beauty of holiness. Compare 2 Chronicles 20:21 and Psalms 96:9 , from which the meaning seems to be "in His glorious sanctuary".

Verse 30

be not moved. The Creator knows how to speak of the work of His hands.

Verse 33

trees of the wood. Referring specially to the wood at Kirjath-jearim (the city of woods). Compare Psalms 132:6 .

Verse 34

endureth for ever = is age-abiding.

Verse 35

And say ye. A liturgical direction suited to this special occasion. Not needed for subsequent general use in Psalms 106:47 . See notes. Compare: 1 Chronicles 16:7 and 1 Chronicles 16:15 .

gather us . . . deliver us. David knew from Deuteronomy 4:27 ; Deuteronomy 28:64 ; and Deuteronomy 32:0 , that the scattering of Israel had been foretold; and this prayer was based upon that revelation. So with Solomon. 1 Kings 8:46-50 .

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Verse 37

before the ark. This was now in Zion (2 Samuel 6:12-17 ). But the altars and vessels were in the Tabernacle at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:3-6 ).

Asaph and his brethren. These were left in Zion "before the Ark", while the priests ministered "before the Tabernacle" (see 1 Chronicles 16:39 below), until Divine worship should be reconstructed in the Temple.

Verse 39

the tabernacle. Hebrew. mishkan = dwelling-place. App-40 .

Verse 40

offer = offer up. Hebrew. 'alah . App-43 .

Verse 41

Jeduthun. One of the three directors of the Temple-worship. Compare 1 Chronicles 25:1-6 ; 2 Chronicles 5:12 . A descendant of Merari (Compare 1 Chronicles 16:38 with 1 Chronicles 26:10 ). Called also "Ethan" (1 Chronicles 15:17 , 1 Chronicles 15:19 , and Compare 1 Chronicles 25:1 , 1Ch 25:3 , 1 Chronicles 25:6 ; 2 Chronicles 35:15 ).

mercy = lovingkindness, or, grace.

Verse 42

were porters = were for the gate.

Verse 43

to bless his house. This was when Michal met him (1 Chronicles 15:29 ).