1 Chronicles 16:1–22 (June 14, 2025)

The Ark Placed in a Tent

16 And they brought in the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord 3 and distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat,[a] and a cake of raisins.

4 Then he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. 5 Asaph was the chief, and second to him were Zechariah, Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel, who were to play harps and lyres; Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 7 Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers.

David's Song of Thanks

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;

tell of all his wondrous works!

10 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

11 Seek the Lord and his strength;

seek his presence continually!

12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,

his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

13 O offspring of Israel his servant,

children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

14 He is the Lord our God;

his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember his covenant forever,

the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

16 the covenant that he made with Abraham,

his sworn promise to Isaac,

17 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,

to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,

as your portion for an inheritance.”

19 When you were few in number,

of little account, and sojourners in it,

20 wandering from nation to nation,

from one kingdom to another people,

21 he allowed no one to oppress them;

he rebuked kings on their account,

22 saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,

do my prophets no harm!”

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 16:3 Compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

Summary

1 Chronicles 16:1–22 records the beginning of David’s public worship after bringing the ark to Jerusalem. The ark is placed in the tent David had prepared, and offerings are made before the Lord (v. 1). David blesses the people and distributes food to all (vv. 2–3), then appoints Levites to lead ongoing worship (v. 4). The center of this passage is a psalm of thanksgiving (vv. 8–22), which recalls God’s mighty deeds, His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His faithfulness to protect and guide His people. The emphasis is on remembering who God is and what He has done, so that praise may be rooted in truth and history.

Reflections

1. Worship begins with gratitude and generosity.

David’s leadership in worship includes tangible blessings. He gives thanks to God and blesses the people with food. True worship spills over into generous love for others. It begins with honoring God and results in edifying the community.

2. Praise flows from remembering God's covenant faithfulness.

The heart of David’s psalm is the call to remember. God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants is not only a historical fact but a living testimony of God’s steadfast love. Worship that remembers God’s promises is rooted in security and awe.

3. God guards His people for the sake of His promise

Though they were few and vulnerable, God protected His people because of His covenant. He rebuked kings and prevented harm, not because of Israel’s power but because of His faithfulness. God’s guardianship is personal, powerful, and promise-driven.

Application

Worship must be grounded in who God is and what He has done.

Our praise should not be vague or emotional alone. It must be built upon the truth of God’s Word and the memory of His faithfulness. Remembering His covenant love deepens our confidence and stirs genuine gratitude.

Prayer

Faithful God,

You are worthy of all praise and honor. Thank you for your covenant love that stretches through generations. Help us remember Your mighty acts and Your steadfast promises. Let our worship be filled with truth, joy, and reverence. As you were faithful to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so be faithful in us through Jesus Christ, the true and better covenant-keeper.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.