FocusWorship, promise, and victories
1 Chronicles 16:2
KJVAnd when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
- 16:1 So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
- 16:2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
- 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
- 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:
- 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
- 16:6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 13:1–16:43): David, Israel's assembly, priests, Levites, musicians, and the households connected with the ark are involved in bringing it to Jerusalem and ordering worship. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? A Tent for the Ark. Read 1 Chronicles 16:1 through 1 Chronicles 16:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in A Tent for the Ark (1 Chronicles 16:1 to 1 Chronicles 16:6). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 16:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 16:1, 1 Chronicles 16:6, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
The ark is brought to Jerusalem
Parallel accounts
Related passages
- the burnt Lev 1:3
- he blessed Gen 14:19 Gen 20:7 Gen 47:7,10 Num 6:23-27 Josh 22:6 1 Kgs 8:55-56 2 Chr 29:29 2 Chr 30:18-20,27
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 16
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
David’s Psalms of Thanksgiving
1 Chronicles 16:7–22FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Sing to the LORD, All the Earth
1 Chronicles 16:23–36FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Worship before the Ark
1 Chronicles 16:37–43FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The people and their lines
1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44FocusGenealogy and restored community
David's kingship established
1 Chronicles 10:1–12:40FocusSaul's end and support for David
FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.