1 Chronicles 16 📓 The Lord Works in Different Ways
1So 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.
2And 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.
3And 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.
4And 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:
5Asaph 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;
6Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
7Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.
8Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
9Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
10Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
11Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
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 the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
15Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
16Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
17And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and 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 few, even a few, and strangers in it.
20And when they went 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,
22Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.
24Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
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 people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
27Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
28Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
29Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
30Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
32Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
33Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
34O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
36Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
37So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:
38And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
39And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
40To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;
41And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;
42And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.
43And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.
COMMENTARY by Dave Burnette
Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: Ezra
Date Penned: (430 BC)
Overview: A History of God's Chosen People (c. 1-29)
Theme: The Reign of David (c. 10-29)
Message: Worship, Thanksgiving, and Continual Service Before the Lord (v. 1-43)
1 Chronicles 16 Commentary
(16:1-3) Worship Begins with Sacrifice - Once the ark was placed in its proper location, David immediately offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. Worship involved both sacrifice and fellowship with God. Today, Christ is our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), and believers are called to offer themselves as "a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). True worship always begins with surrender to God.
(16:2-3) A Blessing Shared with Others - After worshiping God, David blessed the people and provided food for every man and woman in Israel. Genuine worship overflows into generosity and concern for others. A heart filled with gratitude toward God naturally desires to bless those around it.
(16:4-6) Worship Requires Faithful Servants - David appointed Levites to minister continually before the ark through thanksgiving, praise, music, and service. Public worship was not left to chance but was organized so that God's name would be continually honored. Every believer has a role in serving Christ and strengthening His church.
(16:7-36) Thanksgiving Should Be Remembered and Declared - David's psalm calls God's people to give thanks, remember His mighty works, proclaim His salvation, and tell the nations about His glory. Gratitude is more than a feeling—it is a testimony. God's goodness should not remain private but should be shared with others so they too may know Him.
(16:11) Seek the Lord Continually - David instructed the people to "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." Seeking God is not a one-time decision but a lifelong pursuit. Through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, believers continually draw near to God and find the strength needed for daily living.
(16:15-22) God Always Keeps His Covenant - David reminded Israel that God never forgets His promises. The covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained certain because it depended upon God's faithfulness rather than man's performance. Every promise God has made will be fulfilled in His perfect time. His faithfulness gives believers confidence and hope.
(16:23-33) God's Glory Should Be Declared to the Whole World - David repeatedly called upon all nations to praise the Lord because He alone is Creator, King, and Judge. Israel was never meant to keep the knowledge of God to themselves. Likewise, Christ has commanded His followers to proclaim the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Missions and evangelism flow naturally from hearts that truly worship God.
(16:29) Worship in the Beauty of Holiness - David declared, "Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." God deserves worship that is both reverent and pure. True worship is not merely emotional expression but a life separated unto God. Holiness beautifies worship because it reflects the character of the One we adore.
(16:34, 41) His Mercy Endureth Forever - The repeated declaration, "For his mercy endureth for ever," became one of Israel's great songs of praise. God's mercy is not temporary or uncertain—it is everlasting. Every generation can testify that God's love, forgiveness, and faithfulness never fail.
(16:37-42) Faithfulness in Daily Ministry - David established continual ministry before the ark "as every day's work required." Worship was not limited to special occasions but became part of Israel's daily life. The Christian life is likewise built upon consistent faithfulness. Daily prayer, Bible reading, worship, and service prepare believers for a lifetime of walking with the Lord.
(16:43) Worship Begins at Home - After leading the nation in worship, David returned home to bless his own household. Spiritual leadership does not end at church. The greatest ministry often begins within our own homes. Parents, grandparents, and leaders should seek to make their homes places where God is honored, His Word is taught, and His blessings are shared.
LIFE APPLICATION by Dave Burnette
Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we Continue in the book of 1 Chronicles with Chapter 16 and we see David giving praise to Lord delivering a Psalm of Thanksgiving. This song of praise had 4 elements of true thanksgiving 1) a remembering of what God had done 2) a telling to others about it 3) a showing of God's glory to others, and 4) offering ones self, time, and resources to God. In making application we see the importance of giving praise to the Lord. Praise exalts the Savior, shares His goodness with others, and places us in a humble position of who God is in our lives. David realized the power of Praise and as he exalted the Savior and became a man after Gods' own heart. How about you? Do you see that Praise knits our hearts together with the Lord? Let us learn from our text today and the life of David to be reminded to Praise the Lord as it unleashes His Power in our lives.