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1 Chronicles 16

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.

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.

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.

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:

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

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

Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

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

For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

And 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.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

So 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:

And Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obed-edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:

And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,

To 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;

And 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;

And 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.

And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

What does 1 Chronicles 16:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:18

"Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;"

Explanation

The verse 1 Chronicles 16:18 is a part of a song of thanksgiving attributed to King David.

In this verse, God’s promise to give the land of Canaan as the allotted inheritance to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is recounted.

The literal meaning refers to the physical territory promised to the Israelites.

On a deeper level, this verse signifies the faithfulness of God to His covenant and His chosen people, reinforcing the idea that He remembers and fulfills His promises across generations.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem by David.

The historical background dates to the period of the United Monarchy in ancient Israel, around the 10th century BCE.

The Israelites had a deep-rooted belief that God had promised them the land of Canaan, which dates back to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) in the Book of Genesis.

The verse reflects the Israelite's collective memory of God's covenant with their ancestors.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways:

From a traditional Jewish perspective, this verse affirms the divine promise of the land to the Israelites. It's a reminder of the lasting covenant between God and His people.
A Christian theological interpretation might see this verse as part of God's overarching plan, which includes not only the physical land but also a spiritual inheritance through Jesus Christ.
Covenant theology would view this verse as a reaffirmation of the specific unconditional covenants that God made with the Patriarchs, which are seen as still relevant and significant today.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by:

Encouraging individuals to trust in the promises and faithfulness of God.
Inspiring communities to remember and celebrate their heritage and the fulfillment of past promises.
Emphasizing the importance of gratitude for the gifts and blessings that have been received from past generations.

Cross-References

Genesis 12:7: "And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him."
Genesis 26:3: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;"
Genesis 28:13: "And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;"

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Hebrew of this verse is "אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן" (eretz Canaan), meaning the "land of Canaan." The word "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) can be translated as "land" or "earth," pointing to a specific territory or ground. "כְּנַעַן" (Canaan) is the name of the region promised to the descendants of Abraham.

The phrase "חֵלֶק נַחֲלָתְכֶם" (cheleq nachalatechem) translates to "the lot of your inheritance," with "חֵלֶק" (cheleq) denoting a "portion" or "share," and "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah) referring to an "inheritance" or "heritage."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a deity granting land to a people is not unique to the Bible. Similar themes can be found in other ancient Near Eastern cultures. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamia, the gods were believed to grant kingship and territory.

However, the biblical narrative is distinct in its monotheism and the unconditionality of the divine promise, emphasizing a special relationship between one God and one people.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific approaches, particularly those from archaeology and anthropology, endeavor to understand the historical realities of ancient biblical texts.

While science can examine the material evidence of human habitation in the land of Canaan, it cannot substantiate theological claims regarding divine promises.

Commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary notes the importance of seeing God's engagement with the landscape of Canaan as part of His constancy and reliability in keeping promises.
Matthew Henry's Commentary points out that this verse serves to comfort and assure the people of God’s faithfulness, and it situates the giving of Canaan within a larger narrative of God's sovereign provision.
Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament emphasizes the continuation of the covenantal promise made to the patriarchs and its remembrance as a form of worship and thankfulness to God.

1 Chronicles 16

1 Chronicles 16

What does 1 Chronicles 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Chronicles Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Chronicles 16:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Chronicles Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?