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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 16:36 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:36

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

Explanation

"Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD." This verse concludes a section of praise and thanksgiving to God in the book of 1 Chronicles.

The verse reflects a spirit of deep reverence and gratitude toward God, recognizing His sovereignty ("LORD God of Israel") and His eternal nature ("for ever and ever"). The people's response, "Amen," signifies agreement, faithfulness, and truth.

The verse also suggests communal worship, indicated by the phrase "all the people," with the act of praising the LORD as a collective expression of devotion and acknowledgment of God's greatness.

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Historical Context

1 Chronicles 16:36 is part of an account describing the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem during the reign of King David. The Ark symbolized God's presence and the installment was a significant religious and national event.

The context involves David appointing Levites to minister before the Ark and lead the people in worship. David then delivers a song of thanksgiving, from which this verse is taken, to celebrate the Ark's coming to Jerusalem. This period reflects a time of unity and religious fervor across Israel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse conveys God's unending worthiness of praise (“for ever and ever”).

The use of the term "LORD" translates from the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), indicating the divine and personal name of God in the Hebrew tradition.

This name implies a God who is timeless, covenant-making, and covenant-keeping.

The human response of "Amen" and praise suggests an appropriate reaction to divine revelation and blessings.

Theologians have discussed the communal aspect of worship, as well as the connection between confession (acknowledging God's nature) and doxology (praise).

Practical Applications

Applying this verse today encourages individuals and faith communities to engage in regular acts of praise and acknowledgment of God's eternal sovereignty.

The corporate "Amen" emphasizes the importance of unity in worship and shared belief.

This practice can strengthen community bonds and offer a pattern for a healthy spiritual life that includes public and private worship, recognition of God’s blessings, and continuous gratitude.

Cross-References

Psalm 106:48: "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD."
Psalm 41:13: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen."
Nehemiah 8:6: "And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground."

Language Study

"Blessed" (Hebrew: בָרוּךְ, baruch): A form of the verb meaning to kneel; implies conferring of blessing or praise.
"LORD" (Hebrew: יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of God, often pronounced as Yahweh or Jehovah, signifying God's self-existence and eternal nature.
"Amen" (Hebrew: אָמֵן, amen): A word indicating firmness, truth, and verity. It often reflects agreement, commitment, and assurance among the congregation in the biblical setting.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient Near Eastern cultures, there were also practices of corporate worship and praise of deity or deities, such as hymns to gods in Mesopotamia or Egypt.

However, the uniqueness of Israelite worship lay in its monotheistic focus and the specific ways it was tied to covenantal history. Comparatively, such a communal and consistent form of praise as portrayed in this verse is a distinctive marker of Hebrew worship.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn't immediately intersect with scientific disciplines, the practices of communal worship and declaration of blessings have been subject to studies in psychology and sociology.

These studies have shown that communal religious practices can contribute positively to individual and societal well-being, reinforcing social cohesion and providing a sense of purpose and identity.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators often note the public confession and communal worship aspects of this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the importance of ascribing eternal glory to God and sees the "Amen" as a seal to this declaration.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the unity and solemnity expressed through the people's response and the centrality of the Ark as the symbol of God’s presence that elicits such community praise.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible points out the likeness of this doxology to the ending of the Psalms, indicating a liturgical usage and tradition of Hebrew worship.

1 Chronicles 16

1 Chronicles 16

What does 1 Chronicles 16:36 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 16:36 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?