1 Chronicles 16 explained: The Ark Arrives and a Song of Thanks

A celebration for everyone (vv. 1-3)

Burnt offerings were animals wholly burned as a gift to God, while fellowship offerings were shared meals that celebrated being at peace with him. David then blesses the crowd and gives every man and woman bread, raisins and one more item that translations render as either a date cake or a portion of meat, since the original word is unclear.

Musicians put in charge (vv. 4-7)

Levites, the tribe set apart for worship duties, are assigned to lead regular praise before the ark with lyres, harps and cymbals, while two priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, blow the trumpets. Asaph heads the group, and several psalms in the Bible are later linked to his name.

Remember the old promise (vv. 8-22)

This first part of the song matches Psalm 105 and recalls God's covenant, a binding promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that their descendants would have the land of Canaan. "My anointed ones" here most likely means those ancestors, who were few and wandering yet were protected from powerful kings such as Pharaoh.

All the earth, sing (vv. 23-33)

This section closely matches Psalm 96 and widens the call to every nation, saying the gods of other peoples are idols but the LORD made the heavens. Even sea, fields and trees are pictured celebrating because God comes to set the world right.

Thanks and a plea (vv. 34-36)

The song closes with lines also found in Psalms 106 and 136, including the refrain that God's steady love lasts forever. Many scholars think the cry to be gathered from the nations spoke especially to the book's first readers, Jews who had returned from exile.

Worship in two places (vv. 37-43)

The ark stays in Jerusalem with Asaph's musicians and gatekeepers, while Zadok and other priests keep up the morning and evening sacrifices the Law required at the older tent of worship from Moses' time in Gibeon. Then everyone goes home, and David returns to bless his own household.

Key verse: 1 Chronicles 16:34

Something to think about

The song looks back on a time when its people were few, wandering and vulnerable. When you look back on unsettled times in your own life, what, if anything, helped you through them?