King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:1 in the King James Version says “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 burn...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 16:1 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

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.

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.

Read 1 Chronicles 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ark arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving. The Hebrew term תּוֹדָה (todah) - thanksgiving is theologically significant here, pointing to Grateful worship as covenant response. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Grateful worship as covenant response. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Ark arrives in Jerusalem - psalms of thanksgiving occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Grateful worship as covenant response challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Eucharist (thanksgiving) in Christ's new covenant teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּבִ֙יאוּ֙1 of 17

“So they brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֣וֹן3 of 17

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃4 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיַּצִּ֣יגוּ5 of 17

“and set”

H3322

to place permanently

אֹת֔וֹ6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּת֣וֹךְ7 of 17

“it in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָאֹ֔הֶל8 of 17

“of the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָֽטָה10 of 17

“had pitched”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

ל֖וֹ11 of 17
H0
דָּוִ֑יד12 of 17

“that David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיַּקְרִ֛יבוּ13 of 17

“for it and they offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עֹל֥וֹת14 of 17

“burnt sacrifices”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּשְׁלָמִ֖ים15 of 17

“and peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לִפְנֵ֥י16 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃17 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 15:1Ezra 6:16-181 Chronicles 15:122 Chronicles 5:6-72 Chronicles 1:42 Samuel 6:17-19

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