King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:35 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:35 in the King James Version says “And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give t...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 16:35 · KJV

Salvation

Context

33

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

34

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

35

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.

36

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

37

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:

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 · 13 words
וְאִמְר֕וּ1 of 13

“And say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֽוֹשִׁיעֵ֙נוּ֙2 of 13

“ye Save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֱלֹהֵ֣י3 of 13

“us O 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

יִשְׁעֵ֔נוּ4 of 13

“of our salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

וְקַבְּצֵ֥נוּ5 of 13

“and gather us together”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

וְהַצִּילֵ֖נוּ6 of 13

“and deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִן7 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם8 of 13

“us from the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לְהֹדוֹת֙9 of 13

“that we may give thanks”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לְשֵׁ֣ם10 of 13

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קָדְשֶׁ֔ךָ11 of 13

“to thy holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְהִשְׁתַּבֵּ֖חַ12 of 13

“and glory”

H7623

properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud

בִּתְהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“in thy praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

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 16:35 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 16:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:47-481 Peter 2:9Psalms 14:7Psalms 79:9-101 Peter 2:51 Chronicles 16:9-10

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