King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 16:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 16:7 in the King James Version says “Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 16:7 · KJV

Salvation

Context

5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; with psalteries: Heb. with instruments of psalteries and harps

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

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 · 11 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 11

“Then on that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא2 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָ֣ז3 of 11
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

נָתַ֤ן4 of 11

“delivered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

דָּוִיד֙5 of 11

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בָּרֹ֔אשׁ6 of 11

“first”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לְהֹד֖וֹת7 of 11

“this psalm to thank”

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה8 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּיַד9 of 11

“into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אָסָ֖ף10 of 11

“of Asaph”

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

וְאֶחָֽיו׃11 of 11

“and his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 22:1Psalms 18:12 Samuel 23:1-22 Chronicles 29:30Psalms 12:1Nehemiah 12:24

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