16:1 They brought the ark of God and put it in the middle of the tent David had pitched for it. Then they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
The Levites brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. They placed the ark in the new tent in which David had made. What happened to the old tabernacle tent? It had not been used for over 100 years, so it was probably either taken by the Philistines or it eroded.
The burnt offerings pointed to the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The peace offerings brought the sinner back into a peaceful relationship with Christ.
16:2 When David finished offering burnt sacrifices and peace offerings, he pronounced a blessing over the people in the Lord’s name.
The people of David’s reign were blessed, because they had a godly ruler. David was hand-picked and prepared by God as an example of how human kings should act. Do modern leaders in modern nations glorify God as David did? If not, then why are Christians electing them?
16:3 He then handed out to each Israelite man and woman a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake.
Food and festivities were part of the celebration process.
16:4 He appointed some of the Levites to serve before the ark of the Lord, to offer prayers, songs of thanks, and hymns to the Lord God of Israel.
The Levites offered prayers, songs, and hymns to God. Israel was enthusiastic about worshiping God.
The satanic world system views enthusiasm differently than God. Anyone who is enthusiastic and excited about a football game is called a fan, but a person who is enthusiastic about Christ is called a fanatic. Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists who are serious about their religion are called devout. Christians who are serious about their religion are called kooks. The world honors and glorifies those who spend their lives mastering art, sports, entertainment, or education. Those who master the Bible are looked upon as naive and foolish.
16:5 Asaph was the leader and Zechariah second in command, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel. They were to play stringed instruments; Asaph was to sound the cymbals;
The Levites not only taught the Word of God and offered sacrifices, they also worshiped with music as well. Later, these musicians would be taken captive to the canals of Babylon, but they would refuse to sing as captives in a foreign land.
16:6 and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel were to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of God’s covenant.
Trumpets were also used in worshiping the Lord.
16:7 That day David first gave to Asaph and his colleagues this song of thanks to the Lord:
Three of the psalms of David were combined during this worship service:
First, I Chronicles 16:8-22 is repeated in Psalm 105:1-15.
Second, I Chronicles 16:23-33 is repeated in Psalm 96:1-13.
Third, I Chronicles 16:34-36 is included in Psalm 106:1,47-48.
16:8 Give thanks to the Lord! Call on his name! Make known his accomplishments among the nations!
Verses 8-22 ws repeated in Psalm 105:1-15.
The Hebrew word for “Lord” is יְהֹוָה (Jehovah), which means “the covenant-keeping-promise-keeping God.” David began his psalm by praising the One who gave Israel the covenants. Only one nation in history has ever received a covenant from their God. Krishna, Buddha, and Allah never personally visited their people, never made a contract with them, or never became a human being and died for their people’s sin.
This song commands Israel to call upon the name of יְהֹוָה (Jehovah). Paul wrote that “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” However, man is so totally depraved and evil, that no one will ever make this call unless the Holy Spirit first makes an efficacious call to the recipient. After the Holy Spirit makes His efficacious call, then the receipt will make his call to God for salvation.
The Abrahamic Covenant not only promised a blessing to Israel, but it promised a blessing to all Gentiles as well. The song asked Jehovah to make His works known among the Gentiles. During the time of David,“all nations feared Israel.” The name, deeds, and character of יְהֹוָה (Jehovah) were being made known among the nations during the days of David, but Paul later reported that this knowledge was suppressed by man’s inner depraved nature.
16:9 Sing to him! Make music to him! Tell about all his miraculous deeds!
Israel was also called to sing to יְהֹוָה (Jehovah). They were to make music to Him. They were to witness to others about His miracles. Music is a powerful tool of communication. Music burns divine information into a person’s soul. The soul is the personality of the person. Satan uses music to deaden the soul. The Holy Spirit uses music to liven the soul so that the intellect can receive divine instruction.
16:10 Boast about his holy name! Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Israel was not to boast about themselves, but they were to boast about the holy name of יְהֹוָה (Jehovah). The name of a person or being describes the character of the person or being. Israel was to boast about the character of יְהֹוָה (Jehovah). He was a God who made and kept His promises.
Those who seek the Lord should rejoice. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:10-11 that “There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands God. There is no one who seeks God.” If no one seeks God, then how can anyone be saved?
Religion is man seeking God. Christianity is God seeking man. The seeking process is as follows. First, man is totally depraved and evil, so he will never seek God in his fallen position. Second, since man will not seek God, God must seek man. Third, a general call is made to all men, which is rejected. Fourth, an efficacious call is made to the elect, in which they will respond. Fifth, the response of the elect is to call upon the Lord for salvation. Sixth, the result is that the Lord will answer the call. Seventh, those who call will receive salvation. Eighth, those who are saved will rejoice. Notice that man has free will before and after the call, but with different results.
16:11 Seek the Lord and the strength he gives! Seek his presence continually!
Only believers will seek the Lord. The Lord gives the believer the strength and power to accomplish some kind of divine purpose for God. To accomplish this divine task, the believer needs to seek the presence of God continually. God is present with the believer who understands and applies bible doctrine. God will not use a dirty vessel. The believer is to be cleansed by continuous confession of sins, as according to 1 John 1:9.
16:12 Recall the miraculous deeds he performed, his mighty acts and the judgments he decreed,
Israel was to recall the miraculous deeds in which יְהֹוָה (Jehovah) had performed. These deeds were recorded in writing so that all could read, study, and mediate upon them.
Israel was also called to remember God’s judgments. These judgments were also recorded, so that Israel would not repeat their mistakes.
16:13 O children of Israel, God’s servant, you descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen ones!
All twelve tribes came from the loins of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Israel means “he will wrestle with God.” Israel has been wrestling with God for over 4,000 years. Israel was called and chosen to become God’s servant. However, according to Isaiah, Israel failed in their servitude, so God chose the Messiah to become the Suffering Servant.
16:14 He is the Lord our God; he carries out judgment throughout the earth.
The Hebrew word for “Lord our God” is יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (Jehovah Elihinu). The name אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (Elihinu) means "our Triune-Creator God". Combined, the name is "our covenant-keeping-promise-keeping-triune-creator-God who carries out all judgment throughout all of the earth". There are some very evil men who think that they are getting away with their sinful acts and sinful lifestyle. God is patient with them. However, when their cup of wrath fills, then God will move and judge them. These evil men will be forced to drink their own cup of wrath.
16:15 Remember continually his covenantal decree, the promise he made to a thousand generations—
If read literally, the Abrahamic Covenant will be fulfilled after a thousand generations. If read spiritually, then it can be used as a metaphor emphasizing God’s tenacity and endurance in keeping His word. The Bible does use figures of speech, such as similes, metaphors, and exaggerations, in order to convey a divine spiritual principle.
16:16 the promise he made to Abraham, the promise he made by oath to Isaac! 16:17 He gave it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as a lasting promise,
At the tabernacle celebration, David’s song reminded Israel about the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant which were given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel and the Gentiles seem to forget about these promises, but God has not forgotten. God still has a plan for a literal Jewish nation to be established on this earth. This prophecy will be fulfilled during the coming Millennial Kingdom.
16:18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”
The land of Canaan was promised to the Jews as an everlasting possession. This literal land in Canaan was not promised to the church, but to Israel. Amillennialists and Postmillenialists teach that the blessings of Israel have been replaced by the church. These two groups must spiritualize passages such as this one to make it fit their own personal theology.
16:19 When they were few in number, just a very few, and foreign residents within it,
Israel was told to possess the land of Canaan, even thought they were just a bunch of slaves out of Egypt. They were greatly outnumbered and outgunned. They had to take fortified cities with large populations and advanced weapons.
16:20 they wandered from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another.
After leaving the wilderness and traveling to Canaan, Israel had to travel from one nation to another. The Edomites, Moabites, and Amalekites did not welcome them.
16:21 He let no one oppress them, he disciplined kings for their sake,
God did not allow anyone to oppress Israel during their wilderness march. Some kings attempted to attack Israel, but these kings were disciplined by God. Some of them lost their lives and their cities.
16:22 saying, “Don’t touch my anointed ones! Don’t harm my prophets!”
The “anointed ones” in this passage were not modern local pastors. They were the Israelites whom God was protecting during their wilderness warnings. King Abimelech also received this warning. He was not to touch the prophet Abraham.
A member of a church should never attack a pastor. If a pastor is teaching error, then the error should be brought forth to the elders. The elders will judge the case. If the pastor continues to teach error without elder correction, then the member needs to leave the church. 95% of believers attend churches which teach doctrinal error. The reason is that most believers do not have enough bible doctrine to know if they are hearing the truth or not.
16:23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Announce every day how he delivers!
The Gentiles are to join the Jews in singing to the Lord. Music was created to glorify God, not glorify sin. Much of the modern music glorifies sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll. The music of a nation defines its spiritual condition.
16:24 Tell the nations about his splendor, tell all the nations about his miraculous deeds!
Israel was chosen to become priests to all of the nations of the world. They were to witness about the spender and miraculous deeds of Jehovah. Instead, they fell into idolatry. The 144,000 Jewish witnesses of Revelations 7 will fulfill their priestly calling during the Great Tribulation. During the Millennial Kingdom, Israel will become priests to all of the Gentile nations.
16:25 For the Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise, he is more awesome than all gods.
Only Jehovah should be worshiped.
16:26 For all the gods of the nations are worthless, but the Lord made the heavens.
The word for “worthless” is the Hebrew אֱלִילִ֔ים (elilim), meaning “a thing of nothing.” Idols are nothings. They are just a piece of wood, stone, or metal. In contrast, the Lord God is identified as the Creator.
16:27 Majestic splendor emanates from him, he is the source of strength and joy.
Jehovah is majestic. Glory pours out of Him. Jehovah is the source of true strength and true joy.
16:28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations, ascribe to the Lord splendor and strength!
The family tribes of Gentile nations were commanded to turn to the splendor and strength of Jehovah.
16:29 Ascribe to the Lord the splendor he deserves! Bring an offering and enter his presence! Worship the Lord in holy attire!
Jehovah deserves everything that the believer possesses. To step into His presence, one must offer a blood sacrifice to cleanse him from all unrighteousness. The blood sacrifice points to Christ. Jehovah is to be worshiped in full attire, meaning that one should be completely clean. During David’s time, this was done through temple offerings. In modern times, it is done by confession of sins, as according to 1 John 1:9.
16:30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is established, it cannot be moved.
The entire earth needs to fear God. God established the earth. The earth cannot move unless God allows it to move.
16:31 Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be happy! Let the nations say, ‘The Lord reigns!’
Let the angels in the heavens rejoice. Let the humans on earth be happy. Modern people are so sad today, that they pay a comedian millions of dollars just to make them laugh. The Gentiles will not say, “the Lord reigns” until the Millennial Kingdom. Notice that David’s song looks toward a worldwide Gentile and Jewish kingdom, not just a Jewish kingdom.
16:32 Let the sea and everything in it shout! Let the fields and everything in them celebrate!
The world will not celebrate until the Lord Jesus Christ returns and establishes the earth to its previous Garden of Eden conditions.
16:33 Then let the trees of the forest shout with joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth!
When Christ returns, the trees will literally shout for joy. There are a lot of things that modern man does not know about creation before the fall. What man observes today may have been different before the Fall and before the Flood.
16:4 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his loyal love endures.
Man breathes God’s air everyday. Man drinks the water in which God provides. Man eats the food in which God provides. Man works in a career that has been blessed by God. However, man will very rarely thank God for all of these blessings. Man has become arrogant. Man believes that he is smart enough and good enough to deserve this position. Modern man does not understand the grace of God. Man looks at the gifts of God as self-generated earnings.
16:35 Say this prayer: “Deliver us, O God who delivers us!Gather us! Rescue us from the nations! Then we will give thanks to your holy name, and boast about your praiseworthy deeds.”
This song taught Israel how to pray. Israel was to pray for deliverance and rescue from their enemies. This prayer was a request to God, because idols were non-existent.
During the last three days of the Great Tribulation, then Israel will ask God to deliver them from the armies of the Antichrist. After the Lord Jesus Christ returns and drivers Israel, then she will boast to the other Gentile nations about the character of God. She will tell other nations about the good deeds that God has performed for Israel.
Israel was to become a model nation. People came from every nation to see Solomon’s kingdom. It is very possible that Solomon preached the gospel to these foreign nations. During the Millennial Kingdom, all of the Gentile nations will travel to Israel to learn about the Lord Jesus Christ.
36 May the Lord God of Israel be praised, in the future and forevermore. Then all the people said, “We agree! Praise the Lord!”
The Jewish and Gentile people will eventually all agree that the covenant-keeping-promise-keeping-triune-creator-God should be praised.
16:37 David left Asaph and his colleagues there before the ark of the Lord’s covenant to serve before the ark regularly and fulfill each day’s requirements,
The ark was in Jerusalem, but the Tabernacle itself was left in Gibeon. They would not be united until Solomon’s Temple was built.
16:38 including Obed-Edom and sixty-eight colleagues. Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun and Hosah were gatekeepers.
Notice that there were two men named Obed-Edom. The first may have been the same man who looked after the ark in his own home. The latter was a gatekeeper identified as a son of Jeduthun.
16:39 Zadok the priest and his fellow priests served before the Lord’s tabernacle at the worship center in Gibeon,
Israel had two high priests at this time. Zadok was in charge of the sanctuary in Gibeon, while Abiathar officiated at the new tent-tabernacle in Jerusalem.
16:40 regularly offering burnt sacrifices to the Lord on the altar for burnt sacrifice, morning and evening, according to what is prescribed in the law of the Lord which he charged Israel to observe.
These burnt offerings pointed to the Messiah.
16:41 Joining them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord. (For his loyal love endures!) 16:42 Heman and Jeduthun were in charge of the music, including the trumpets, cymbals, and the other musical instruments used in praising God. The sons of Jeduthun guarded the entrance.
Notice that the Holy Spirit listed the names of the musicians and religious leaders, but not the political leaders. The greatness of a nation is measured by its depth of worship, not its politics.
16:43 Then all the people returned to their homes, and David went to pronounce a blessing on his family.
During Saul’s reign, there had been no continuation of sacrifices and worship. David organized these religious changes to give his nation the way open to God. The ark was finally in Jerusalem. The Levitical priesthood was in operation again. The people went back home with blessings from their king. It was David’s religious reforms which turned Israel into a world power whom every nation feared.