1 Chronicles 16

1 Chronicles 16:1

16:1-3 As soon as the ark was placed in the tent, sacrifices were offered. The burnt offerings were the highest expression of worship ceremonially possible (cf. Lev. 1). It was wholly consumed by the flames and it ascended in smoke to be enjoyed by God alone. The other sacrifices offered at this time were the peace offerings. These were the only Levitical offerings in which everyone had a part. The fat and the kidneys were offered up to the Lord upon the altar, a portion of the remainder went to the priests, and the rest was given to the offerer to be shared with his family and friends before the Lord (cf. Lev. 3). The peace offering pictured communion with the Lord and a sharing of the good things which came from the Lord. Both peace and burnt offerings were prominent in the observance of festivals and solemn occasions, and certainly this was a festive day for all Israel. Everyone received a helping of meat before he left for home (v. 3). 16:4-7 David next acted to insure that thanksgiving and rejoicing before the Lord would be carried on daily and not be reserved for special occasions (cf. vv. 37-42). Levites were appointed to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the LORD . . . with . . . instruments and voices. 16:8-22 The psalm recorded on this occasion has two main parts. Verses 8-22 are addressed to Israel, and verses 23-34 are addressed to all the nations. Verses 35 and 36 close the psalm. It is a composite of Psa_105:1-15; Psa_96:1-13; Psa_106:1, Psa_106:47-48. In verses 8-22 the Israelites are exhorted to sing the Lord’s greatness and to seek the Lord’s face. They are to remember His deeds, the marvelous works which He has done in the past, and they are to remember His covenant, the unconditional promises He made to their fathers. 16:23-34 Widening the perspectives to all the earth, the psalmist urges all men to speak of the glory of the LORD. Fear is His due as the God of creation. Glory is His due as the God of splendor, strength, and majesty. Joy is His due as the God who sustains and reigns over His world. 16:35, 36 This closing prayer is almost identical to Psa_106:47-48. 16:37-43 David was careful to appoint Levites to carry on the worship of Jehovah before the ark in Jerusalem, and also at Gibeon where the tabernacle and the altar of burnt offering were still located. At Jerusalem he designated singers, door-keepers, and trumpeters, all under Abiathar. The priesthood of Zadok officiated in Gibeon. The chief emphasis in this passage is on the musicians. Two different Obed-Edoms are possibly mentioned in verse 38, and there are two different Jeduthuns in verses 38 and 42. . . . Now that the ark was settled in Zion, all the people went home and David returned to pronounce a blessing on his house.