1 Chronicles 16:10

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Glory {H1984} ye in his holy {H6944} name {H8034}: let the heart {H3820} of them rejoice {H8055} that seek {H1245} the LORD {H3068}.

Glory in his holy name; let those seeking ADONAI have joyful hearts.

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Glory ye in his holy name; Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:10 is a vibrant call to worship and an assurance of joy, forming part of a psalm of thanksgiving delivered by King David. This verse encapsulates the spirit of devotion and the blessed outcome of pursuing God.

Context

This verse is found within David's grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise, recited by Asaph and his brethren when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This was a momentous occasion, signifying God's presence dwelling among His people. David's song, which shares portions with Psalm 105 and Psalm 96, is a spontaneous outpouring of gratitude and a declaration of God's greatness. It sets a tone of celebration and reverence for the newly established center of worship in Jerusalem.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Glory in His Holy Name: The command "Glory ye in his holy name" means to boast, celebrate, or find honor and distinction in God's character and reputation. His "holy name" refers to His entire beingโ€”His perfect, set-apart, and pure nature. It's a call to recognize and proclaim God's uniqueness and majesty, not in a prideful human sense, but in a spirit of humble adoration.
  • Rejoice for Seeking the LORD: The second part, "let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD," highlights the blessed consequence and inherent joy found in actively pursuing God. To "seek the LORD" implies a diligent, earnest desire for His presence, His will, and a life lived in obedience to Him. Those who genuinely seek Him will experience a profound and lasting joy that transcends circumstances, as the joy of the Lord is their strength.
  • Worship and Delight: The verse intertwines worship with delight. True worship is not merely ritualistic but involves a heart that finds its deepest satisfaction and joy in God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" here is halal (ื”ึธืœึทืœ), from which we get "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord). It carries the sense of shining forth, boasting, or praising. It's an active, enthusiastic declaration of God's worth. "Seek the LORD" translates darash YHWH (ื“ึธึผืจึทืฉื ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”), which signifies a diligent inquiry, a deep longing, and an earnest pursuit of God's presence and understanding of His ways. It's not a casual glance but a determined quest.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 16:10 serves as a powerful reminder that our primary focus should be on glorifying God's holy name in all aspects of life. This means living in a way that reflects His character and speaking of His goodness. Furthermore, it encourages us to actively "seek the LORD" through prayer, studying His Word, and living in community. When we make seeking God our priority, we can trust in His promise of fullness of joy in His presence. This joy is not dependent on worldly circumstances but flows from a deep relationship with the Creator.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:2

    My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

  • Proverbs 8:17

    I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

  • Matthew 7:7

    ยถ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Matthew 7:8

    For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

  • Jeremiah 29:13

    And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ยถ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
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