1 Chronicles 16:13

KJV

O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

KJV (with Strong's)

O ye seed {H2233} of Israel {H3478} his servant {H5650}, ye children {H1121} of Jacob {H3290}, his chosen ones {H972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You descendants of Isra'el his servant, you offspring of Ya'akov, his chosen ones:

Berean Standard Bible

O offspring of His servant Israel, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.

American Standard Version

O ye seed of Israel his servant, Ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:13 is a profound declaration embedded within David's psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. This verse directly addresses the assembly as "seed of Israel his servant," "children of Jacob," and "his chosen ones," powerfully affirming their unique identity and privileged relationship with God, rooted in divine election and the enduring covenant promises made to their patriarchs. It serves as a foundational reminder of God's sovereign choice and their inherited spiritual legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy psalm (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) that King David appointed the Levites to sing before the Ark of the Covenant, following its triumphant return to Jerusalem and placement in the tent David had prepared for it. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 16:8-12) serve as a call to worship, urging the people to give thanks, make known God's deeds, sing praises, glory in His holy name, and remember His marvelous works, wonders, and judgments. Verse 13 transitions from this general call to worship into a specific address to the people, identifying them as the direct recipients of God's past and ongoing faithfulness, thus setting the stage for the recounting of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the verses that follow (1 Chronicles 16:15-22). The psalm then broadens to a universal call for all the earth to worship God, culminating in a doxology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was a monumental event, signifying the re-establishment of centralized worship and God's presence at the heart of Israelite national life. This act, described in detail in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem"), was a pivotal moment in David's reign, uniting the nation under God's spiritual authority and David's leadership. Culturally, the concept of a "chosen people" was not unique in the ancient Near East, as many nations believed their gods favored them. However, Israel's election was unique in its basis: not on their merit, but on God's sovereign, gracious, and covenantal love, as first established with Abraham (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel")). The Ark, representing God's presence and covenant, was central to their identity and worship, making David's psalm a profound theological statement for the newly unified kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Divine Election and Chosenness** is paramount, emphasizing that Israel's status is not self-appointed but divinely ordained through God's sovereign choice, as seen in the repeated phrases "his servant" and "his chosen ones." This election forms the basis of their unique **Covenant Relationship** with Yahweh, a theme deeply rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs, particularly Jacob (Israel), as highlighted by the mention of "children of Jacob." The book of Chronicles often emphasizes the continuity of God's promises and the importance of adhering to the covenant. Furthermore, the phrase "his servant" introduces the theme of **Servanthood**, implying that being chosen comes with a responsibility to live in devotion and obedience to God's will, a concept echoed throughout the Law and Prophets. This identity as God's chosen servant people is foundational to their purpose and destiny, as further elaborated in passages like [Isaiah 41:8-9](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8-9 - Israel, God's Chosen Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed of Israel (Hebrew, _zera' Yisrael'_):** The term "seed" (זרע, _zera'_) literally means "sperm," "offspring," or "descendants." In this context, it refers to the physical lineage and collective body of the people descended from Israel (Jacob). It emphasizes the genealogical continuity and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This phrase underscores the covenantal inheritance passed down through generations, linking the present assembly directly to their foundational patriarch.
* **His Servant (Hebrew, _'avdo'_):** The word "servant" (עבד, _'eved'_) can denote a slave, but more often in a theological context, it signifies a devoted and faithful relationship of allegiance and service to a master or king. When applied to Israel collectively, it highlights their unique role and responsibility as a people set apart to serve God, to be His witnesses, and to carry out His purposes in the world. This is not a servile subjugation but a privileged position of intimate relationship and divine commission, as seen in the prophetic tradition where Israel is often called God's servant (e.g., [Isaiah 44:1](/isaiah/44-1 "Isaiah 44:1 - Israel, My Servant")).
* **His Chosen Ones (Hebrew, _b'chirav'_):** The term "chosen ones" (בחיריו, _b'chirav'_) derives from the root בחר (_bachar_), meaning "to choose," "select," or "elect." This word powerfully conveys the idea of divine election, emphasizing that Israel's favored status is not a result of their own merit, power, or number, but solely due to God's sovereign and gracious choice. It highlights the initiative of God in establishing His relationship with them, setting them apart for a special purpose and relationship, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O ye seed of Israel his servant":** This opening address directly invokes the collective identity of the people as the descendants of Israel (Jacob), linking them to the covenant promises made to their patriarch. The addition of "his servant" immediately establishes their corporate role and relationship with God—a people called to serve Him. This phrase sets a tone of intimate, yet authoritative, address, reminding them of their heritage and their divine calling.
* **"ye children of Jacob":** This phrase serves as a powerful parallel to the preceding one, reinforcing the genealogical and covenantal lineage. By calling them "children of Jacob," the psalm emphasizes their direct connection to the patriarch whose name was changed to Israel, signifying the birth of the nation. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness across generations, reminding the current assembly that they are inheritors of promises made centuries ago.
* **"his chosen ones":** This culminating phrase unequivocally declares the basis of their unique identity and relationship with God: divine election. It asserts that their status is not accidental or earned, but a result of God's sovereign and gracious choice. This designation confirms their special position among the nations, chosen by God for a unique purpose and relationship, and serves as a profound affirmation of their identity and security in His everlasting covenant.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 16:13 prominently employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where successive lines or phrases express similar ideas in different words, reinforcing the central message. Here, "seed of Israel his servant" is paralleled by "ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones," with both phrases pointing to the same group of people and their unique relationship with God. This repetition emphasizes the dual aspects of their identity: their lineage and their divine election. The verse also utilizes **Direct Address** ("O ye"), engaging the audience personally and making the declaration immediate and impactful. Furthermore, the use of **Appellations** or **Epithets** ("seed of Israel," "children of Jacob," "his servant," "his chosen ones") serves to define and affirm the identity of the people, imbuing them with specific theological significance and reminding them of their privileged status and responsibilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:13 is rich with theological significance, underscoring the foundational doctrines of divine election, covenant faithfulness, and the identity of God's people. It affirms that Israel's existence and purpose are rooted in God's sovereign choice, not their own merit, establishing a pattern of grace that pervades biblical theology. This election entails a covenantal relationship, marked by God's unwavering commitment and Israel's call to faithful servanthood. The verse's emphasis on lineage ("seed of Israel," "children of Jacob") connects the present generation to the historical outworking of God's promises, highlighting the enduring nature of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This divine initiative in choosing a people for Himself foreshadows a broader redemptive plan that extends beyond ethnic Israel, ultimately culminating in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People Chosen by God")
* [Psalm 105:6](/psalm/105-6 "Psalm 105:6 - Remembering God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption of Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:13 offers profound insights for believers today, transcending its original historical context to speak to our identity in Christ. Just as ancient Israel was chosen by God, so too are believers in the New Covenant. Our spiritual lineage is traced not through physical descent from Jacob, but through faith in Jesus Christ, making us spiritual "children of Abraham" and "chosen ones" in Him. This verse reminds us that our salvation and standing with God are entirely a result of His gracious election, not our own efforts or worthiness. This truth should cultivate deep humility, profound gratitude, and unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness. Being "chosen" also implies a purpose: to live as "servants" of God, reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom in the world. It calls us to embrace our identity as God's beloved and set-apart people, living lives of worship, obedience, and witness, remembering that our privilege comes with a call to devoted service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice of Israel in 1 Chronicles 16:13 deepen your appreciation for your own salvation and identity in Christ?**
* **In what ways does being called "his chosen ones" impact your daily walk and your sense of purpose as a believer?**
* **What does it mean for you to live as "his servant" in practical terms, and how can you better embody this role in your community and the world?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repeated names "Israel" and "Jacob" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "Israel" and "Jacob" is highly significant, serving to emphasize the continuity and foundational nature of God's covenant with His people. "Jacob" was the patriarch whose name God changed to "Israel" (meaning "struggles with God" or "God strives"), signifying the birth of the nation (see [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob's Name Changed to Israel")). By using both names, the verse powerfully links the present generation directly to their ancestral roots and the very inception of their identity as God's covenant people. It underscores that the current assembly is the direct heir of the promises made to their forefather, reminding them of God's enduring faithfulness across generations and their unique place in His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 16:13 directly addresses ancient Israel, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Servant" of God, the true Israel, who perfectly embodies the chosen one called to fulfill God's purposes (cf. [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "The Servant of the Lord")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a new covenant, extending the blessings of being "chosen" and "servant" to all who believe in Him, regardless of their ethnic origin. Believers in Christ are now considered the spiritual "seed of Abraham" (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")) and a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "God's Chosen People")). Thus, the election and servanthood once uniquely attributed to ethnic Israel are now realized and expanded in the church, the body of Christ, who are called to live as "children of God" (cf. [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "Becoming Children of God")) and "servants of righteousness" (cf. [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Servants of Righteousness")) through their union with the ultimate Chosen One.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.