1 Chronicles 16:15

Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations;

Be ye mindful {H2142} always {H5769} of his covenant {H1285}; the word {H1697} which he commanded {H6680} to a thousand {H505} generations {H1755};

Remember his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations,

Remember His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations—

Remember his covenant for ever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:15 is a powerful call to remember God's unwavering faithfulness, embedded within a psalm of thanksgiving offered by King David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. This verse, nearly identical to Psalm 105:8, serves as a cornerstone of Israel's understanding of God's character and His relationship with His people.

Context

This verse is part of a grand liturgical moment where David appointed Levites to minister before the Ark, to record, to thank, and to praise the LORD God of Israel (1 Chronicles 16:4). The psalm recited (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) celebrates God's mighty acts, His election of Israel, and His steadfast love. At its heart is the emphasis on God's covenant, a foundational concept for understanding the history and destiny of Israel. The command to "be ye mindful always of his covenant" was a reminder to the newly established monarchy and the entire nation of the divine promises that preceded their current prosperity and would secure their future.

Key Themes

  • The Enduring Nature of God's Covenant: The phrase "to a thousand generations" (Hebrew: ‘eleph dor) is a hyperbolic expression signifying perpetuity and eternity, not a literal count. It emphasizes that God's promises are not temporary but extend far beyond any human lifespan, reflecting His eternal faithfulness. This concept is also found in Deuteronomy 7:9.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The verse underscores God's reliability. He is not a God who forgets or breaks His word. His covenant, first established prominently with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and later expanded through Moses and David, is the bedrock of His relationship with humanity.
  • The Importance of Remembrance: The command "Be ye mindful always" is crucial. It calls for a continuous, active remembrance of God's promises and His commands. This mindfulness prevents forgetfulness, complacency, and drifting away from God's ways, serving as a constant source of hope and guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant" is berith (בְּרִית), which denotes a binding agreement or treaty, often with mutual obligations and promises, established by oath. In the context of God's dealings with humanity, it often refers to a divine initiative, a solemn promise from God that He will fulfill, often with stipulations for His people. The phrase "the word which he commanded" highlights the divine authority and unchangeable nature of these promises.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 16:15 remains highly relevant. It encourages us to continually reflect on God's enduring promises, not just those of the Old Testament but also the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Remembering God's faithfulness in the past builds our trust for the present and future. In times of uncertainty or doubt, we are called to be mindful of His unchanging character and His word, which stands "to a thousand generations." This mindfulness fosters gratitude, strengthens faith, and motivates obedience, knowing that our hope is founded on a God who always keeps His word.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:8

    ¶ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word [which] he commanded to a thousand generations.

  • Malachi 4:4

    ¶ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments.

  • Deuteronomy 7:9

    Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

  • Psalms 44:17

    ¶ All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

  • Psalms 25:10

    All the paths of the LORD [are] mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
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