1 Chronicles 16:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:15, a central verse in David's psalm of thanksgiving, profoundly commands the people of God to perpetually remember His enduring covenant. It highlights the eternal nature of God's promises, extending through countless generations, and calls all believers to a continuous, active remembrance of His unwavering word and His foundational relationship with humanity. This verse encapsulates the core of Israel's identity as a covenant people, sustained by divine initiative and steadfast love, serving as an anchor for their faith and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 16:15 is situated within a grand liturgical psalm (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) recited by King David during the momentous occasion of the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem and its placement in the tent he had prepared. This event signifies a pivotal moment in Israel's history, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the nation and centralizing the worship of Yahweh. The psalm itself is a composite, drawing heavily from [Psalm 105:1-15](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105:1-15 - God's Faithfulness to Israel"), [Psalm 96:1-13](/psalms/96 "Psalm 96:1-13 - A Call to Worship the Lord"), and [Psalm 106:1](/psalms/106-1 "Psalm 106:1 - Praise the Lord"). Notably, 1 Chronicles 16:15 is almost identical to [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God's Everlasting Covenant"). Its strategic placement here emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant promises, tracing them from the patriarchs through the Mosaic law and into the Davidic monarchy, thereby grounding this new era of worship and national life in the eternal faithfulness of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15) and its subsequent placement in a tent (1 Chronicles 16:1) was an event of immense theological and political significance for ancient Israel. It solidified Jerusalem's status as the spiritual and political capital, fostering unity among the tribes under David's leadership and centralizing the worship of Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, covenants (Hebrew: *berit*) were common, often serving as treaties between kings and their vassals, outlining mutual obligations. However, God's covenant with Israel was distinct, uniquely initiated by His sovereign grace and characterized by His unilateral promises, though requiring a human response of faithfulness. The imperative to "remember" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) was crucial in an oral culture, ensuring the accurate transmission of divine truth and historical events across generations, preventing apostasy, and fostering a robust national and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **enduring nature of God's covenant**, particularly the Abrahamic covenant, which is foundational to Israel's identity and destiny (cf. [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The powerful phrase "to a thousand generations" conveys an idea of perpetuity and God's unwavering commitment to His word. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness** (*hesed*), portraying Him as a God who never forgets His promises, contrasting sharply with human forgetfulness and unfaithfulness. This theme resonates throughout the historical books, demonstrating God's consistent care despite Israel's frequent failures. Finally, the imperative "Be ye mindful always" emphasizes the **importance of active remembrance** as a vital spiritual discipline, a call to live in light of God's past acts and promises, fostering trust, gratitude, and obedience, a theme frequently echoed throughout [the book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/ "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mindful (Hebrew, זָכַר, _zâkar'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual recall; it implies an active, intentional engagement with the past, leading to present action or attitude. Based on its root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)," to "be mindful" of God's covenant means to remember His promises and commands in such a way that it profoundly shapes one's identity, behavior, and trust in Him. It is a continuous, living awareness of God's character and His ongoing relationship with His people, prompting a response of obedience and worship.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, בְּרִית, _bᵉrîyth'_):** A foundational theological concept, *bᵉrîyth* denotes a solemn, binding compact or agreement. Derived from a root meaning "to cut" (referencing the ancient practice of passing between pieces of flesh to seal an oath), God's covenant with Israel is primarily an expression of His gracious initiative and steadfast love, establishing a unique and unbreakable relationship with His chosen people. It encompasses both divine promises (e.g., land, descendants, blessing) and human stipulations (e.g., obedience, worship), forming the very framework for Israel's existence and their understanding of God's character.
* **Thousand generations (Hebrew, אֶלֶף דּוֹר, _ʼeleph dôwr'_):** This is a powerful hyperbolic expression, not a literal numerical count, signifying an immeasurable, perpetual duration. The word *ʼeleph* means "a thousand," and *dôwr* refers to "an age or generation." Combined, this phrase conveys the idea of eternity, emphasizing the timeless, unbreakable, and unending nature of God's word and covenant promises. It assures the reader that God's faithfulness extends far beyond any human lifespan or historical epoch, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His word across all time and into eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye mindful always of his covenant;":** This opening imperative serves as a direct, urgent command to the people of God. The adverb "always" (Hebrew: *ʻôwlâm*) stresses the continuous, unending nature of this remembrance. It is not a sporadic act but a perpetual posture of the heart and mind, reflecting on God's foundational agreement with His people. This active and constant mindfulness forms the bedrock of their identity, their hope, and their security in God's steadfast love.
* **"the word [which] he commanded":** This clause clarifies the precise content and divine origin of the covenant: it is God's own spoken "word" (Hebrew: *dâbâr*). This emphasizes the divine authority and unchangeable nature of the covenant, underscoring that it is not a human construct but a divine decree. The verb "commanded" (Hebrew: *tsâvâh*) reinforces its authoritative, binding, and constitutive nature, highlighting that God Himself has enjoined this sacred agreement.
* **"to a thousand generations;":** This concluding phrase powerfully underscores the eternal and unbreakable nature of God's covenant and His word. It is a hyperbolic expression, signifying an immeasurable and perpetual duration, extending far beyond any human comprehension of time. This assurance communicates God's enduring faithfulness, guaranteeing His people that His promises are not temporary or subject to decay but extend infinitely into the future, ensuring their ultimate fulfillment through all ages.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound and enduring message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** in the phrase "to a thousand generations," which dramatically exaggerates a literal number to emphasize the eternal, unending, and immeasurable nature of God's covenant. This rhetorical device assures the audience of God's unwavering commitment far beyond human comprehension or lifespan. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood** in the opening command "Be ye mindful," which functions as a direct and urgent injunction, underscoring the vital importance of active and continuous remembrance for the community. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Parallelism** with [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant Forever"), where the near-identical wording reinforces the timeless and universal truth being conveyed, suggesting a deliberate echo to emphasize the enduring nature of God's covenant across different liturgical and historical contexts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "be mindful always of his covenant" is a foundational theological principle, anchoring Israel's identity and hope in the unwavering character of God. It highlights that God's relationship with humanity is not arbitrary or fleeting but established upon a solemn, eternal promise. This covenant, initiated by God's sovereign grace, defines His faithfulness and serves as the blueprint for His redemptive plan throughout history. The "thousand generations" signifies divine constancy, assuring believers that God's word stands firm, providing security and direction in every age. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's persistent pursuit of His people and His commitment to His promises, culminating in the ultimate covenant fulfillment in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God Keeps Covenant to a Thousand Generations")
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "God Remembers His Covenant Forever")
* [Luke 1:50](/luke/1-50 "Luke 1:50 - God's Mercy to Those Who Fear Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:15 calls us, as believers, to cultivate a deep and continuous awareness of God's covenant faithfulness. In a world characterized by relentless change, pervasive uncertainty, and often, broken promises, this verse serves as an unshakable anchor for our souls. It invites us to deliberately and actively recall God's past acts of faithfulness—in our personal lives, in the storied history of the church, and supremely in the grand, unfolding narrative of redemption. This active remembrance is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual discipline that transforms our perspective, strengthens our faith, and fuels our hope. When we are mindful of God's eternal covenant, we are powerfully reminded that our present struggles are temporary, our future is eternally secure in His sovereign hands, and His word is utterly trustworthy and immutable. This mindfulness fosters profound gratitude, inspires joyful obedience, and compels us to live in light of His enduring promises, trusting Him for "a thousand generations" and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are specific, practical ways you can actively "be mindful always" of God's covenant promises in your daily life and spiritual disciplines?**
* **How does remembering God's unwavering faithfulness in the past, both personally and biblically, strengthen your trust in Him for the challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to apply the profound truth that God's word is commanded "to a thousand generations" and is therefore utterly reliable and eternally binding?**

### FAQ
**What does "to a thousand generations" literally mean?**

Answer: The phrase "to a thousand generations" (Hebrew: *ʼeleph dôwr*) is not meant to be taken as a literal count of generations. Instead, it is a hyperbolic expression, common in biblical literature, signifying an immeasurable, perpetual, or eternal duration. It emphasizes the absolute and unending faithfulness of God's covenant promises, assuring that His word extends far beyond any human lifespan or historical epoch, guaranteeing its fulfillment throughout all time. It powerfully conveys the idea of God's commitment being forever, without end.

**How does 1 Chronicles 16:15 relate to Psalm 105:8?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 16:15 is nearly identical to [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "God Remembers His Covenant Forever"). This striking similarity highlights the shared theological emphasis on God's enduring covenant faithfulness across different biblical texts and liturgical traditions. In 1 Chronicles, it is part of David's psalm of thanksgiving upon the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem, underscoring the foundation of Israel's worship and national identity in God's promises. In Psalm 105, it serves as part of a historical recounting of God's mighty acts and His steadfast love for Israel, rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. [Psalm 105:9-10](/psalms/105-9 "God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")). The repetition across these texts powerfully reinforces the critical and timeless importance of this truth for God's people.

**Is God's covenant still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While 1 Chronicles 16:15 primarily refers to the Old Covenant established with Israel, the overarching principle of God's covenant faithfulness is supremely relevant for Christians. Believers today live under the provisions of the New Covenant, which was inaugurated by Jesus Christ (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Promised") and [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). This New Covenant fulfills and transcends the old, offering forgiveness of sins, direct access to God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The God who commanded His word "to a thousand generations" remains eternally faithful to His promises in Christ, ensuring the eternal security and hope of all who believe in Him. Our mindfulness of His covenant now centers on the finished work of Christ and the glorious promises secured through His precious blood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 16:15, with its emphatic declaration of God's covenant enduring "to a thousand generations," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "covenant" that God commanded is not merely a historical agreement but a living, eternal promise that culminates perfectly in the Son. Jesus is the divinely appointed mediator of a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant"), established on superior promises and irrevocably sealed with His own precious blood (cf. [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). He is the very embodiment of God's eternal faithfulness, the resounding "Yes" and "Amen" to all of God's promises throughout history (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the stipulations of the old covenant and inaugurated the new, ensuring that God's word is not just for "a thousand generations" but for eternity, for all who are united to Him by faith. Our "mindfulness" of God's covenant now directs us to the cross and the empty tomb, where the eternal fidelity of God is most gloriously displayed, securing our salvation and hope forever in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.

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.