1 Chronicles 16:17

KJV

And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, [and] to Israel [for] an everlasting covenant,

KJV (with Strong's)

And hath confirmed {H5975} the same to Jacob {H3290} for a law {H2706}, and to Israel {H3478} for an everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285},

Complete Jewish Bible

and established as a law for Ya'akov, for Isra'el as an everlasting covenant:

Berean Standard Bible

He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

American Standard Version

And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:17 stands as a powerful declaration within David's psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This verse specifically highlights the divine confirmation of the covenant to Jacob (Israel), emphasizing its authoritative nature as a "law" and its perpetual endurance as an "everlasting covenant." It underscores the immutable character of God and the enduring security of His relationship with His chosen people, a foundational truth for all subsequent generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a grand psalm of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) that King David commissioned Asaph and his brethren to sing before the Ark of the Covenant, newly brought to Jerusalem. The psalm itself is a masterful compilation, drawing heavily from [Psalm 105:1-15](/psalm/105-1 "Psalm 105:1-15 - God's Wonderful Works and Covenant Faithfulness") and [Psalm 96:1-13](/psalm/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-13 - A New Song to the Lord"), with an additional doxological conclusion from [Psalm 106:47-48](/psalm/106-47 "Psalm 106:47-48 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Praise"). Verses 15-17 specifically echo [Psalm 105:8-10](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-10 - God's Remembrance of His Covenant"), serving as a historical reminder of God's faithfulness to the covenant established with Abraham, reaffirmed to Isaac, and then to Jacob (who was renamed Israel), promising land, descendants, and a unique relationship. The placement of this psalm immediately after the Ark's triumphant entry into Jerusalem underscores the theological significance of God's presence and His covenant promises as the bedrock of the Davidic kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (recorded in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), signifying the centralization of worship and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital under King David. This event was not merely a logistical move but a profound theological statement about God's dwelling among His people. In the ancient Near East, covenants were solemn, binding agreements, often sealed with rituals and oaths. God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was unique in its unilateral nature, initiated by God's grace and sustained by His faithfulness, rather than contingent on human performance. This covenant promised a land ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram Regarding the Land")), numerous descendants ([Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Promise of Numerous Descendants")), and a special relationship, forming the very identity of the nation of Israel. The psalm's recitation served to remind the people of their foundational history and God's enduring commitment to them.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the Chronicler's message and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, highlighted by the act of "confirming" His word, demonstrating His reliability and immutable character across generations. This faithfulness is the bedrock of Israel's existence and hope. Closely related is the theme of **The Everlasting Covenant**, emphasizing the eternal and unbreakable nature of God's solemn agreement with His chosen people. It signifies a perpetual and binding relationship that transcends time and human failure. The description of the covenant as a "law" (חֹק, _ḥōq'_) for Jacob introduces the theme of **Divine Decree and Authority**, indicating that God's promise is not a suggestion but an established, unchangeable ordinance, a fixed boundary for His dealings with humanity. Finally, the verse reiterates **The Special Relationship with Israel**, underscoring God's specific election of Jacob and his descendants as the unique recipients of His covenant blessings and promises, including the promise of the land of Canaan, which is explicitly mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Chronicles 16:16](/1_chronicles/16-16 "1 Chronicles 16:16 - The Oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")). These themes collectively paint a picture of a sovereign God who is both faithful to His word and intimately involved in the history of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confirmed (אָמַן, _ʾāman'_):** This Hebrew root carries the fundamental meaning of firmness, reliability, trustworthiness, and stability. When God "confirms" His word, it signifies that He has established it as unshakeable and true. It implies not merely a verbal affirmation but an active, decisive act of making something sure and dependable. In this context, it underscores God's absolute integrity and the certainty of His promises, providing a foundation of trust for His people.
* **Law (חֹק, _ḥōq'_):** While often translated as "law," in this specific context, _ḥōq_ refers not to the Mosaic Law (Torah) but to an established decree, an ordinance, a statute, or even a fixed portion or boundary. It denotes something prescribed and unchangeable. Here, it emphasizes the authoritative and fixed nature of God's covenant promise to Jacob, indicating that it is a divine mandate, an unalterable ordinance from the Creator, rather than a mere suggestion or a conditional agreement.
* **Everlasting Covenant (בְּרִית עוֹלָם, _bərît ʿôlām'_):** This powerful phrase combines _bərît_, meaning a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, with _ʿôlām_, which denotes eternity, perpetuity, or a very long duration. Together, they describe a covenant that is perpetual, enduring, and unbreakable. It signifies a relationship and a set of promises that are not subject to termination or expiration, underscoring the eternal scope and immutable nature of God's pledge to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath confirmed the same":** This opening clause highlights God's active and decisive role in establishing His promises. The verb "confirmed" (from _ʾāman_) conveys the idea of making something firm, reliable, and trustworthy. It emphasizes that the covenant is not a fleeting agreement but a divinely established and unchangeable reality, rooted in God's own character. The "same" refers to the covenant oath mentioned in the preceding verses (1 Chronicles 16:15-16), which God swore to Abraham and Isaac.
* **"to Jacob for a law":** Here, "Jacob" represents both the patriarch himself and, by extension, the nation of Israel that descended from him. The covenant is given "for a law" (חֹק, _ḥōq'_), signifying that it is a fixed, divine decree or ordinance. It is not merely a suggestion or a proposal, but an authoritative and established mandate from God, binding upon Jacob and his descendants, and serving as the foundational principle for their existence and relationship with God.
* **"and to Israel for an everlasting covenant":** This clause provides a synonymous parallel to the previous one, reinforcing the message. "Israel" is the new name given to Jacob ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Renamed Israel")), symbolizing his transformation and the birth of the nation. The covenant is described as "everlasting" (בְּרִית עוֹלָם, _bərît ʿôlām'_), emphasizing its perpetual and unending nature. It is a binding agreement that endures through all generations, signifying God's eternal commitment and the enduring security of His relationship with His chosen people. The parallelism between "Jacob for a law" and "Israel for an everlasting covenant" underscores the dual aspects of the covenant: its authoritative, foundational nature and its perpetual, enduring quality.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 16:17 masterfully employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature. The two clauses, "to Jacob for a law" and "to Israel for an everlasting covenant," express the same fundamental idea in slightly different words, reinforcing and intensifying the message. "Jacob" and "Israel" are two names for the same person and, by extension, the same nation, while "law" (חֹק) and "everlasting covenant" (בְּרִית עוֹלָם) both convey the idea of a divinely established, binding, and enduring promise. This parallelism serves to emphasize the immutable and perpetual nature of God's covenant. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis through Repetition** of the core concept of God's unwavering commitment. The very act of recalling and reciting this historical truth within a psalm of thanksgiving serves as a **Didactic** tool, teaching the people about God's character and their foundational identity. The covenant itself can be seen as a **Metaphor** for the very structure and order of God's relationship with His people, a stable and unyielding framework upon which all other divine dealings are built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of God's unwavering faithfulness, so powerfully articulated in 1 Chronicles 16:17, forms a central pillar of biblical theology. This verse assures us that God is not capricious or forgetful; His promises are not subject to human whim or the passage of time. The "everlasting covenant" with Jacob/Israel serves as a historical testament to God's immutable character, providing an unshakable foundation for faith. If God was so steadfast in upholding His ancient pledges, even when Israel often failed to keep their end of the covenant, how much more can believers today trust in the "better covenant" established through Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant Established"))? This divine reliability undergirds all of God's redemptive plan, assuring us that His purposes will ultimately prevail and His word will never return void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Accomplish Its Purpose")). The covenant's nature as a "law" or divine decree highlights God's sovereignty and His right to establish the terms of His relationship with humanity, terms that are ultimately for our good and His glory.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant Inaugurated")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalm/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Covenant Will Not Be Broken")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Oath and Promise, Immutable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:17 offers profound assurance and a call to deeper trust for believers today. In a world characterized by shifting sands of promises broken, allegiances betrayed, and fleeting commitments, this verse anchors our hope in the unchanging character of God. His confirmation of an "everlasting covenant" means that our salvation, our standing with Him, and our future hope are not dependent on our fluctuating faithfulness, but on His unyielding integrity. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of security and peace, freeing us from anxiety about God's disposition towards us. It encourages us to live in confident obedience, knowing that the God who established and maintained His covenant with ancient Israel is the same God who has covenanted with us through Christ. Our response, then, should be one of grateful worship and devoted living, trusting that His "law" – His divine decrees and promises – are the most reliable guides for our lives, leading us into His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unwavering faithfulness to ancient covenants strengthen your trust in His promises for your life today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to lean more heavily on the "everlasting" nature of God's covenant with you through Christ?**
* **What does it mean for God's word to be a "law" or "decree" in your life, and how does that shape your response to His commands and promises?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between the "law" mentioned here and the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: The "law" (חֹק, _ḥōq'_) in 1 Chronicles 16:17 refers to a divine decree, an established ordinance, or a fixed boundary, specifically pertaining to God's covenant promise to Jacob/Israel. It signifies the authoritative and unchangeable nature of this specific promise. This is distinct from the Mosaic Law (Torah), which refers to the comprehensive body of commandments, statutes, and ordinances given through Moses at Mount Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). While both derive from God's authority, the "law" in 1 Chronicles 16:17 speaks to the foundational, unconditional nature of the patriarchal covenant, whereas the Mosaic Law provides the conditional framework for Israel's conduct within that covenant relationship.

**Why is the covenant described as "everlasting"?**

Answer: The term "everlasting" (עוֹלָם, _ʿôlām'_) signifies perpetuity, eternity, or a very long duration, emphasizing the enduring and unbreakable nature of the covenant. It means that God's commitment to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is not temporary or subject to expiration. This covenant is not dependent on human performance for its ultimate validity, but on God's own immutable character and faithfulness. While aspects of the covenant might be fulfilled or transformed over time, its core promises and God's underlying commitment remain perpetually binding, ultimately finding their fulfillment in Christ and the new covenant ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace Who Brought Back Jesus")).

**How does this verse relate to the Abrahamic Covenant?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 16:17 directly relates to and reaffirms the Abrahamic Covenant. The psalm from which this verse is taken explicitly refers to God's oath to Abraham and Isaac in the preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 16:15-16](/1_chronicles/16-15 "1 Chronicles 16:15-16 - God's Covenant with Abraham and Isaac")). The covenant "confirmed... to Jacob" is the same covenant initially made with Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), which was then reaffirmed to his son Isaac ([Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3 "Genesis 26:3-4 - God's Promise to Isaac")), and finally to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel ([Genesis 35:9-12](/genesis/35-9 "Genesis 35:9-12 - God Renews Covenant with Jacob/Israel")). This verse emphasizes the continuity and enduring nature of God's singular covenant promise across the patriarchal generations, highlighting its foundational importance for the nation of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "everlasting covenant" confirmed to Jacob and Israel in 1 Chronicles 16:17 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament covenants, including the patriarchal covenant, were not ends in themselves but progressive revelations of God's redemptive plan, all pointing forward to the Messiah. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed, as promised in the original Abrahamic covenant ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ as Abraham's Seed")). He is the mediator of a "new covenant," which is superior to the old because it is established on better promises and sealed with His own blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") and [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")). The permanence of the covenant described in 1 Chronicles 16:17 underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, a faithfulness that culminated in sending His Son to secure eternal redemption. Through Christ, the promises of land and descendants are transformed into spiritual realities: the inheritance of the new heavens and new earth, and a spiritual lineage of believers from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 21:1-7](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-7 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the "everlasting covenant" with Israel is not abrogated but perfected and expanded in the person and work of Christ, establishing a perpetual and unbreakable relationship between God and all who believe in His Son, fulfilling the ancient promises in a way far grander than could have been imagined.

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

Genesis 35:11

And God said unto him, I [am] God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Genesis 35:12

And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

Jeremiah 11:2

Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.