1 Chronicles 16:2

KJV

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when David {H1732} had made an end {H3615} of offering {H5927} the burnt offerings {H5930} and the peace offerings {H8002}, he blessed {H1288} the people {H5971} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offering and the peace-offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the momentous and celebratory procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, King David concluded the elaborate ritual of worship and sacrifice. After offering numerous burnt offerings, signifying complete dedication, and peace offerings, symbolizing fellowship and communion, David, acting as the divinely appointed leader, turned to the assembled multitude and personally pronounced a blessing upon them, invoking the very name and authority of the LORD. This act underscored the culmination of a significant spiritual event, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of Israel under God's favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate continuation of the narrative in [1 Chronicles 16:1](/1_chronicles/16-1 "1 Chronicles 16:1 - David brings the Ark into the tent"), which describes David bringing the Ark of God into the tent he had prepared for it and presenting burnt and peace offerings before God. The entire chapter of [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving") then unfolds with David's magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and praise, followed by the establishment of regular worship practices before the Ark. The Chronicler's emphasis throughout this section is on proper worship, the centrality of the Ark (and thus God's presence), and David's role in organizing the spiritual life of the nation. The blessing in [1 Chronicles 16:2](/1_chronicles/16-2 "1 Chronicles 16:2 - David Blesses the People") serves as the official, divinely sanctioned conclusion to the Ark's relocation and the initial dedication ceremonies, setting the stage for the ongoing worship described thereafter. This event is also paralleled in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem"), though the Chronicler provides additional details and a stronger theological emphasis on worship and the Davidic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was a pivotal historical and religious event. Previously, the Ark had been in various locations, including Kirjath-jearim, for many years after its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return. David's relocation of the Ark to Jerusalem elevated the city from merely a political capital to the spiritual center of the united kingdom, signifying God's presence dwelling among His people. Burnt offerings (`olah`) were sacrifices entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete consecration and atonement, while peace offerings (`shelamim`) involved a portion given to God, a portion to the priests, and the remainder eaten by the worshiper, signifying fellowship, reconciliation, and thanksgiving. For a king like David to pronounce a blessing was not uncommon; kings in the ancient Near East often had cultic responsibilities. However, David's blessing "in the name of the LORD" emphasized that his authority was derived from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, reinforcing the unique relationship between God, the king, and the nation. This act solidified David's role as not just a military and political leader, but also a spiritual shepherd of his people.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 16:2](/1_chronicles/16-2 "1 Chronicles 16:2 - David Blesses the People") encapsulates several profound themes central to the Chronicler's narrative and Israelite theology. Firstly, **Worship and Sacrifice** are paramount, as the entire event revolves around the proper approach to God through prescribed rituals. The offerings signify devotion, atonement, and communion, setting the pattern for Israel's relationship with God. Secondly, **Davidic Leadership and Divine Authority** are highlighted. David, though not a priest, acts in a priestly capacity by offering sacrifices and pronouncing a blessing. This underscores his unique role as God's chosen king, mediating divine favor to his people, a theme that resonates throughout the books of [1 and 2 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of Samuel and Saul") and [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - Solomon's Reign"). His authority to bless comes directly "in the name of the LORD," emphasizing that true blessing originates from God. Finally, the theme of **Divine Blessing and Covenant Faithfulness** is evident. The blessing is a declaration of God's favor and a reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Israel, ensuring prosperity, peace, and well-being for His people as they remain faithful to Him. This act mirrors the [Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing"), demonstrating God's consistent desire to bless His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bārakh'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range. In this context, when a superior (like God or His representative, David) blesses an inferior (the people), it means to impart favor, bestow good things, and declare divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. It is an active declaration that invokes God's power to bring about the promised good. David is not merely wishing them well; he is, by divine appointment, a conduit through whom God's favor is declared and channeled to the congregation.
* **in the name of the LORD (Hebrew, _bəšēm Yahweh'_):** This phrase is crucial for understanding the authority and efficacy of David's blessing. It signifies that David was acting not by his own power or personal authority, but as God's representative, with God's full authorization and power backing his words. To act "in the name of" someone implies acting on their behalf, with their character, power, and authority. Therefore, the blessing was divinely sanctioned, legitimate, and potent, carrying the weight of God's own word and promise. It ensured that the blessing was truly from God, not from David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings":** This clause emphasizes the completion of the sacrificial ritual. The "burnt offerings" (`olah`) symbolized total dedication and atonement, while the "peace offerings" (`shelamim`) represented fellowship, reconciliation, and thanksgiving. The completion of these specific sacrifices signifies that the people had properly approached God, their sins had been covered, and communion had been established. This act of worship was foundational before the blessing could be pronounced, indicating that God's favor is often contingent on proper reverence and obedience.
* **"he blessed the people":** This highlights David's direct action as the king and spiritual leader. Having overseen the ceremonial sacrifices, he now assumes the role of mediator of divine favor. This was a public, authoritative declaration of God's goodness upon the entire assembly, signifying the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with David as the chosen instrument. It was a moment of profound spiritual significance, affirming the people's standing before God.
* **"in the name of the LORD":** This critical phrase qualifies the nature and source of the blessing. It underscores that David's authority was not inherent but derived. His words were not merely human pronouncements but carried divine weight because they were spoken under the direct authorization and power of Yahweh. This ensured the blessing's legitimacy and efficacy, making it a powerful declaration of God's intended favor and prosperity for His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Narrative Progression** is evident as it marks the culmination of the Ark's relocation and the associated sacrificial rituals, moving from action to divine declaration. **Symbolism** is central, with the "burnt offerings" symbolizing complete surrender and the "peace offerings" representing restored fellowship, both prerequisites for receiving divine favor. The Ark itself is the ultimate **Symbol** of God's presence. David's act of blessing "in the name of the LORD" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "the name of the LORD" stands for the very authority, character, and power of God Himself. This phrase also highlights **Divine Authority**, emphasizing that the blessing's power comes from God, not from David. Furthermore, the scene establishes David's **Royal Theology**, portraying him not just as a political ruler but as a divinely appointed spiritual leader who mediates between God and His people, foreshadowing the ultimate King-Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The act of David blessing the people "in the name of the LORD" is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of divine blessing and covenant. It reflects God's consistent desire to pour out His goodness upon His people, a theme that begins with the creation account and continues through the patriarchs, the nation of Israel, and ultimately in Christ. This blessing was not a mere wish but an authoritative declaration, carrying the weight of God's own word. It signified God's favor, protection, and prosperity upon a people who had just engaged in profound worship and dedication. It also highlights the mediatorial role, where a chosen leader acts as a conduit for God's grace, a pattern seen throughout salvation history.

* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing"): This is the classic Aaronic blessing, where priests are commanded to bless the people in the name of the LORD, demonstrating the divine origin and efficacy of such pronouncements.
* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abram"): God promises Abraham, "I will bless you... and you will be a blessing," establishing the foundational covenant theme of God's desire to bless His people and make them a channel of blessing to others.
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing"): In the New Testament, believers are declared to be "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," emphasizing that ultimate blessing comes through union with Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's act of blessing the people after a period of intense worship and sacrifice offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that true blessing flows from God, often in response to our sincere dedication and communion with Him. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence among Israel, believers today are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making us temples of the living God. Our worship, whether personal or corporate, should always lead us to a deeper experience of God's favor and grace. Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of spiritual leadership that seeks to impart God's blessing upon the congregation, not from personal charisma, but from a humble reliance on God's authority. It challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and as a community, can be channels of God's blessing to those around us, speaking words of life and encouragement that reflect His character and promises. The ultimate goal of our worship is not merely to perform rituals, but to draw near to God and receive the outpouring of His goodness, enabling us to live lives that honor Him and bless others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding David's blessing "in the name of the LORD" deepen your appreciation for the source and nature of true blessing in your life?**
* **In what ways does your personal or corporate worship prepare your heart to receive God's blessing and to be a blessing to others?**
* **How can you, as a believer, act as a channel of God's blessing in your spheres of influence, speaking words of life and hope "in the name of the LORD"?**
* **What does David's dual role as king and spiritual leader teach us about the integration of faith and leadership in all areas of life?**

### FAQ
**Why was David, a king and not a priest, able to bless the people in this manner?**

Answer: David's ability to bless the people, despite not being a Levite or Aaronic priest, highlights his unique divinely appointed role as king. In ancient Israel, the king often held a significant spiritual function, acting as God's representative and mediator for the nation. This was part of the broader concept of "royal theology," where the king was seen as God's anointed, responsible for the spiritual well-being of his people. While the priests had specific cultic duties related to sacrifices and the tabernacle, the king could also perform certain religious acts, especially those related to national worship and covenant reaffirmation, as seen in David's actions here and Solomon's prayer of dedication in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). David's blessing "in the name of the LORD" explicitly states that his authority was delegated by God, making the blessing legitimate and effective, not based on his priestly lineage but on his royal anointing and God's direct commission. This foreshadows the ultimate King-Priest, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 16:2, with David blessing the people "in the name of the LORD" after completing the sacrifices, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as king, acts in a mediatorial capacity, bringing the Ark (symbolizing God's presence) to His people and then imparting divine favor. Jesus, the ultimate Davidic King, is the true and greater mediator who not only brings God's presence to humanity but *is* God's presence, Emmanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). Unlike David, who offered animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling all burnt and peace offerings through His death on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Having completed this ultimate act of atonement and reconciliation, Jesus, our High Priest and King, blesses His people not merely with earthly prosperity but with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). His final act before ascension was to bless His disciples ([Luke 24:50-51](/luke/24-50 "Luke 24:50-51 - Jesus Ascends")), a tangible sign of the ongoing divine favor and peace He bestows upon all who believe. Thus, David's blessing in the name of the LORD finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Christ, through whom all true and lasting blessings flow.

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 47:10

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

2 Chronicles 30:20

And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

1 Kings 8:55

And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

1 Kings 8:56

Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

Genesis 14:19

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Genesis 20:7

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.