1 Chronicles 16:26

KJV

For all the gods of the people [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

KJV (with Strong's)

For all the gods {H430} of the people {H5971} are idols {H457}: but the LORD {H3068} made {H6213} the heavens {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For all the gods of the peoples are nothing, but ADONAI made the heavens.

Berean Standard Bible

For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

American Standard Version

For all the gods of the peoples are idols: But Jehovah made the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:26 stands as a profound declaration within King David's psalm of thanksgiving, recited upon the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem. This verse powerfully contrasts the utter futility and non-existence of pagan deities with the boundless power, absolute sovereignty, and unique identity of Yahweh, the one true God, who alone is the Creator of the vast universe. It serves as a foundational statement of monotheism, asserting God's exclusive claim to worship based on His unparalleled creative act.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 16:26 is an integral part of a grand psalm of praise (1 Chronicles 16:7-36) that King David appointed to be sung before the Ark of the Covenant, celebrating God's faithfulness, power, and glory. This psalm is a composite work, drawing heavily from portions of [Psalm 105](/psalm/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel"), [Psalm 96](/psalm/96 "Psalm 96 - A Call to Worship the Lord"), and [Psalm 106](/psalm/106 "Psalm 106 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Mercy"). Its placement here signifies a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital, with the Ark—the symbol of God's presence—now residing there. The psalm functions as a liturgical centerpiece, instructing the people in proper worship and theological understanding, emphasizing God's universal dominion and His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was saturated with polytheistic religions, where numerous gods and goddesses were worshipped, often associated with natural phenomena, fertility, or war. Nations surrounding Israel, such as the Canaanites, Philistines, and Egyptians, had elaborate pantheons (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Dagon, Ra). In this environment, Israel's declaration of monotheism was radical and counter-cultural. The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was not merely a political act but a profound theological statement, asserting Yahweh's unique presence and power in contrast to the impotent idols of the surrounding nations. The verse directly challenges the prevailing worldview, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the only true God, whose reality is demonstrated by His creative power, unlike the man-made "gods" of the gentiles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Folly of Idolatry**, declaring the gods of other peoples to be "idols" (worthless things), echoing warnings found throughout the Old Testament against the worship of false deities, as powerfully articulated in [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Futility of Idols") and [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Absurdity of Idolatry"). Secondly, it champions **God as Creator**, providing the ultimate theological basis for His supremacy. The assertion that "the LORD made the heavens" points to God's unique power and authority as the sole originator of all existence, a foundational truth established from [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth") onwards. This theme establishes God's absolute distinction from His creation and from any human-made deity. Finally, the verse powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Exclusivity**, implying that because Yahweh alone is the Creator, He alone is worthy of universal worship, praise, and trust, standing in stark contrast to the emptiness and powerlessness of false gods. His creative act proves His supreme power and rightful claim to universal worship and allegiance, as seen in [Psalm 19:1](/psalm/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _ʾělîlîm_):** This plural noun, derived from a root meaning "nothingness" or "worthlessness," is a highly derogatory term used throughout the Old Testament to describe pagan deities. It strips away any perceived power or divinity from these false gods, emphatically declaring them to be non-existent, empty, and utterly impotent. The term conveys contempt, emphasizing that these objects of worship are mere fabrications, devoid of life, power, or reality.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):: This is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal, covenantal relationship with His people. Unlike the "idols" which are "nothings," YHWH is the "I AM," the truly existing, living, and active God who intervenes in history and keeps His promises. His name stands in direct opposition to the emptiness of the _ʾělîlîm_.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all the gods of the people [are] idols":** This clause makes a sweeping, universal declaration concerning the deities worshipped by all other nations ("the people," referring to the gentiles). It asserts that these so-called "gods" are not merely inferior, but are fundamentally "idols"—empty, powerless, and ultimately non-existent entities. This is a direct polemic against polytheism, declaring that the objects of pagan worship are utterly worthless and incapable of action, help, or salvation.
* **"but the LORD made the heavens":** This second clause introduces a stark contrast ("but") and provides the irrefutable evidence for Yahweh's unique supremacy. Unlike the idols, which are human constructs, "the LORD" (YHWH) is the active, powerful, and living God who brought the entire cosmos ("the heavens," a merism for the entire created order) into existence. This act of creation demonstrates His infinite power, wisdom, and absolute sovereignty, establishing Him as the only true God worthy of worship and trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, creating a sharp, absolute contrast between the "gods of the people" and "the LORD." The first clause declares the utter emptiness and non-existence of pagan deities, while the second asserts the supreme reality and creative power of Yahweh. This juxtaposition highlights the unique nature of Israel's God. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "all the gods of the people," emphasizing the comprehensive scope of Yahweh's supremacy over every conceivable rival. Furthermore, "the heavens" functions as a **Synecdoche** or **Merism**, representing the entirety of creation (heaven and earth), thereby signifying God's complete and absolute creative power over all things. These devices combine to deliver a concise yet profoundly impactful theological statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:26 serves as a foundational declaration of biblical monotheism, asserting not just that Yahweh is *a* god, but that He is the *only* God. This truth is rooted in His unique role as Creator. If God alone made the heavens, then He alone is worthy of worship, allegiance, and trust. All other objects of worship, whether physical idols or abstract concepts that usurp God's place, are exposed as worthless and deceptive. This verse underscores the exclusivity of God's claim on humanity's worship, reminding us that true security and meaning are found only in the one who brought all things into being, not in the fleeting creations or aspirations of humanity. It sets the stage for understanding God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive plan, which is always directed towards restoring humanity's worship to its rightful object.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Powerlessness of Idols"): "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell; they have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them."
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - God's Ridicule of Idolatry"): This passage vividly mocks the absurdity of idol-making, where a person uses part of a tree for fuel and part to carve a god, then bows down to it.
* [Deuteronomy 4:19-20](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19-20 - Warning Against Worshipping Creation"): "And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly shaped by secularism, consumerism, and self-worship, the ancient truth of 1 Chronicles 16:26 remains profoundly relevant. While physical idols may be less common in many societies, the human heart's propensity for idolatry persists. We are constantly tempted to place our ultimate trust, hope, and devotion in "gods" that are not the true God—whether they be wealth, career success, social status, political ideologies, comfort, technology, or even our own abilities and achievements. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our allegiances, challenging us to discern what truly holds the highest place in our lives. Only the God who "made the heavens" possesses the infinite power, wisdom, and faithfulness to sustain, deliver, and truly satisfy our deepest longings. Placing our trust in anything less is to invest in "idols" that are ultimately empty, fleeting, and incapable of providing lasting security or meaning. The call is to exclusive worship and wholehearted devotion to the living Creator, finding our true identity and purpose in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or ultimate sources of security and meaning might I be tempted to worship in my life today, even subtly?**
* **How does remembering that "the LORD made the heavens" impact my perspective on my problems, my fears, and my future?**
* **In what practical ways can I reorient my daily life to worship the Creator more fully and exclusively?**
* **How can the truth of God's unique creative power strengthen my witness to a world that often seeks meaning apart from Him?**

### FAQ
**How does 1 Chronicles 16:26 relate to other biblical passages, especially in the Psalms?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 16:26 is a direct quotation from [Psalm 96:5](/psalm/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord is Great and Worthy of Praise"). The Chronicler incorporates this verse, along with others from Psalms 105 and 106, into David's psalm of thanksgiving. This demonstrates the Chronicler's theological emphasis on the supremacy of Yahweh and the proper worship due to Him. The repetition reinforces the core message of God's unique creative power as the basis for His unparalleled sovereignty, contrasting Him sharply with the false gods of the nations. It highlights a consistent biblical theme found across various books: the Creator God is the only true God.

**What does the term "idols" mean for us in a modern context, where physical idol worship is less common?**

Answer: While physical statues are less common objects of worship in many modern societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. An "idol" is anything that takes the place of God in our lives, anything we trust in, serve, or derive our ultimate meaning and security from, apart from the true Creator. This can include wealth, career success, power, fame, relationships, comfort, self-image, political ideologies, technology, or even religious practices divorced from a genuine relationship with God. The verse challenges us to examine our hearts and identify what we truly worship, reminding us that anything we elevate above the Creator is ultimately an "idol" – worthless and incapable of fulfilling our deepest needs or providing lasting hope.

**Why is it significant that "the LORD made the heavens" specifically?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD made the heavens" is highly significant because it points to God's ultimate and unique power over the cosmos. In the ancient world, celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) were often worshipped as deities or seen as manifestations of divine power. By declaring that Yahweh *made* the heavens, the verse asserts His absolute supremacy over all such perceived powers and deities. It means He is not merely a god *within* creation, but the transcendent God *above* and *beyond* creation, who brought it all into being. This act of creation is the foundational proof of His unmatched power, wisdom, and rightful claim to universal worship, distinguishing Him from all human-made or natural "gods." It also implies His ongoing sovereignty and control over all things, providing immense comfort and security to those who trust in Him, as seen in [Acts 17:24](/acts/17-24 "Acts 17:24 - God, the Creator of the World").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration in 1 Chronicles 16:26, that "all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that the Creator God, Yahweh, is none other than the Father, and that all things were made *through* and *by* His Son, Jesus Christ. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") states, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") affirms, "for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Jesus, therefore, is the very agent of the Father's creative power, the one through whom the heavens were made. He is the visible image of the invisible God, the one who perfectly reveals the Creator to humanity ([Hebrews 1:2-3](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). In Christ, the futility of idols is fully exposed, for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), offering salvation from the emptiness of worshiping anything other than the true God. Through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrates the Creator's power not only over the cosmos but over sin and death itself, establishing His unique claim to universal worship and allegiance. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the declaration that only the Creator is worthy of our praise.

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 102:25

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.

Leviticus 19:4

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I [am] the LORD your God.

Isaiah 42:5

¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Jeremiah 10:14

Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.