1 Chronicles 16:33

KJV

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall the trees {H6086} of the wood {H3293} sing out {H7442} at the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, because he cometh {H935} to judge {H8199} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the trees in the forest will sing before ADONAI, because he has come to judge the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth.

American Standard Version

Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before Jehovah; For he cometh to judge the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:33 presents a magnificent vision from David's psalm of thanksgiving, portraying all of creation, specifically "the trees of the wood," joining in a resounding chorus of joyful praise. This cosmic exultation is a profound and unreserved response to the glorious and active presence of the LORD, who is depicted as "coming to judge the earth." Far from a fearful condemnation, this divine judgment signifies the establishment of perfect justice, order, and righteousness, bringing ultimate vindication and restoration to all creation under God's sovereign and benevolent rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and climactic part of the grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise recited by King David upon the successful transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ([1 Chronicles 16:1-36](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving")). The entire chapter marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the nation. David's psalm, a masterful compilation drawing heavily from [Psalm 105](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel"), [Psalm 96](/psalms/96 "Psalm 96 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"), and [Psalm 106](/psalms/106 "Psalm 106 - Israel's Rebellions and God's Mercy"), functions as a communal liturgy. It invites the people to reflect on God's past faithfulness, celebrate His present glory, and anticipate His future reign. Verse 33, specifically, is almost identical to [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth"), underscoring the universal scope of God's dominion and the eschatological hope embedded within this worshipful song. It culminates a series of calls for creation to rejoice, beginning in [1 Chronicles 16:31](/1_chronicles/16-31 "1 Chronicles 16:31 - Let the Heavens Be Glad").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem was a monumental event in Israelite history, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and solidifying David's kingship. This act was a deliberate move to centralize worship and national identity, shifting the focus from previous, less stable cultic sites to the newly conquered Jebusite city. In the ancient Near East, kings often established their rule through military might and grand displays of power. David, however, establishes his reign by prioritizing the presence of Yahweh, the true King of Israel, demonstrating a profound theological understanding of his role as God's vice-regent. The concept of a deity "coming to judge" was not unique to Israel, but Israel's understanding of Yahweh's judgment was distinct: it was not arbitrary or capricious but rooted in His covenant faithfulness, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the oppressed. The celebration described here reflects a profound cultural understanding of God's active involvement in both human history and the natural world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Universal Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His dominion extends beyond the nation of Israel to encompass all creation. The imagery of nature responding to God's presence underscores His absolute authority and rightful claim over everything He has made. Secondly, it emphasizes **Cosmic Worship and Anticipation**, portraying creation as an active participant in praising God, thereby setting a precedent for human worship to align with this universal chorus. It suggests that the entire cosmos is attuned to the divine presence. Thirdly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Righteous Judgment and Divine Vindication**. The "coming to judge" is not presented as a threat but as a promise of ultimate justice, where God will set all things right, vindicate the righteous, and establish His perfect order. This theme resonates with the prophetic hope found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17-25 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - New Heavens and New Earth"), envisioning a renewed creation under God's righteous and redemptive rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing out (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** From H7442, a primitive root, properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy); aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. This verb signifies a ringing cry, a shout of joy, exultation, or triumph. It implies a vibrant, unrestrained, and loud expression of delight and jubilation. In this context, it depicts the trees not merely whispering but bursting forth with a triumphant chorus, reflecting the overwhelming joy at God's presence.
* **Presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. This word, often translated "face," denotes the manifest, active, and personal appearance or manifestation of God. It implies a direct encounter or a tangible display of His glory and authority. The "presence of the LORD" is not merely His abstract existence but His active, powerful, and glorious engagement with His creation.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** From H8199, a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively); [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. This word is rich in meaning, encompassing more than just the modern English connotation of condemnation. While it certainly includes the idea of discerning and pronouncing judgment (guilty or innocent), its broader scope includes governing, ruling, delivering justice, vindicating the oppressed, maintaining order, and setting things right. For the righteous, God's "judgment" is a cause for celebration because it signifies the establishment of perfect justice, the end of all evil and oppression, and the dawn of His righteous reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall the trees of the wood sing out":** This clause employs vivid personification, attributing human-like vocal expression to inanimate trees. It is a poetic and hyperbolic declaration emphasizing the universal scope of God's praise. The "trees of the wood" represent all of creation, suggesting that even the natural world intuitively recognizes and responds with exuberant joy to the presence of its Creator. It sets a cosmic stage for divine activity, indicating that the entire created order is poised to acknowledge and celebrate God's dominion.
* **"at the presence of the LORD":** This phrase identifies the catalyst for creation's exuberant praise. The "presence of the LORD" (Hebrew: _pânîym_ H6440, often associated with the Ark of the Covenant in this chapter's immediate context, but here expanded to a universal manifestation) is a powerful, glorious, and transformative force. It is God's manifest glory and active involvement in His creation that elicits such a profound and joyful response from the natural world. This presence is not static but dynamic, inspiring a spontaneous and overwhelming declaration of joy.
* **"because he cometh to judge the earth":** This final clause provides the profound theological reason for the cosmic rejoicing. The "coming" of the LORD is an eschatological anticipation, pointing to a future, definitive manifestation of God's power and authority. As explored in the "Key Word Analysis," "judge" (Hebrew: _shâphaṭ_ H8199) here means to govern, to set things right, to establish justice, and to vindicate. For a world groaning under sin and injustice, the coming of God to "judge" is not a threat of condemnation for the righteous but a promise of ultimate liberation, restoration, and the establishment of His perfect, righteous kingdom. It is the assurance that divine order will be fully imposed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Personification**, most notably in the phrase "the trees of the wood sing out." This device imbues inanimate objects with human qualities, vividly portraying creation as an active, conscious participant in worship and celebration. This is a common biblical motif, seen elsewhere in passages where mountains skip like rams or fields rejoice. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident, as the literal singing of trees is an exaggeration designed to convey the immense, overwhelming scale of creation's joyful response to God's presence and coming. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy** or **Anticipation**, looking forward to a future, definitive manifestation of God's reign and judgment, which will bring about ultimate justice and order. The overall tone is one of **Exultation** and **Triumph**, celebrating God's imminent and righteous rule over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:33 offers a profound theological statement about God's universal dominion and the ultimate trajectory of history. It reminds us that creation itself is not a silent backdrop but an active participant in the divine drama, eagerly awaiting and celebrating the full manifestation of God's righteous rule. This cosmic anticipation underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all things, and His purposes for justice and restoration will ultimately prevail. The "judgment" spoken of is not merely punitive but redemptive, signifying the setting right of all wrongs and the establishment of a perfect, just order, bringing profound hope to those who long for righteousness and peace. It aligns human worship with a broader, universal chorus, inviting us to share in creation's joyful expectation of God's glorious reign and to live in light of that coming reality.

* [Psalm 96:11-13](/psalms/96-11-13 "Psalm 96:11-13 - Let the Heavens Rejoice Before the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - The Mountains and Hills Will Burst into Song")
* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation Groans for Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:33 invites us to expand our understanding of worship and hope. If even the trees are depicted as "singing out" in joyful anticipation of God's coming reign and righteous judgment, how much more should humanity, created in God's image and recipients of His covenant love and redemptive grace, offer Him unbridled praise? This verse challenges us to align our hearts and lives with the cosmic expectation of God's ultimate justice. It provides profound comfort and hope for those who suffer injustice, reminding us that a day is coming when God will indeed set all things right, bringing perfect order and peace to the earth. Our worship, then, becomes not just a response to past blessings but an active participation in the future triumph of God's kingdom, motivating us to live justly and mercifully in the present, anticipating the full establishment of His righteous rule and striving to reflect His character in a world still awaiting His complete restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of creation praising God challenge or expand your understanding of worship?**
* **In what ways does the promise of God "coming to judge the earth" bring you hope rather than fear?**
* **How can we, as believers, better align our lives with the cosmic anticipation of God's righteous reign and justice?**

### FAQ

**Is the "singing" of trees literal in 1 Chronicles 16:33?**

Answer: No, the "singing" of trees in 1 Chronicles 16:33 is a poetic personification, not a literal description. It is a powerful literary device used to convey the idea that all of creation, from the heavens to the earth, is so profoundly affected by the presence and coming of the LORD that it responds with exuberant joy and praise. This imagery emphasizes the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the natural world's inherent recognition of its Creator. Similar poetic expressions are found elsewhere in Scripture, such as [Isaiah 55:12](/isaiah/55-12 "Isaiah 55:12 - The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands") where "the trees of the field will clap their hands."

**What does "he cometh to judge the earth" mean in this context? Is it a threat?**

Answer: In this context, "judge the earth" (Hebrew: _šāphaṭ_) is not primarily a threat of condemnation but a promise of righteous governance, vindication, and the establishment of perfect order. While divine judgment certainly includes accountability for sin, its broader biblical meaning, especially in prophetic and psalmic literature, encompasses God's role as the supreme Ruler who sets all things right. For the righteous and the oppressed, God's coming to judge is a cause for celebration because it means the end of injustice, the defeat of evil, and the full establishment of His just and peaceful kingdom. It signifies that God will administer perfect justice, bringing ultimate peace and righteousness to the world, as echoed in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - He will judge the world in righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 16:33, with its cosmic anticipation of God "coming to judge the earth," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament looked forward to Yahweh's direct intervention, the New Testament reveals that this divine "coming" is realized through the Son. Jesus' first advent was indeed a "coming to judge" in a profound sense, as He exposed the darkness of sin and established His spiritual kingdom, bringing judgment upon the powers of evil and offering salvation to all who believe ([John 3:17-19](/john/3-17-19 "John 3:17-19 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn the World")). His resurrection and ascension marked His enthronement as King, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Has Been Given to Me")). The full, glorious realization of the "trees of the wood sing[ing] out" will occur at Christ's second coming, when He returns not only to judge the living and the dead but also to fully establish His righteous kingdom, bringing cosmic renewal and setting all things right ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "God Has Appointed a Day to Judge the World by a Man He Has Appointed"); [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, the ancient hope for God's just reign is perfectly embodied and will be fully consummated in the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom all creation will ultimately bow and give praise ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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 98:9

Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Psalms 96:12

Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ezekiel 17:22

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent:

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Revelation 11:17

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.