1 Chronicles 16:35

KJV

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, [and] glory in thy praise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} ye, Save {H3467} us, O God {H430} of our salvation {H3468}, and gather us together {H6908}, and deliver {H5337} us from the heathen {H1471}, that we may give thanks {H3034} to thy holy {H6944} name {H8034}, and glory {H7623} in thy praise {H8416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say: "Save us, God who can save us! Gather and rescue us from the nations; so that we can thank your holy name and glory in praising you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then cry out: ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; gather and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.’

American Standard Version

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us together and deliver us from the nations, To give thanks unto thy holy name, And to triumph in thy praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:35 encapsulates a fervent communal prayer of dependence and devotion, forming a climactic petition within King David's great psalm of thanksgiving. It articulates a profound longing for divine rescue and restoration from external threats, not as an end in itself, but as a means to the ultimate purpose of glorifying God's holy name through grateful praise. This verse thus serves as a timeless model for the people of God, uniting their deepest needs with their highest calling to worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 16:35 is situated within a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and praise, delivered by King David on the momentous occasion of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem and placed in the tent he had prepared for it. This entire chapter, beginning with [the Ark's solemn procession and placement](/1_chronicles/16-1 "1 Chronicles 16:1 - The Ark Arrives in Jerusalem"), records David's appointment of Levites to minister before the Ark with music and song, establishing a new era of centralized worship. The psalm itself (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) is a masterful compilation, drawing heavily from [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 Rebellions and God's Mercy"), reflecting a rich tapestry of Israel's history, God's faithfulness, and a global call to worship. Verse 35, specifically, echoes the plea found in [Psalm 106:47](/psalm/106-47 "Psalm 106:47 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Gathering"), serving as a climactic petition within this broader song of worship, emphasizing the people's ongoing reliance on God for salvation and their commitment to praise His name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this psalm is the early Davidic monarchy, a pivotal time in Israel's history. The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem marked a significant theological and political unification, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and national capital. The Ark, symbolizing God's presence among His people, was central to Israelite worship and national identity. The phrase "deliver us from the heathen" (Hebrew: _goyim_) reflects the geopolitical realities of ancient Israel, which was constantly surrounded by hostile nations (e.g., Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, Syrians). These nations often posed military threats, but also represented idolatrous cultures that challenged Israel's covenant fidelity to Yahweh. The prayer for gathering likely speaks to a desire for national unity and restoration, perhaps referencing the scattering that occurred during periods of conflict or internal strife, or simply a yearning for the full assembly of God's people in worship, reminiscent of the gathering at the tabernacle or future temple.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, presenting God as the ultimate source of salvation and protection, capable of rescuing His people from any threat. Secondly, it highlights **Corporate Worship and Dependence**, as the prayer is a communal cry, demonstrating Israel's collective reliance on God for their well-being and their unified expression of praise. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Purpose of God's Salvation**, which is ultimately for His glory. Deliverance is not merely for the comfort of the people, but so that they "may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise." This teleological focus on God's honor is a recurring motif, found in passages like [Psalm 115:1](/psalm/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory"), where God's actions are explicitly linked to the vindication of His name among the nations. Finally, the plea to "gather us together" subtly introduces the theme of **Restoration and Unity**, a longing for the complete and undivided people of God, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological promises of God gathering His scattered flock.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshu'ah'_):** Derived from the root _yasha'_, meaning "to save, deliver, rescue." This term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just rescue from danger or enemies, but also victory, welfare, prosperity, and comprehensive liberation. It speaks to God's holistic provision for His people, addressing their physical, national, and spiritual needs. When David prays "God of our salvation," he acknowledges Yahweh as the sole and ultimate source of all forms of deliverance and well-being.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _goyim'_):** This term literally means "nations" or "peoples." In the Old Testament context, especially when contrasted with Israel, it refers to the non-Israelite nations, often implying those who are polytheistic, idolatrous, and frequently hostile to God's covenant people. The prayer to be delivered from the _goyim_ is a plea for protection from external threats that challenge Israel's existence and their unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _tiph'arah'_):** This word signifies splendor, beauty, honor, and praise. It comes from the verb _pa'ar_, meaning "to glorify" or "to beautify." In the context of "glory in thy praise," it expresses the desire that God's magnificent character and saving acts would be publicly acknowledged, celebrated, and held in high esteem. It's about magnifying God's reputation and displaying His inherent majesty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation":** This opening imperative, "say ye," indicates a communal call to prayer, a corporate confession of God's identity as the exclusive source of rescue. The repetition of "salvation" emphasizes God's sovereign role as the one from whom all deliverance flows, acknowledging His power and willingness to intervene on behalf of His people.
* **"and gather us together":** This petition expresses a deep longing for unity and restoration. It could refer to the physical gathering of scattered Israelites (perhaps from exile or dispersion due to conflict), or a spiritual gathering – a drawing together of the community in worship and covenant faithfulness. It reflects a desire for the full assembly of God's people, united in purpose and presence before Him.
* **"and deliver us from the heathen":** This is a specific plea for protection and victory over external adversaries. "The heathen" (or nations) represent those who oppose God's people and His purposes, whether militarily, culturally, or spiritually. This request underscores Israel's reliance on divine intervention for their security and flourishing in a hostile world.
* **"that we may give thanks to thy holy name, [and] glory in thy praise":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose of the preceding petitions. Deliverance and gathering are not ends in themselves, but means to a higher goal: the glorification of God. "Giving thanks to thy holy name" signifies grateful acknowledgment of His character and actions, while "glory in thy praise" means to find honor and delight in extolling His magnificent attributes and deeds. This teleological statement transforms the prayer from a mere request for help into an act of worship, ensuring that God receives all due honor for His saving acts.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **literary devices**. Foremost is **Petition**, as the entire verse is a direct appeal to God for specific actions: "Save," "gather," and "deliver." This is framed within a larger context of **Communal Worship**, indicating that this is a collective cry from the people, not merely an individual plea. The structure exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, particularly in the concluding phrases "give thanks to thy holy name" and "glory in thy praise," which echo and reinforce each other, emphasizing the singular purpose of God's deliverance. The verse also functions as a form of **Inclusio** within the broader Psalm 106 (from which it is partly drawn), as Psalm 106:47 begins with a very similar plea, bringing a sense of completion and reiteration of Israel's enduring dependence on God's saving power and their commitment to His praise. The use of the divine title "God of our salvation" is a powerful **Appellation**, highlighting a specific attribute of God that is central to the petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that God is the sole source of salvation and deliverance, a truth central to Israel's covenant relationship with Him. It underscores the nature of corporate prayer, where the community unites in humble dependence on their sovereign Lord, acknowledging His power to rescue them from both physical and spiritual adversaries. The ultimate theological thrust is the teleological purpose of God's saving acts: they are not merely for the comfort or benefit of humanity, but primarily for the display and glorification of His holy name. This transforms human need into an opportunity for divine praise, teaching that true worship is the fitting response to God's redemptive work.
* [Psalm 106:47](/psalm/106-47 "Psalm 106:47 - Prayer for Deliverance and Gathering")
* [Psalm 115:1](/psalm/115-1 "Psalm 115:1 - Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed for Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:35 offers a timeless model for our own spiritual lives and corporate worship. It calls us to cultivate a profound dependence on God as our ultimate deliverer, not just from grand national threats, but from the daily struggles, spiritual battles, and personal anxieties that seek to overwhelm us. This verse reminds us that prayer is not merely a means to an end (our deliverance), but an integral part of worship, where our petitions are offered with the ultimate aim of bringing glory to God's name. When we pray for salvation, gathering, or deliverance, our deepest desire should be that God's character is vindicated and His praise magnified in the world. It encourages us to pray not just for ourselves, but for the unity and restoration of the wider community of faith, recognizing that our collective well-being contributes to the corporate witness of God's power and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently most dependent on God for "salvation" or deliverance?**
* **How does the desire for God's glory shape your prayers for personal or communal needs?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster greater unity and "gathering" within your faith community, reflecting God's desire for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse repeated in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse, or very similar phrasing, appears in both [1 Chronicles 16:35](/1_chronicles/16-35 "1 Chronicles 16:35 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving") and [Psalm 106:47](/psalm/106-47 "A Prayer for Deliverance and Gathering"). The Chronicler often drew from existing psalms and other biblical texts to compose his narrative and theological message. In 1 Chronicles, it's presented as part of David's psalm of thanksgiving during the Ark's arrival, emphasizing the establishment of worship. In Psalm 106, it functions as a concluding prayer within a psalm that recounts Israel's history of rebellion and God's enduring mercy. The repetition highlights the enduring nature of Israel's dependence on God for salvation and their continuous call to praise Him, underscoring a timeless theological truth that resonated across different historical contexts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 16:35 is an Old Testament prayer for physical and national deliverance, its deepest longings find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "God of our salvation," who delivers us not merely from earthly enemies but from the power of sin and death, as proclaimed by the angel in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People"). The prayer to "gather us together" is profoundly answered in Christ, who breaks down dividing walls and gathers people from every tribe and nation into one body, the Church, under His headship, as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). He has delivered us from the ultimate "heathen" – the spiritual forces of darkness and the dominion of Satan, a victory secured through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, our ability to "give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise" is made possible through Christ's redemptive work, which enables us to approach God with boldness and offer true spiritual worship ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Praise Through Jesus")). In Him, the ancient prayer is not just answered, but transcended, as we anticipate the final gathering of all the redeemed to praise God eternally ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")).

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 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Psalms 106:48

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Psalms 14:7

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Psalms 79:10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.