1 Chronicles 16:36

KJV

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5769}. And all the people {H5971} said {H559}, Amen {H543}, and praised {H1984} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, from eternity past to eternity future!" All the people said, "Amen!" and praised ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and “Praise the LORD!”

American Standard Version

Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And all the people said, Amen, and praised Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:36 serves as the climactic benediction and congregational affirmation to David's psalm of thanksgiving, uttered when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates a profound doxology, declaring the eternal blessedness of the LORD God of Israel, followed by the unified and fervent "Amen" of all the people, signifying their wholehearted agreement and active participation in praising God for His enduring faithfulness and majestic presence. It marks a moment of corporate spiritual unity and a timeless model for worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and praise delivered by King David, recorded in [1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16-8 "1 Chronicles 16:8-36 - David's Song of Thanks"). The psalm itself is a rich compilation, drawing from various Psalms (notably parts of [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 Rebelliousness and God's Mercy")), and was recited on the momentous occasion of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem and placed in the tabernacle David had prepared. Verse 36 acts as the grand finale, a communal seal of approval and an eternal declaration of praise that punctuates the preceding celebration of God's mighty deeds and covenant faithfulness, transitioning from David's individual proclamation to the unified voice of the entire assembly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, detailed in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Song of Thanks"), was a watershed event in Israel's history. It centralized the nation's worship in Jerusalem, establishing it as the spiritual and political capital. The Ark was not merely a religious artifact; it symbolized God's tangible presence, His throne, and the very heart of the covenant relationship with Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public declarations and communal responses were integral to significant events and covenants. The people's resounding "Amen" was a culturally understood act of solemn affirmation, demonstrating their active participation and commitment to the covenant God had established with them, echoing similar communal responses found throughout Israel's history, such as at Mount Ebal (cf. [Deuteronomy 27:15-26](/deuteronomy/27-15-26 "Deuteronomy 27:15-26 - Curses from Mount Ebal")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Eternal Doxology**, expressed in the phrase "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever." This highlights God's unchanging nature, His timeless sovereignty, and His perpetual worthiness of praise, transcending all generations. Secondly, the title "the LORD God of Israel" underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding the people of God's unique and enduring relationship with His chosen nation, a relationship built on His promises and demonstrated through His constant presence and mighty acts (cf. [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Thirdly, the collective response, "And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD," signifies **Corporate Worship and Affirmation**. It illustrates the importance of communal participation in acknowledging God's glory, fostering spiritual unity, and demonstrating a shared commitment to His truth and worthiness. This collective "Amen" transforms individual praise into a powerful, unified declaration of faith and devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to kneel"; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason). In this context, it signifies an act of adoration, acknowledging God's inherent goodness, supreme worthiness, and His abundant provision. It is not about adding to God, but recognizing and declaring His intrinsic blessedness and His role as the source of all blessings.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root הָיָה (hayah), meaning "to be"; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. This is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (cf. [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God Reveals His Name")). Its inclusion here emphasizes God's self-existence, His eternal nature ("I AM WHO I AM"), and His active, faithful presence in the history and lives of His people, underscoring the specific, intimate, and powerful relationship God has with Israel.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** From the root אָמַן (aman), meaning "to be firm," "to be reliable," or "to be established"; sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly; Amen, so be it, truth. When the people declared "Amen," they were actively affirming the truth, validity, and desire for the preceding blessing and praise to be established and endure. It signifies full consent, agreement, and a solemn commitment to the truth of what has been spoken, transforming a passive hearing into an active, public declaration of faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever.":** This initial clause is a profound doxology, a formal expression of praise to God. "Blessed be" (or "Praised be") is a common liturgical formula, acknowledging God's inherent glory and worthiness. The full title, "the LORD God of Israel," specifically identifies the covenant-keeping God who has chosen and acted on behalf of His people. The phrase "for ever and ever" emphasizes the eternal, unchanging nature of God's blessedness and the perpetual duration of the praise due to Him. It extends the scope of adoration beyond the immediate moment into eternity.
* **"And all the people said, Amen,":** This marks the congregational response. The phrase "all the people" highlights the unity and universality of the affirmation within the assembly. Their declaration of "Amen" signifies their complete agreement with David's preceding psalm and the doxology. It is a powerful, active affirmation, a communal "so be it" or "let it be established," solidifying their participation in the worship.
* **"and praised the LORD.":** This final clause describes the action that accompanies the "Amen." It indicates that the people's affirmation was not merely verbal but also an act of worshipful adoration. Their "Amen" was intrinsically linked to their praise, demonstrating their reverence and devotion to Yahweh, the covenant God. This collective praise underscores the spiritual unity and fervent devotion of the Israelite community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Doxology** is central, with the opening phrase serving as a formal expression of praise and glory directed towards God. This is immediately followed by a clear instance of **Call and Response**, where David's solemn declaration is met with the unified and vocal affirmation of "all the people." This creates a dynamic and participatory atmosphere, highlighting the communal nature of worship. Furthermore, the phrase "for ever and ever" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Repetition** (implied through the doubling of "ever") to emphasize the eternal, unending nature of God's blessedness and the perpetual duration of the praise He is due. The entire verse functions as a **Benediction**, a concluding blessing that seals the preceding act of worship with a powerful, communal affirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:36 encapsulates the essence of true worship: the eternal blessedness of God, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the unified, active response of His people. It teaches that praise is not merely an emotional outburst but a theological declaration of God's intrinsic worth and His enduring relationship with humanity. The "Amen" signifies a profound commitment, aligning the worshiper's will with God's truth and purpose. This communal affirmation underscores the importance of corporate worship, where the collective voice amplifies the glory of God and strengthens the bonds of faith within the community. It serves as a timeless reminder that God, the LORD God of Israel, is worthy of perpetual adoration from all generations.

* [Psalm 106:48](/psalms/106-48 "Psalm 106:48 - Concluding Doxology of Book IV")
* [Nehemiah 8:6](/nehemiah/8-6 "Nehemiah 8:6 - Ezra Blesses the LORD and the People Respond")
* [Revelation 5:13-14](/revelation/5-13-14 "Revelation 5:13-14 - All Creation Praises God and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides a powerful blueprint for our own worship and spiritual lives. The command to bless the LORD "for ever and ever" calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous thanksgiving and adoration, recognizing God's unchanging character and eternal sovereignty in every circumstance. Our praise should not be confined to a specific time or place but should permeate our entire existence, reflecting His perpetual worthiness. The unified "Amen" of the people reminds us of the profound significance of corporate worship and the power of collective affirmation. When we join with other believers in declaring "Amen" to truth, prayer, or praise, we are actively participating in a shared declaration of faith, strengthening both our individual conviction and the spiritual unity of the body of Christ. This communal response fosters accountability, encourages mutual edification, and presents a powerful witness to the world of God's enduring presence among His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the eternal nature of God's blessedness (as in "for ever and ever") impact your daily praise life?**
* **In what ways can your personal "Amen" become a more active and intentional affirmation of God's truth and promises?**
* **How does your participation in corporate worship contribute to the collective "Amen" of the church, and what does that mean for spiritual unity?**
* **Considering God as "the LORD God of Israel," how does His faithfulness to His ancient covenant inform your trust in His faithfulness to you today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "for ever and ever" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: *le'olam wa'ed*) emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of God's blessedness and the perpetual duration of the praise due to Him. It signifies that God's glory and worthiness of adoration are not bound by time or circumstance but are constant and everlasting. This declaration transcends the immediate historical moment, projecting the praise of God into eternity and highlighting His unchanging character as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (cf. [Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - I am the Alpha and the Omega")). It encourages a mindset of ceaseless worship, acknowledging that God's attributes and His covenant faithfulness endure through all generations.

**Why is the people's "Amen" so important here?**

Answer: The people's "Amen" is crucial because it signifies their active, unified, and wholehearted affirmation of David's preceding psalm and the doxology. It is more than a passive agreement; it is a solemn declaration of "so be it," "let it be established," or "truly." In ancient Israel, "Amen" served as a communal seal of approval, binding the people to the truth and the blessing proclaimed (cf. [Deuteronomy 27:15-26](/deuteronomy/27-15-26 "Deuteronomy 27:15-26 - Curses from Mount Ebal")). Here, it demonstrates corporate spiritual unity, active participation in worship, and a shared commitment to the God of Israel, making their praise a collective and powerful act of devotion.

**How does this verse inform our understanding of corporate worship today?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 16:36 provides a foundational model for corporate worship. It highlights the importance of both a leader's declaration of praise (David's psalm) and the congregation's unified, active response ("Amen, and praised the LORD"). This dynamic interaction underscores that worship is a communal endeavor where believers collectively affirm God's truth and worthiness. It teaches that corporate worship is not a spectator event but a participatory act, fostering spiritual unity, mutual encouragement, and a powerful collective witness to God's glory. The "Amen" remains a vital element in contemporary worship, signifying agreement with prayers, sermons, and declarations of praise, binding the community together in shared faith and adoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The eternal doxology and congregational "Amen" of 1 Chronicles 16:36 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "Blessed... LORD God of Israel," the eternal Son who eternally receives and merits all praise "for ever and ever" (cf. [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")). In Christ, God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, which this verse celebrates, is perfectly realized and extended to all nations (cf. [Romans 15:8-9](/romans/15-8-9 "Romans 15:8-9 - Christ a Servant to the Jews and Gentiles")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness, in whom all of God's promises are "Yes and Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The corporate "Amen" of the people in 1 Chronicles foreshadows the unified worship of the church, the new Israel, who gather to praise the Father through the Son in the power of the Spirit. In Him, believers from every tribe and tongue join in an eternal chorus, affirming God's glory and His redemptive work, echoing the ancient cry of "Amen" with new covenant significance, knowing that their praise is eternally established in the one who is the ultimate "Amen" (cf. [Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")).

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

1 Kings 8:15

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled [it], saying,

Psalms 72:18

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Nehemiah 8:6

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground.

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.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

1 Corinthians 14:16

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?