1 Chronicles 16:40

KJV

To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and [to do] according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;

KJV (with Strong's)

To offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068} upon the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930} continually {H8548} morning {H1242} and evening {H6153}, and to do according to all that is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}, which he commanded {H6680} Israel {H3478};

Complete Jewish Bible

to offer burnt offerings to ADONAI every morning and evening on the altar for burnt offerings, according to everything written in the Torah of ADONAI, which he gave to Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

to regularly present burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offerings, morning and evening, according to all that was written in the Law of the LORD, which He had commanded Israel to keep.

American Standard Version

to offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah upon the altar of burnt-offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Jehovah, which he commanded unto Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously outlines King David's administrative decree for the ongoing, divinely prescribed worship at the tabernacle in Gibeon, specifically tasking the Levites and priests with the continual offering of burnt offerings each morning and evening. It emphatically states that these rituals were to be performed in strict accordance with the entirety of the Law of the LORD, which God Himself had commanded to Israel, thereby highlighting David's unwavering commitment to established Mosaic covenantal practices amidst his broader reforms in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal chapter detailing King David's comprehensive reorganization of Israelite worship. Immediately prior, [1 Chronicles 16:1-3](/1_chronicles/16-1-3 "1 Chronicles 16:1-3 - David brings the Ark to Jerusalem") recounts the momentous event of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem, where David established a tent for it and instituted new forms of worship involving singing, praise, and regular offerings. However, the traditional Mosaic tabernacle, including the bronze altar for burnt offerings, remained at Gibeon (as noted in [1 Chronicles 16:39](/1_chronicles/16-39 "1 Chronicles 16:39 - Zadok and his brethren at Gibeon")). Therefore, [1 Chronicles 16:40](/1_chronicles/16-40 "1 Chronicles 16:40 - The Priestly Duties at Gibeon") serves to clarify David's two-pronged approach to national worship: while innovative, celebratory worship was established in Jerusalem, the foundational, prescriptive sacrificial system at Gibeon, central to Israel's covenant with God, was meticulously maintained under the leadership of Zadok and his brethren. This demonstrates David's commitment to both spiritual renewal and strict adherence to divine law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, during David's reign, the Ark of the Covenant had been separated from the Mosaic Tabernacle for a considerable period, residing in various locations before David brought it to Jerusalem. The Tabernacle itself, along with the bronze altar for burnt offerings, was situated at Gibeon ([1 Chronicles 21:29](/1_chronicles/21-29 "1 Chronicles 21:29 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")). Culturally, the daily burnt offerings, specifically those offered "continually morning and evening," were not merely religious customs but foundational elements of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Prescribed in the Law of the LORD (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering") and [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Continual Burnt Offering")), these sacrifices served as a perpetual act of atonement, worship, and communion, symbolizing the nation's ongoing dedication and dependence on God. David's meticulous arrangements underscore his commitment to restoring and upholding these ancient, divinely ordained practices as the bedrock of national piety.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 16:40](/1_chronicles/16-40 "1 Chronicles 16:40 - David's Mandate for Worship") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles"). Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to Divine Law**, emphasizing that authentic worship is not based on human innovation but on strict adherence to God's revealed will, as explicitly stated by the phrase "according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel." This principle is central to the Chronicler's narrative, which often links national blessing to covenant faithfulness. Secondly, the instruction to offer sacrifices "continually morning and evening" highlights the theme of **Perpetual Worship and Atonement**, signifying Israel's constant need for God's grace and the ongoing nature of their relationship with Him. This daily rhythm of sacrifice served as a tangible expression of dependence and repentance, echoing commands found in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests and Daily Sacrifices") and [Numbers 28](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Offerings for Feasts and Sabbaths"). Finally, David's meticulous organization of the priestly duties at Gibeon, alongside the new worship established in Jerusalem, reinforces the theme of **Order and Structure in Sacred Service**, demonstrating his commitment to establishing a well-regulated and reverent system of national worship, a hallmark of his reign as depicted throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt offerings (Hebrew, _‘ôlâh'_):** From the root meaning "to ascend" or "go up," the *‘ôlâh* was a unique sacrifice in which the entire animal (excluding the hide, which was given to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, unreserved surrender, and full atonement, with the rising smoke representing the offering's ascent to God. It was considered a "sweet aroma" to the LORD, signifying acceptance and propitiation.
* **Continually (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_):** This adverb conveys the sense of regularity, perpetuity, and unwavering constancy. It signifies that the prescribed morning and evening sacrifices were not occasional acts but an unbroken, daily ritual, performed without interruption. The use of *tâmîyd* underscores the foundational and perpetual nature of these offerings as a central pillar of Israel's covenantal relationship with God, ensuring a constant state of worship and remembrance.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** Far more comprehensive than a mere set of legal statutes, *tôwrâh* refers to God's divine instruction, teaching, or guidance. In this context, "the law of the LORD" specifically points to the Mosaic covenant, encompassing all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes given by God through Moses, particularly those concerning worship and sacrifice. It signifies the authoritative and revealed will of God, to which Israel was bound in covenant obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD":** This initial clause clearly articulates the primary purpose and specific nature of the priestly service mandated at Gibeon. The "burnt offerings" (*‘ôlâh*) were central to Israelite worship, symbolizing complete dedication and providing atonement. The directive "unto the LORD" emphatically establishes the sole divine recipient of these sacred acts, underscoring that all worship was to be directed exclusively towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
* **"upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening":** This segment provides crucial details regarding the location and frequency of these sacrifices. "The altar of the burnt offering" refers to the large bronze altar situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle at Gibeon, the divinely appointed place for these specific offerings. The phrase "continually morning and evening" highlights the unwavering, unbroken rhythm of daily worship, emphasizing the perpetual nature of Israel's need for atonement and their ongoing communion with God, a command reiterated throughout the Pentateuch.
* **"and [to do] according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel":** This concluding clause serves as the foundational theological and practical mandate for the entire operation. It demands absolute and precise adherence to the comprehensive body of divine instruction—the Mosaic Law—pertaining to worship and sacrifice. This stipulation underscores the ultimate authority of God's revealed will and David's commitment to ensuring that all religious practices were conducted not by human innovation or preference, but strictly as God Himself had commanded His covenant people, Israel.

#### Literary Devices
This verse effectively utilizes several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, achieved through the precise and comprehensive language used to describe the sacrificial duties. The phrase "continually morning and evening" underscores the unwavering regularity required, while "according to all that is written in the law of the LORD" stresses the absolute and exhaustive nature of the required obedience. This dual emphasis reinforces the non-negotiable character of God's commands. Furthermore, the use of **Legal Language** is evident in terms like "law of the LORD" and "commanded Israel," which ground the worship practices in divine authority and covenantal obligation, elevating them beyond mere custom to divinely ordained statute. The Chronicler's meticulous detailing of these arrangements also functions as **Exemplification**, portraying David as the paradigm of a king who reverently establishes and maintains proper worship in strict accordance with God's revealed will, thereby serving as a model for future leadership and national piety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 16:40](/1_chronicles/16-40 "1 Chronicles 16:40 - The Mandate for Continual Worship") serves as a profound theological statement regarding the enduring necessity of divinely prescribed worship and unwavering obedience within the covenant relationship. It vividly illustrates that authentic devotion is not merely an emotional response but a meticulous alignment with God's revealed will, emphasizing the precise nature of His commands for His people. The continuity of the daily burnt offerings at Gibeon, maintained even as new, celebratory forms of worship were established in Jerusalem, underscores the unchanging character of God's requirements for atonement, communion, and covenant faithfulness. This verse profoundly reminds us that throughout salvation history, God has consistently called His people to worship Him on His terms, reflecting His inherent holiness and absolute sovereignty, and providing the sole legitimate means for ongoing reconciliation and intimate fellowship.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Continual Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of animal burnt offerings has been definitively fulfilled and superseded by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the profound principles embedded within [1 Chronicles 16:40](/1_chronicles/16-40 "1 Chronicles 16:40 - A Call to Consistent Obedience") remain eternally relevant for believers in the new covenant. This verse challenges us to deeply examine the consistency, intentionality, and biblical alignment of our own worship and daily lives. Are we approaching God on our own terms, or are we diligently seeking to align every aspect of our existence with His revealed will as found in Scripture? The emphasis on "continually morning and evening" calls us to cultivate not merely isolated acts of religious observance, but a pervasive lifestyle of ongoing devotion, prayer, and obedience. It serves as a powerful reminder that our entire lives—our daily rhythms, our vocational pursuits, our relationships, and our choices—are to be presented as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), reflecting an unbroken communion with God and an earnest commitment to obey all that is written in His Word. This calls for disciplined spiritual practices, a heart consistently yielded in repentance and praise, and a resolute commitment to living out our faith authentically in every sphere of life, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent right to define how we worship and serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "continual" worship in this verse translate into practical daily living for a New Testament believer?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to worship God on our own terms rather than "according to all that is written in the law of the LORD," and how can we guard against this?**
* **Considering David's meticulous organization of worship, what does this verse teach us about the importance of intentionality and discipline in our personal and corporate spiritual lives?**

### FAQ
**Why were sacrifices still offered at Gibeon when the Ark was in Jerusalem?**

Answer: David brought the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem and established a new tent and worship structure there, emphasizing praise and thanksgiving. However, the original Mosaic Tabernacle, which contained the bronze altar for burnt offerings, remained at Gibeon. The Law of Moses ([Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")) stipulated that daily burnt offerings were to be made on this specific altar. David, though innovative in Jerusalem, was also deeply committed to upholding the established Mosaic Law. Therefore, he ensured that the traditional sacrificial system, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God and required the use of the Tabernacle's altar, continued uninterrupted at Gibeon under the leadership of Zadok and his brethren ([1 Chronicles 16:39](/1_chronicles/16-39 "1 Chronicles 16:39 - Priestly Duties at Gibeon")). This reflects David's comprehensive approach to national worship, honoring both the historical traditions and the new spiritual vibrancy.

**What is the significance of "morning and evening" sacrifices?**

Answer: The "morning and evening" sacrifices, often referred to as the continual burnt offering (*tamid*), were prescribed in the Mosaic Law ([Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering"); [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Continual Burnt Offering")). Their significance lay in their perpetual nature, symbolizing Israel's constant need for atonement and their unbroken communion with God. These daily rituals served as a continuous reminder of sin, the need for divine grace, and the ongoing dedication of the nation to Yahweh. They underscored that God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's dependence on Him were not seasonal or occasional, but fundamental to their daily existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous obedience to the Law and the perpetual nature of the burnt offerings described in [1 Chronicles 16:40](/1_chronicles/16-40 "1 Chronicles 16:40 - A Foreshadowing of Christ's Work") find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "continual morning and evening" sacrifices, which served as a constant reminder of sin and the unceasing need for atonement, were but a mere shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the animal sacrifices that had to be repeated daily because they could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ, by the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without blemish to God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), thereby securing eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption through Christ")). His death on the cross was the complete, final, and sufficient burnt offering, perfectly satisfying the righteous demands of God's holy law and flawlessly fulfilling "all that is written in the law of the LORD" concerning atonement and reconciliation. Through His singular, decisive act, believers are made holy "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), entering into an unbroken, intimate communion with God that the Old Testament sacrificial system could only foreshadow. Our "continual" worship in the new covenant era is no longer through repeated animal sacrifice, but through the ongoing offering of ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), in light of Christ's finished work, and through constant prayer and a sacrifice of praise offered through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of 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

Numbers 28:3

And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

Numbers 28:8

And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer [it], a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Exodus 29:38

¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

Exodus 29:42

[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Ezra 3:3

And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear [was] upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, [even] burnt offerings morning and evening.

2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

1 Kings 18:29

And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the [time] of the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that [there was] neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.