What number verse is 1 Chronicles 16:40 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 16:40 is the 10,861st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 16:40 sits at position 10,861.

Translation

King James Version

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;

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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;

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World English Bible Messianic

to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the LORD’s law, which he commanded to Israel;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

To offer burnt offrings vnto the Lord, vpon the burnt offring altar continually, in the morning and in the euening, euen according vnto all that is written in the law of the Lord, which hee commanded Israel.

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Young's Literal Translation

to cause to ascend burnt-offerings to Jehovah, on the altar of burnt-offering continually, morning and evening, and for all that is written in the law of Jehovah, that He charged on Israel.

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Study This Verse

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 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). Therefore, 1 Chronicles 16:40 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). 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 and Numbers 28:3-8), 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 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 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 and Numbers 28. 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Burnt offerings (Hebrew, ‘ôlâh', H5930): 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', H8548): 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', H8451): 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 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.

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 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), 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) 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). 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; Numbers 28:3-8). 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 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. Unlike the animal sacrifices that had to be repeated daily because they could never truly take away sins (Hebrews 10:4), Christ, by the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without blemish to God (Hebrews 9:14), thereby securing eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12). 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), 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), in light of Christ's finished work, and through constant prayer and a sacrifice of praise offered through Him (Hebrews 13:15).

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16 verses 37–43

37 ¶ So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:

38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:

39 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,

40 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;

41 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;

42 And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.

43 And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

The worship of God is not only to be the work of a solemn day now and then, brought in to grace a triumph; but it ought to be the work of every day. David therefore settles it here for a constancy, puts it into a method, which he obliged those that officiated to observe in their respective posts. In the tabernacle of Moses, and afterwards in the temple of Solomon, the ark and the altar were together; but, ever since Eli's time, they had been separated, and still continued so till the temple was built. I cannot conceive what reason there was why David, who knew the law and was zealous for it, did not either bring the ark to Gibeon, where the tabernacle and the altar were, or bring them to Mount Zion, where the ark was. Perhaps the curtains and hangings of Moses's tabernacle were so worn with time and weather that they were not fit to be removed, nor fit to be a shelter for the ark; and yet he would not make all new, but only a tent for the ark, because the time was at hand when the temple should be built. Whatever was the reason, all David's time they were asunder, but he took care that neither of them should be neglected. 1. At Jerusalem, where the ark was, Asaph and his brethren were appointed to attend, to minister before the ark continually, with songs of praise, as every day's work required, Ch1 16:37. No sacrifices were offered there, nor incense burnt, because the altars were not there: but David's prayers were directed as incense, and the lifting up of his hands as the evening sacrifice (Psa 141:2), so early did spiritual worship take place of ceremonial. 2. Yet the ceremonial worship, being of divine institution, must by no means be omitted; and therefore at Gibeon were the altars where the priests attended, for their work was to sacrifice and burn incense, which they did continually, morning and evening, according to the law of Moses, Ch1 16:39, Ch1 16:40. These must be kept up because, however in their own nature they were inferior to the moral services of prayer and praise, yet, as they were types of the mediation of Christ, they had a great deal of honour put upon them, and the observance of them was of great consequence. Here Zadok attended, to preside in the service of the altar; as (it is probable) Abiathar settled at Jerusalem, to attend the ark, because he had the breast-plate of judgment, which must be consulted before the ark: this is the reason why we read in David's time both Zadok and Abiathar were the priests (Sa2 8:17; Sa2 20:25), one where the altar was and the other where the ark was. At Gibeon, where the altars were, David also appointed singers to give thanks to the Lord, and the burden of all their songs must be, For his mercy endureth for ever, Ch1 16:41. They did it with musical instruments of God, such instruments as were appointed and appropriated to this service, not such as they used on other occasions. Between common mirth and holy joy there is a vast difference, and the limits and distances between them must be carefully observed and kept up. Matters being thus settled, and the affairs of religion put into a happy channel, (1.) The people were satisfied, and went home pleased. (2.) David returned to bless his house, resolving to keep up family worship still, which public worship must not supersede.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 37–43. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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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.