1 Chronicles 16:6

Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

Benaiah {H1141} also and Jahaziel {H3166} the priests {H3548} with trumpets {H2689} continually {H8548} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of God {H430}.

B'nayah and Yachzi'el the cohanim blew the trumpets continually before the ark for the covenant of God.

and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.

and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:6 describes a specific aspect of the grand celebration organized by King David as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This verse highlights the dedicated role of priests in the worship service, emphasizing the importance of instrumental praise before God's visible presence.

Context

This verse is situated within a significant historical event in Israel's history: King David's transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing it as the spiritual and political capital (1 Chronicles 15-16). David meticulously organized the Levites and priests for worship, assigning them specific duties. Benaiah and Jahaziel were priests appointed to blow trumpets continually before the Ark, which symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people. This period marked a renewed emphasis on structured and joyful worship in Israel.

Key Themes

  • Organized Worship: David's reign was characterized by a meticulous organization of religious service, ensuring that worship was conducted with order and reverence.
  • Role of the Priesthood: Priests, descendants of Aaron, had unique responsibilities in leading worship and mediating between God and the people. Benaiah and Jahaziel exemplify this specialized service, reflecting David's detailed organization of Levitical duties.
  • Music in Worship: Trumpets, along with other instruments, played a vital role in Israelite praise, used for signaling, celebration, and announcing God's presence.
  • God's Continual Presence: The "continual" sounding of trumpets before the Ark underscored the constant awareness and celebration of God's abiding presence among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trumpets" here is chatsotsrah, referring to the straight, silver trumpets used by priests for signaling, calling assemblies, and sounding alarms, but also prominently in praise and celebration before the Lord. The term "continually" comes from the Hebrew tamid, which denotes regularity, perpetuality, or an ongoing service, signifying a consistent and unwavering devotion in their priestly duties.

Practical Application

While we no longer worship before a physical Ark, the principles of this verse remain relevant for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of:

  • Intentional Worship: Our praise should be purposeful and regular, recognizing God's constant presence in our lives.
  • Using Our Gifts: Like Benaiah and Jahaziel used their priestly gifts and trumpets, we are called to use our diverse talents to glorify God. This includes music, but also any form of service.
  • The Centrality of Christ: Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence, Jesus Christ is now the ultimate manifestation of God among us. Our worship should be centered on Him, as John 1:14 speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.

This verse from 1 Chronicles encourages us to approach God with consistent, joyful, and organized praise, recognizing His ever-present majesty.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 5:12

    Also the Levites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, [being] arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)

  • 2 Chronicles 5:13

    It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

  • Numbers 10:8

    And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:12

    And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:26

    And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:28

    And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: [and] all [this continued] until the burnt offering was finished.
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