1 Chronicles 16:7

KJV

¶ Then on that day David delivered first [this psalm] to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then on that day {H3117} David {H1732} delivered {H5414} first {H7218} this psalm to thank {H3034} the LORD {H3068} into the hand {H3027} of Asaph {H623} and his brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was on that same day that David first ordered that thanks be given to ADONAI through Asaf and his kinsmen:

Berean Standard Bible

On that day David first committed to Asaph and his brothers this song of thanksgiving to the LORD:

American Standard Version

Then on that day did David first ordain to give thanks unto Jehovah, by the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history of worship, immediately following the joyous procession of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights King David's proactive and inspired leadership in establishing organized praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, entrusting the formal delivery of a specific psalm of gratitude into the hands of Asaph and his fellow Levite musicians. It signifies the initiation of a new era of structured, intentional worship centered on God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in David's reign, specifically within the narrative of the Ark of the Covenant's relocation to Jerusalem. [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem") and the beginning of [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Song of Thanks") detail the meticulous and joyous procession of the Ark into the tent David had prepared for it. Following the sacrifices and blessings in [1 Chronicles 16:1-3](/1_chronicles/16-1 "1 Chronicles 16:1-3 - Ark Placed, Sacrifices Offered"), David immediately appoints Levites to minister before the Ark, "to record, to thank, and to praise the LORD God of Israel" ([1 Chronicles 16:4](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4 - Appointment of Levites for Worship")). Verse 7 then specifies the *first* formal act of thanksgiving, introducing the extensive psalm that follows in [1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16-8 "1 Chronicles 16:8-36 - David's Psalm of Thanks"), which serves as the content of this initial, divinely inspired worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. Its long journey from its capture by the Philistines and subsequent dwelling in various locations (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - Ark at Kiriath-Jearim")) meant that centralized, organized worship around it had been absent for decades. David's intense desire to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, making it the religious and political capital, was a profound act of devotion. His actions in [1 Chronicles 16:7](/1_chronicles/16-7 "1 Chronicles 16:7 - David Appoints Asaph for Worship") reflect his role not only as king but as a spiritual leader, establishing the infrastructure for national worship. The appointment of Levites like Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun ([1 Chronicles 16:41-42](/1_chronicles/16-41 "1 Chronicles 16:41-42 - Continued Worship at Gibeon")) to lead musical praise was a significant cultural development, formalizing the role of music and song in Israelite worship, which would later flourish in the Temple era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **Davidic Leadership in Worship**, portraying David as a king who actively initiates and organizes the spiritual life of the nation, not merely a political figure. Secondly, it highlights the **Centrality of God's Presence**, as the entire event revolves around the Ark, the tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people, eliciting profound joy and gratitude. Thirdly, the verse establishes the theme of **Organized Thanksgiving and Praise**, moving beyond spontaneous celebration to a structured, ongoing act of worship led by appointed Levites. This formalization of praise, particularly through music and song, sets a precedent for the elaborate temple worship described later in Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of intentional and continuous gratitude to God for His faithfulness and presence, as seen throughout [the book of Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Reign of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (nâthan) means "to give, put, set, entrust, deliver." In this context, it signifies more than a casual handing over; it implies a formal commissioning and delegation of responsibility. David, as king, is not merely suggesting but actively instituting and entrusting a specific task—the leading of thanksgiving—to Asaph and his brethren. This highlights David's authority and his intentional establishment of an organized system of worship.
* **first (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** The Hebrew word רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh), meaning "head, beginning, chief, first," is used here adverbially to convey the sense of "at the first" or "in the beginning." This signifies that David's act of delivering this psalm was the *initial* and *primary* step in establishing formal, organized worship after the Ark's arrival. It emphasizes the foundational nature of this event, setting a precedent for all subsequent acts of public thanksgiving and praise in Jerusalem, marking a new era of structured worship.
* **to thank (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** The Hebrew verb יָדָה (yâdâh) encompasses a rich semantic range including "to praise, give thanks, confess, laud." It often implies an open, public acknowledgment of God's greatness, goodness, and faithfulness, sometimes accompanied by outstretched hands. Here, it defines the very purpose of the psalm and the worship service: a heartfelt, public expression of gratitude and adoration to the LORD for His presence and covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then on that day":** This phrase immediately connects the act of delivering the psalm to the momentous occasion of the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem. It emphasizes the immediacy and significance of David's action, indicating that establishing formal worship was a top priority, a direct and spontaneous response to God's manifested presence. The joy and solemnity of the Ark's placement naturally flowed into an outpouring of structured gratitude.
* **"David delivered first [this psalm]":** This clause highlights King David's initiative and leadership. The KJV's bracketed "[this psalm]" is an interpretive addition, as the Hebrew literally says "David gave first to give thanks." However, the following verses ([1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16-8 "1 Chronicles 16:8-36 - David's Psalm of Thanks")) clearly present the content of this "giving thanks" as a specific composition. The word "first" (derived from *rôʼsh*) underscores that this was the inaugural, foundational act of organized praise under David's direction, setting a pattern for the future.
* **"to thank the LORD":** This phrase states the explicit purpose of David's action. The entire endeavor was directed towards expressing gratitude and praise to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the theological motivation behind David's leadership—not for personal glory, but for the adoration of God, acknowledging His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness in bringing His presence to Jerusalem.
* **"into the hand of Asaph and his brethren":** This specifies the recipients of David's commission. Asaph was a prominent Levite musician and choirmaster, and "his brethren" refers to the other Levites appointed to assist him. This detail signifies the formal delegation of musical and liturgical responsibility, establishing a professional, organized system for leading worship. It marks the beginning of the Levitical guilds' significant role in the musical praise of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The phrase "**on that day**" functions as a powerful **temporal marker**, creating a sense of immediacy and emphasizing the direct causal link between the Ark's arrival and the institution of formal worship. This immediate response highlights the profound impact of God's presence. The KJV's interpretive addition of "[this psalm]" (though not explicit in the Hebrew) can be seen as a form of **synecdoche**, where a specific part (the psalm) stands for the whole act of organized, musical thanksgiving that David initiated. Furthermore, David's act of entrusting the psalm to Asaph and his brethren serves as a **foundational act** that **foreshadows** the elaborate, organized musical worship that would become a hallmark of the Temple in Jerusalem, as detailed later in Chronicles and Psalms. The entire verse is an act of **emphasis**, underscoring the priority David placed on worship and the establishment of a formal liturgy for the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:7 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that worship is a deliberate, joyful, and often organized response to God's manifested presence and His mighty acts. David's immediate institution of thanksgiving after the Ark's arrival demonstrates that true spiritual leadership prioritizes the adoration of God. This act establishes a pattern for Israel's corporate worship, emphasizing that gratitude is not merely a fleeting emotion but a sustained, intentional practice. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for His people to know Him and respond in praise, recognizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. The formal delegation to Asaph and his brethren also underscores the importance of skilled and dedicated individuals in facilitating communal worship, ensuring its excellence and continuity as a witness to God's glory.

* [Psalm 95:1-2](/psalms/95-1 "Psalm 95:1-2 - Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:7 offers profound lessons for believers today. David's immediate and intentional act of establishing worship after experiencing God's presence challenges us to prioritize gratitude and praise in our own lives, both individually and corporately. It reminds us that worship is not an afterthought but a primary response to God's goodness and faithfulness. Just as David took the initiative to organize and delegate, we are called to be intentional about cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving, ensuring that our praise is not merely spontaneous but also structured and sustained. This might involve dedicating specific times for worship, utilizing our gifts in service, or supporting those who lead us in corporate praise. David's example encourages us to lead where we are, fostering environments where God is honored and His presence is celebrated with excellence and heartfelt devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate act of worship after the Ark's arrival challenge our own priorities and responses to God's blessings?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as a community, "deliver" intentional and organized thanksgiving to the Lord in our daily lives?**
* **What role do skilled and dedicated individuals play in facilitating meaningful worship in our churches and communities, and how can we support them?**

### FAQ

**Why is "first" important here?**

Answer: The word "first" (Hebrew: *rôʼsh*, used adverbially as *barishonah*) is crucial because it highlights that David's act was the *inaugural* or *primary* step in establishing formal, organized worship in Jerusalem after the Ark's arrival. It signifies David's immediate prioritization of thanksgiving and praise, setting a foundational precedent for the future liturgical life of Israel. It wasn't just *an* act of worship, but the *first* in a new, structured era of national praise.

**Who was Asaph, and what was his role?**

Answer: Asaph was a prominent Levite musician, prophet, and choirmaster, one of the three heads of the Levitical guilds appointed by King David to lead musical worship before the Ark of the Covenant and later in the Temple (along with Heman and Jeduthun). His role, as indicated in [1 Chronicles 16:7](/1_chronicles/16-7 "1 Chronicles 16:7 - David Appoints Asaph for Worship"), was to receive and lead the formal psalm of thanksgiving. Many psalms in the book of Psalms are attributed to him or his descendants (e.g., [Psalm 50](/psalms/50 "Psalm 50 - A Psalm of Asaph"), [Psalm 73-83](/psalms/73 "Psalms 73-83 - Psalms of Asaph")), indicating his enduring legacy in Israelite worship.

**Is the "psalm" mentioned here the same as a specific psalm in the book of Psalms?**

Answer: The "psalm" that David delivered to Asaph and his brethren, recorded in [1 Chronicles 16:8-36](/1_chronicles/16-8 "1 Chronicles 16:8-36 - David's Psalm of Thanks"), is a unique compilation. It is not identical to any single psalm in the book of Psalms but is rather a mosaic of verses drawn from [Psalm 105:1-15](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1-15 - Give Thanks to the Lord"), [Psalm 96:1-13](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-13 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"), and [Psalm 106:1](/psalms/106-1 "Psalm 106:1 - Praise the Lord!"). This compilation was specifically crafted for the momentous occasion of the Ark's arrival, highlighting God's covenant faithfulness, His mighty deeds, and His universal sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 16:7, with David's passionate initiative to establish worship around the Ark, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, a presence that is fully and perfectly embodied in Christ, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). David's act of delivering a psalm of thanksgiving to Asaph for public praise foreshadows the "new song" of redemption that is sung through Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has established a new covenant of worship, not confined to a physical tent or temple, but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate High Priest who leads our praise ([Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Jesus, Our Brother")), enabling us to boldly enter God's presence with thanksgiving ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Just as David organized worship, Christ, as the head of the church, continually calls His people to offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), filling our hearts with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs ([Ephesians 5:19-20](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19-20 - Singing and Giving Thanks"); [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")) in response to His ultimate act of salvation.

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

2 Samuel 22:1

¶ And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

2 Samuel 23:1

¶ Now these [be] the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 Samuel 23:2

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.

Nehemiah 12:24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

2 Chronicles 29:30

Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Psalms 12:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.