1 Chronicles 16:9

KJV

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H7891} unto him, sing psalms {H2167} unto him, talk {H7878} ye of all his wondrous {H6381} works.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing to him, sing praises to him! Talk about all his wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.

American Standard Version

Sing unto him, sing praises unto him; Talk ye of all his marvellous works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:9 is a vibrant call to worship and witness, forming part of a psalm of thanksgiving proclaimed by King David upon the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates the essence of Israelite worship, urging believers to actively engage in musical praise and to verbally declare the magnificent, awe-inspiring acts of God. It highlights a dual imperative: an inward posture of adoration expressed through song, and an outward proclamation of God's redemptive history and miraculous interventions, fostering both corporate worship and evangelistic testimony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) delivered by King David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem and placed in a specially prepared tent. This event, detailed at the beginning of [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving"), marks a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual and political life, signifying God's dwelling presence at the nation's heart. The psalm itself is a composite, drawing heavily from [Psalm 105:1-15](/psalms/105-1 "Psalm 105:1-15 - God's Faithfulness to Israel") and [Psalm 96:1-13](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1-13 - A Call to Worship the Lord"), demonstrating the Chronicler's emphasis on proper worship and the centrality of the Temple cult, even before the Temple's construction. The verses immediately preceding [1 Chronicles 16:9](/1_chronicles/16-9 "1 Chronicles 16:9 - Sing and Talk of God's Works") (specifically [1 Chronicles 16:8](/1_chronicles/16-8 "1 Chronicles 16:8 - Give Thanks to the Lord")) initiate the call to "give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people," setting the stage for the specific expressions of worship in verse 9.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the restoration of God's presence at the center of Israelite life after its long absence and various journeys (cf. [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). King David, acting as both king and priest, led this procession with great joy and worship, establishing a pattern for future national worship. The appointment of Levites to minister before the Ark, leading in worship with instruments and song, underscores the structured and communal nature of Israelite praise. Music, psalms, and the recounting of God's historical acts were integral to their spiritual identity, serving as both a mnemonic device for remembering God's faithfulness and a pedagogical tool for instructing future generations. This public, communal worship was not merely an internal spiritual exercise but a national declaration of Yahweh's sovereignty and unique power among the surrounding pagan nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions **Active and Joyful Worship**, emphasizing that praise is not passive but requires full engagement through song and spoken word. This aligns with the Chronicler's overarching focus on the importance of proper worship and the Levites' role in facilitating it. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Remembrance and Proclamation of God's Deeds**. The command to "talk ye of all his wondrous works" underscores the necessity of recalling God's past interventions—His acts of creation, deliverance (e.g., the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), and covenant faithfulness—as foundational to Israel's identity and ongoing faith. This remembrance is not just for internal reflection but for outward **Testimony and Evangelism**, as seen in the parallel passages like [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations") which urges "Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people." The verse thus embodies the idea that worship naturally overflows into a public declaration of God's greatness, inviting others to recognize and honor Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing (Hebrew, _shiru_):** This is an imperative verb, derived from the root שִׁיר (shir), meaning "to sing." The repetition "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him" emphasizes the urgency and importance of vocal praise. It is a direct command, calling for active, audible expression of adoration and joy towards God. This is not merely an emotional outburst but a deliberate act of worship.
* **Psalms (Hebrew, _zammeru_):** This imperative verb comes from the root זָמַר (zamar), which means "to sing praise," often specifically implying singing with instrumental accompaniment. While "sing" (shir) can be general, "zamar" suggests a more structured, perhaps liturgical, form of musical worship. It points to the richness and depth of musical expression in Israelite worship, where melody, rhythm, and instruments combine to honor God.
* **Wondrous works (Hebrew, _nifle'otav_):** This plural noun, derived from the root פָּלָא (pala), refers to things that are extraordinary, miraculous, astonishing, or incomprehensible. It specifically denotes God's unique, supernatural interventions in history that transcend human capability or understanding. These are not ordinary events but acts that reveal God's divine power, wisdom, and character, such as the [creation of the world](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), or the [giving of the Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Mount Sinai"). The command to "talk ye of all his wondrous works" means to recount and proclaim these specific, awe-inspiring deeds that demonstrate God's unique identity and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing unto him,"**: This is a direct, imperative command to engage in vocal praise directed specifically towards God. It emphasizes a personal and communal act of worship, where the focus of the singing is God Himself. It implies a heartfelt expression of adoration and gratitude.
* **"sing psalms unto him,"**: This reiterates and intensifies the previous command, likely implying a more structured, perhaps instrumentally accompanied, form of musical worship. The use of "psalms" suggests a poetic or lyrical composition, perhaps drawing from the existing body of sacred songs used in Israel's worship, dedicated to praising God.
* **"talk ye of all his wondrous works."**: This shifts from singing to speaking, commanding the people to verbally recount and proclaim God's extraordinary, miraculous deeds. The inclusion of "all" signifies a comprehensive declaration of His mighty acts throughout history, from creation to their present deliverance. This is an outward, public testimony, ensuring that God's powerful interventions are remembered, celebrated, and made known to others.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 16:9 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically **Anaphora**, with the phrase "Sing unto him" appearing twice at the beginning of the verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the primary command, underscoring the vital importance and urgency of musical worship. It creates a rhythmic, insistent call to praise. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, where "sing unto him, sing psalms unto him" forms a synonymous or intensifying parallel, reinforcing the concept of vocal and musical adoration. This is then followed by a contrasting yet complementary parallel in "talk ye of all his wondrous works," moving from internal/communal worship to external proclamation. The entire verse is framed as an **Imperative Mood**, using direct commands ("Sing," "talk ye"), which conveys the non-negotiable and active nature of the call to worship and witness. These devices collectively contribute to the verse's memorable quality and its forceful exhortation to active, declarative praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 16:9 profoundly connects to the biblical theology of worship and divine revelation. It posits that true worship is not merely an internal sentiment but an active, expressive engagement with God through both song and spoken testimony. The command to "sing unto him" highlights the inherent human need to express adoration to a transcendent God, while "talk ye of all his wondrous works" grounds this worship in the concrete acts of God in history. This dual emphasis means that our praise is informed by His deeds, and our declaration of His deeds becomes an act of worship. The "wondrous works" are the very basis for our praise, demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and redemptive plan. This verse underscores the communal responsibility to remember and transmit God's story, ensuring that His mighty acts are never forgotten and that His glory is proclaimed to all generations. It links the private act of devotion with the public act of witness, making worship inherently missional.

* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Declare His Glory Among the Nations") - "Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people."
* [Psalm 105:2](/psalms/105-2 "Sing and Speak of His Wondrous Works") - "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works."
* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teach Your Children Diligently") - "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 16:9 provides a timeless blueprint for a vibrant, holistic spiritual life. It challenges believers today to engage in worship that is both deeply personal and outwardly expressive. We are called not only to consume worship but to actively participate in it, allowing our voices to join in the chorus of praise, whether in corporate gatherings or in the quiet of our own hearts. Furthermore, the imperative to "talk ye of all his wondrous works" reminds us that our faith is not a private matter to be kept to ourselves. It compels us to recall and recount God's faithfulness in our own lives, in the lives of others, and throughout the grand narrative of biblical history. This involves sharing personal testimonies of His grace and provision, proclaiming the enduring story of redemption, and pointing to the ultimate "wondrous work" of Jesus Christ. Our worship should naturally overflow into a desire to make God known, transforming us from mere recipients of grace into active participants in His ongoing mission to declare His glory to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal worship reflect the dual emphasis on singing and speaking about God's works?**
* **What are some of God's "wondrous works" in my own life or in the history of the church that I should be more intentional about remembering and declaring?**
* **In what practical ways can I "talk ye of all his wondrous works" to those around me, both within and outside the church?**
* **Does my understanding of worship extend beyond musical expression to include the proclamation of God's character and deeds?**

### FAQ
**Why is there a repetition of "sing" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition, "Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him," serves to emphasize the profound importance and active nature of musical worship. It highlights that singing to God is not a casual activity but a deliberate and vital expression of devotion. The first "sing" (Hebrew: _shiru_) is a general call to vocal praise, while the second "sing psalms" (Hebrew: _zammeru_) often implies a more structured, perhaps instrumentally accompanied, form of worship. This dual command underscores the richness and depth expected in the act of praising God through song, making it both heartfelt and intentional.

**What exactly are "wondrous works" that we are to talk about?**

Answer: "Wondrous works" (Hebrew: _nifle'otav_) refers to God's extraordinary, miraculous, and awe-inspiring interventions in history that transcend human ability or explanation. These are not ordinary events but acts that reveal God's unique power, wisdom, and character. Examples include the creation of the world ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")), the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") and the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")), and countless other acts of salvation, judgment, and covenant faithfulness throughout biblical history. The command is to recount and proclaim these specific, divine deeds that demonstrate His sovereignty and set Him apart from all other gods.

**Is this verse only about singing and talking, or does it imply more?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly commands singing and talking, it implies a comprehensive approach to worship and witness that extends beyond these actions. The singing signifies a heart of adoration and joy directed towards God, acknowledging His worthiness. The talking about "wondrous works" implies a deep remembrance of God's faithfulness and a commitment to declaring His truth. This encompasses personal reflection, corporate worship, and outward testimony. It suggests that our entire lives should be a testimony to God's greatness, flowing from a heart transformed by His deeds. Ultimately, it's a call to live a life of worship that naturally overflows into making God known to others, fulfilling the broader biblical mandate to declare His glory among the nations ([Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 16:9, with its call to sing and speak of God's "wondrous works," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament "wondrous works" pointed to God's mighty acts in creation and Israel's history, these were but shadows of the supreme "wondrous work" accomplished in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Christ Himself is the culmination of all God's redemptive acts, the ultimate demonstration of divine power, love, and wisdom. The New Testament church, empowered by the Spirit, now sings new songs of praise to the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"), celebrating the [victory over sin and death](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ") achieved through His sacrifice. Moreover, the command to "talk ye of all his wondrous works" transforms into the Great Commission, where believers are sent to [proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - Go Into All the World") to all nations. The "wondrous works" we now declare are not just the historical acts of Israel's God, but the unparalleled work of redemption wrought by the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). Our worship, both in song and testimony, now centers on the One through whom all things were created and by whom all things are reconciled ([Colossians 1:16-20](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-20 - Christ's Supremacy")).

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

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Psalms 96:1

¶ O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

Psalms 96:3

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Psalms 98:4

¶ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Matthew 26:30

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.