1 Chronicles 29:10

KJV

¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore David {H1732} blessed {H1288} the LORD {H3068} before {H5869} all the congregation {H6951}: and David {H1732} said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be thou, LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} our father {H1}, for {H5704} ever {H5769} and ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as he blessed ADONAI before the entire community: "Blessed be you, ADONAI, the God of Isra'el our father, forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly and said: “May You be blessed, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

American Standard Version

Wherefore David blessed Jehovah before all the assembly; and David said, Blessed be thou, O Jehovah, the God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:10 marks the profound commencement of King David's public prayer of thanksgiving and adoration, offered before the entire congregation of Israel. This pivotal moment follows the people's extraordinary freewill offerings for the construction of the future Temple, just as David prepares to transfer the throne to his son, Solomon. In this verse, David blesses the LORD, acknowledging God as the eternal "God of Israel our father," thereby setting a spiritual foundation for the kingdom and the Temple, rooted in divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful opening declaration of David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and blessing, which extends through [1 Chronicles 29:10-19](/1-chronicles/29-10-19 "1 Chronicles 29:10-19 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). It immediately follows the detailed account of the people's lavish and willing contributions for the Temple's construction, described in [1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1-chronicles/29-6-9 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Freewill Offerings for the Temple"). The preceding verses highlight the immense wealth and resources gathered, not only by David but also by the leaders and the people, all given with "a perfect heart." David's blessing here functions as the theological response to this outpouring of generosity, redirecting all praise and credit to God, the ultimate source of all abundance. It seamlessly transitions the narrative from human action to divine acknowledgment, setting the tone for David's final public act of worship and leadership before his death and Solomon's ascension. The prayer itself is a theological masterpiece, elaborating on themes of divine ownership, human stewardship, and the eternal nature of God's kingdom, preparing the way for [Solomon's reign](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Solomon's Accession to the Throne") and the monumental building of the [Temple](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this profound declaration is late in David's reign, a period characterized by relative peace and considerable prosperity for Israel, which allowed for the accumulation of vast resources. The preparation for the Temple's construction was not merely a building project but a monumental national undertaking, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often played a significant, even priestly, role in religious ceremonies and temple building, seen as mediators between the divine and the people. David's public blessing of the LORD "before all the congregation" underscores his role not just as a political sovereign but as Israel's spiritual head, modeling profound worship and devotion. The designation "God of Israel our father" connects directly to the foundational patriarchal covenants with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant relationship with His chosen people and the historical lineage that defined their national and spiritual identity. This public act of worship also served to unify the diverse tribes of the nation around a common spiritual purpose and to legitimize Solomon's future rule under divine blessing and continuity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several crucial themes that permeate 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, as David immediately acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all blessings and wealth, including the very resources offered for the Temple. This sets the stage for the prayer's later, explicit emphasis that "all things come from you, and of your own have we given you" ([1 Chronicles 29:14](/1-chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All Things Come from God")). Secondly, **Communal Worship and Unity** are central, as David's blessing is offered "before all the congregation," uniting the people in a shared act of adoration and recognizing their collective identity under God. This corporate expression of faith is vital for the spiritual health of the nation, reflecting the importance of the assembly in Israelite worship, as seen in various calls to corporate praise throughout [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms"). Thirdly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is profoundly evident in the address "LORD God of Israel our father," which anchors the present act of worship in God's enduring promises to the patriarchs and His unique, unbreakable relationship with Israel. This reinforces the idea that God's redemptive plan is unfolding through generations, from [Abraham's call in Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") to David, and now to Solomon, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive history through His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This verb carries a rich and reciprocal meaning in Hebrew. When humans "bless" God, as David does here, it is not an act of conferring a benefit upon the Almighty, but rather an act of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. It signifies acknowledging and declaring God's inherent goodness, supreme worthiness, and infinite generosity. It implies a posture of humility and reverence, often associated with kneeling or bowing down, recognizing God's divine nature and responding to His manifold blessings.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Represented by the English "LORD" (in all caps in KJV), this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies God's self-existence, His eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. By addressing God as "Yᵉhôvâh," David invokes the God who actively intervenes in history, who keeps His covenant with Israel, and who is intimately involved with His people. This name distinguishes Him from all other deities and underscores His unique, personal relationship with His chosen nation.
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** When David refers to God as "our father" in the context of "God of Israel our father," it signifies a deep, familial, and covenantal relationship rooted in the patriarchs. This term connects the present generation directly to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness to the promises made to them. It highlights God's protective, providing, and guiding role over the nation, much like a father over his family, reinforcing the idea of Israel as God's beloved son, a concept prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation:"** This opening clause establishes the immediate context and the public nature of David's action. The word "Wherefore" (or "Therefore") directly links David's blessing to the people's preceding generosity and willing offerings for the Temple, indicating that their obedience and devotion prompted his praise. David's act of blessing the LORD is not a private devotion but a public, corporate act of worship, performed "before all the congregation." This underscores the importance of communal worship and David's role as a spiritual leader who models appropriate reverence and thanksgiving for the entire nation, unifying them in a shared acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and goodness.
* **"and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father,"** This is the direct acclamation of David's prayer. The phrase "Blessed be thou" is an emphatic declaration of God's inherent blessedness and worthiness of all praise. By addressing God as "LORD God of Israel," David invokes God's personal covenant name (Yᵉhôvâh) and His specific, historical relationship with the nation of Israel. The addition of "our father" deepens this connection, tracing the lineage of God's faithfulness back through the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). It emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant promises and His enduring, familial relationship with His chosen people, affirming His identity as the God who has always been with them and for them, guiding and sustaining them through generations.
* **"for ever and ever."** This concluding phrase powerfully emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God. It declares that God's blessedness, His sovereignty, and His covenant faithfulness are not temporal but extend infinitely through all generations. It is an expression of profound adoration that transcends the boundaries of time, acknowledging God's timeless reign and His enduring character. This declaration provides a foundational truth for the stability and hope of Israel's kingdom, rooting their future not in human strength or fleeting circumstances, but in the immutable nature of the eternal God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Repetition** is subtly used through the concept of "blessing": David "blessed" the LORD, and then he declares, "Blessed be thou." This repetition emphasizes the central action and theme of adoration, reinforcing the sacredness and importance of the act. The verse also functions as an **Invocation**, as David directly addresses God, calling upon Him and declaring His attributes. The phrase "for ever and ever" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or emphatic declaration, stressing the **Eternality** of God's nature and reign. It is not merely a long duration but an infinite one, underscoring God's unchanging character and enduring covenant. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a profound **Theological Statement**, succinctly encapsulating core truths about God's identity (LORD God of Israel our father) and His timeless nature, setting the stage for David's more expansive theological reflections in the subsequent verses of his prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:10 serves as a theological cornerstone, establishing that all human endeavor, even the most magnificent acts of generosity and preparation for worship, must ultimately culminate in the acknowledgment of God's supreme ownership and eternal blessedness. David's public blessing redirects the focus from the impressive human achievement of gathering resources to the divine source of all things, modeling true worship as an act of humble adoration rather than self-congratulation. This perspective is crucial for understanding biblical stewardship: we are merely managers of God's resources, and our giving is simply returning to Him what is already His. The emphasis on God as "LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever" grounds this worship in the unchanging nature of a covenant-keeping God who has been faithful through generations and will continue to be so eternally. This declaration provides the ultimate assurance of God's steadfastness and the security of His promises.

* [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "Psalm 90:2 - God's Eternity and Creation")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - All Things Are From God")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's spontaneous and public blessing of the LORD in response to the people's generosity offers a profound model for contemporary believers. It teaches us that true gratitude and worship always direct praise upward, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of every blessing, whether material wealth, spiritual gifts, or even the willingness to give. In a world prone to self-aggrandizement, David's humility reminds us that our successes and resources are not our own but are entrusted to us by a sovereign God for His purposes. Furthermore, his public declaration before "all the congregation" highlights the enduring importance of corporate worship and shared faith. Our individual acts of devotion are enriched and strengthened when expressed within the community of believers, fostering unity, mutual encouragement, and a collective testimony to God's greatness. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of constant thanksgiving, recognizing God's eternal sovereignty and His enduring covenant faithfulness, anchoring our lives in His unchanging character amidst life's shifting circumstances and finding our ultimate security in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate response of blessing God challenge our own reactions to moments of success or abundance, prompting us to redirect praise?**
* **What does it mean for us to acknowledge God as "our father" in our personal and communal worship today, and how does this relationship shape our trust in Him?**
* **In what ways can our individual and corporate worship more intentionally reflect God's eternal sovereignty and unchanging character, as David's prayer profoundly does?**

### FAQ
**Why did David bless the LORD *before all the congregation*?**

Answer: David's decision to bless the LORD "before all the congregation" was highly significant for several reasons, demonstrating his profound understanding of leadership and worship. Firstly, it served as a powerful public testimony and model of worship for the entire nation. As king, David understood his role not just as a political leader but also as a spiritual one, setting an example for his people to follow in reverence and thanksgiving. Secondly, it fostered communal unity and shared purpose. By leading the people in corporate worship, David united them in a common act of adoration, reminding them of their collective identity as God's chosen people and their shared mission to build the Temple. Thirdly, it publicly acknowledged God's supreme ownership and sovereignty over all the immense resources that had been so generously given. This ensured that the focus remained squarely on God's glory, preventing human pride or self-congratulation, and setting a crucial spiritual precedent for the future of the kingdom and the Temple. It was a clear declaration that the nation's strength and blessings came from God alone, not from their own efforts or wealth.

**What is the significance of addressing God as "LORD God of Israel our father"?**

Answer: This specific address is rich with profound theological meaning, connecting the present moment of worship to the foundational history of Israel. "LORD God of Israel" uses God's personal covenant name (Yahweh) and identifies Him as the specific God who chose and entered into a unique, unbreakable relationship with the nation of Israel. The addition of "our father" deepens this connection by invoking the patriarchal lineage—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies that God is not a distant, generic deity but the very God who initiated a covenant with their ancestors, faithfully guided them through history, and continues to sustain them. This familial term emphasizes God's protective, nurturing, and relational character towards His people, reinforcing the idea of Israel as God's beloved family. It grounds their identity and their worship in God's enduring faithfulness to His promises made generations ago, as seen in the call of [Abraham in Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") and the subsequent covenant with [Moses at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai").

**What does "for ever and ever" imply about God in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: _l'olam va'ed_) is a powerful declaration of God's eternal nature and unchanging character. In this context, it implies several key truths about God. Firstly, it affirms His timeless existence; God is not bound by the limitations of human time but is from everlasting to everlasting, as [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "Psalm 90:2 - God's Eternity") declares. He is the alpha and the omega, without beginning or end. Secondly, it speaks to the enduring nature of His sovereignty and reign; His kingdom is not temporary or subject to human whims but extends infinitely, providing ultimate stability. Thirdly, it underscores the permanence of His covenant faithfulness; the promises He made to Israel and their ancestors are not subject to change or expiration, but are eternally reliable. This eternal perspective provides immense stability and hope, assuring the congregation that the God they worship is utterly reliable and will continue to be their God through all generations, providing a secure foundation for the future of the Temple and the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's public blessing of the "LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever" in [1 Chronicles 29:10](/1-chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10 - David's Blessing") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David's acknowledgment of God's eternal sovereignty and the covenant relationship with Israel foreshadows the coming of the eternal Son, who is himself the embodiment of God's everlasting presence and faithfulness. The "God of Israel our father" is fully revealed in Christ, who teaches His disciples to pray to "Our Father in heaven" ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")), establishing a new and living covenant through His atoning blood. The Temple, for which David and the people so generously prepared, was a shadow of the true Temple, which is Christ's own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")) and, by extension, the church, built upon Him as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). David's act of blessing the LORD before all the congregation anticipates the universal praise that will be directed to God through Christ, for it is through Him that we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Indeed, all spiritual blessings are now ours "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), and it is through Him that we can truly bless and worship the eternal God, for He is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")), the very embodiment of God's everlasting nature.

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

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless thou [art] our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, [art] our father, our redeemer; thy name [is] from everlasting.

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.