1 Chronicles 16:1

¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

So they brought {H935} the ark {H727} of God {H430}, and set {H3322} it in the midst {H8432} of the tent {H168} that David {H1732} had pitched {H5186} for it: and they offered {H7126} burnt sacrifices {H5930} and peace offerings {H8002} before {H6440} God {H430}.

They brought the ark of God in and put it in the tent that David had set up for it; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:1 marks a momentous occasion in Israel's history, detailing King David's successful relocation of the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This act was central to establishing Jerusalem not only as the political capital but also as the spiritual heart of the nation.

Historical and Cultural Context

After a previous, disastrous attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:9-10), King David ensured this second effort was conducted with proper reverence and adherence to God's instructions. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred artifact in Israel, representing God's direct presence among His people and containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna. Its return to Jerusalem signified a restoration of proper worship and God's centrality in the kingdom, a stark contrast to its neglect during Saul's reign. David had prepared a special "tent" or tabernacle for the Ark, indicating his immediate priority was to honor God even before the permanent Temple was built by his son, Solomon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Centrality: The bringing of the Ark underscores the importance of God's presence at the heart of the nation's life and worship. David's reign was characterized by a deep desire to honor God above all.
  • Restoration of Worship: This event initiated a period of renewed and proper worship in Israel, moving the Ark from an obscure location to a place of prominence in Jerusalem.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The offering of "burnt sacrifices" (Hebrew: 'olah, signifying complete dedication and atonement) and "peace offerings" (Hebrew: zevahim shelamim, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving) demonstrates a desire for reconciliation and communion with God. These offerings were essential components of Israelite worship.
  • David's Devotion: The verse highlights David's personal zeal and commitment to God. His careful planning and joyful participation in the procession (2 Samuel 6:14) reveal a king whose heart was truly set on God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt sacrifices" comes from the Hebrew word 'olah, which means "that which goes up," referring to the offering being entirely consumed by fire and ascending to God. "Peace offerings" are from zevahim shelamim, derived from the root shalom, meaning "peace" or "wholeness," indicating offerings made in thanksgiving, for fellowship, or to fulfill a vow, fostering communion between God and the worshiper.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers today to prioritize God's presence in their lives, homes, and communities. Just as David made a special place for the Ark, we are called to make room for God's Spirit and His Word. It also reminds us of the importance of worship, thanksgiving, and seeking reconciliation with God through Christ. The meticulous care taken in bringing the Ark also teaches us the value of approaching God with reverence and obedience, learning from past errors to ensure our worship is acceptable and honoring to Him.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 15:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

  • Ezra 6:16 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

  • Ezra 6:18 (3 votes)

    And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

  • 2 Samuel 6:17 (2 votes)

    And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 6:19 (2 votes)

    And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]. So all the people departed every one to his house.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:6 (2 votes)

    Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:7 (2 votes)

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims: