1 Chronicles 16:14

He [is] the LORD our God; his judgments [are] in all the earth.

He is the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}; his judgments {H4941} are in all the earth {H776}.

he is ADONAI our God, His judgments are everywhere on earth.

He is the LORD our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth.

He is Jehovah our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:14 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 16:14 declares a foundational truth about God's identity and universal authority: "He [is] the LORD our God; his judgments [are] in all the earth." This concise verse encapsulates a key aspect of biblical theology, emphasizing both God's covenant relationship with His people and His sovereign rule over all creation.

Context

This verse is part of a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise orchestrated by King David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The event marked a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The psalm, recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, is a compilation of verses primarily from Psalm 105, Psalm 96, and Psalm 106. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 16:14 is almost identical to Psalm 105:7, underscoring a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament: God's supreme reign and His active involvement in the world.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Identity and Covenant Relationship: The phrase "He is the LORD our God" identifies the God of Israel by His covenant name, Yahweh (rendered "LORD" in KJV). This signifies His personal, relational bond with His chosen people. It's a declaration of allegiance and recognition of His unique position as their divine protector and provider.
  • Universal Authority and Divine Justice: "His judgments are in all the earth" highlights God's absolute sovereignty, not just over Israel, but over every nation and individual. The term "judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim) refers to God's righteous decrees, ordinances, laws, and just acts. It encompasses His governance, His moral standards, and the righteous execution of His will throughout the world. It signifies that His rule is comprehensive and His justice inescapable, affecting all of humanity and creation.
  • Call to Remembrance and Worship: The entire psalm, including this verse, serves as a powerful reminder for the people of Israel to recall God's mighty deeds, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His universal dominion. It's a foundational truth for worship and trust.

Linguistic Insights

The word "LORD" (capitalized in KJV) translates the Hebrew tetragrammaton, YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal and covenant name. This name emphasizes His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The word "judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim) is broader than just punitive decrees. It refers to divine regulations, ordinances, and the administration of justice. It underscores God's role as the supreme Lawgiver and Judge, whose righteous standards apply universally.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 16:14 offers profound comfort and challenge:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Knowing that "He is the LORD our God" assures us that we serve a personal, faithful, and powerful God who is intimately involved in our lives. This truth should build confidence, especially during times of uncertainty, reminding us that God is in control.
  • Reliance on His Justice: The declaration that "his judgments are in all the earth" provides a basis for hope that ultimate justice will prevail. Even when human systems fail, God's perfect righteousness will ultimately be manifest. This encourages us to live righteously, knowing we serve a just God who sees all things.
  • Global Perspective: This verse reminds us that God's authority extends far beyond our immediate circumstances or nation. He is the God of all the earth, and His plans encompass all peoples. This should inspire us to engage with His global mission and to pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:10.

Ultimately, 1 Chronicles 16:14 serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unchanging nature, His supreme rule, and His active presence in the world, inviting reverence, trust, and obedience from all who acknowledge Him.

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

  • Psalms 63:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

  • Psalms 95:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

  • 1 Chronicles 16:12 (2 votes)

    Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

  • Psalms 118:28 (2 votes)

    Thou [art] my God, and I will praise thee: [thou art] my God, I will exalt thee.

  • Exodus 15:2 (2 votes)

    The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

  • Psalms 48:10 (2 votes)

    According to thy name, O God, so [is] thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

  • Psalms 48:11 (2 votes)

    Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.