1 Chronicles 16:16

[Even of the covenant] which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

Even of the covenant which he made {H3772} with Abraham {H85}, and of his oath {H7621} unto Isaac {H3327};

the covenant he made with Avraham; the oath he swore to Yitz'chak

the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac.

The covenantwhich he made with Abraham, And his oath unto Isaac,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:16 is part of a grand psalm of thanksgiving given by King David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This particular verse, identical to Psalm 105:9, emphasizes the enduring nature of God's solemn promises to His patriarchs, Abraham and Isaac.

Context

Following the successful transfer of the Ark to the city of David, King David established a new order of worship and appointed Levites to minister before the Ark. He then delivered a psalm (1 Chronicles 16:7-36) that served as a historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, urging the people to remember His mighty deeds. Verses 14-22 specifically highlight God's covenant with the patriarchs, serving as a foundation for Israel's identity and hope.

Key Themes

  • Divine Covenant: The verse underscores the concept of God's unilateral and binding covenant with Abraham. This agreement established a special relationship, promising land, numerous descendants, and blessings to the nations through him.
  • Unwavering Faithfulness: God's "oath unto Isaac" reiterates the surety and continuation of this covenant through Abraham's son. This highlights God's unfailing faithfulness across generations, demonstrating that His promises are not fleeting but are upheld with divine integrity.
  • Foundation of Israel's Identity: The covenant with Abraham and Isaac forms the bedrock of Israel's national and spiritual identity. Their descendants are the recipients of these promises, and remembering them serves as a source of confidence and a call to obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The term "covenant" (Hebrew: bĕrît) signifies a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by God and involving specific promises and responsibilities. The "oath" (Hebrew: shĕbûʿâ) further intensifies the commitment, indicating a sworn promise that is irrevocable and guaranteed by God's own character. These terms emphasize the absolute reliability and permanence of God's word.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 16:16 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character and His commitment to His word. Just as He was faithful to Abraham and Isaac, He remains faithful to His promises to us, particularly those found in the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in God's past faithfulness as a basis for present hope and future assurance, knowing that His divine plans will always come to pass.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:3 (5 votes)

    Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

  • Genesis 17:2 (5 votes)

    And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

  • Genesis 15:18 (3 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Genesis 35:11 (3 votes)

    And God said unto him, I [am] God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

  • Genesis 28:13 (2 votes)

    And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

  • Genesis 28:14 (2 votes)

    And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

  • Hebrews 6:13 (2 votes)

    For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,