1 Chronicles 16:2

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

And when David {H1732} had made an end {H3615} of offering {H5927} the burnt offerings {H5930} and the peace offerings {H8002}, he blessed {H1288} the people {H5971} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of ADONAI.

When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offering and the peace-offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:2 records a significant moment following the triumphant procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. After David had brought the Ark into the tent he had pitched for it and offered extensive sacrifices, he then turned to bless the assembled people.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel. King David’s primary act of worship and dedication was the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, to the city. This momentous event, also recounted in 2 Samuel 6, involved great celebration, music, and numerous burnt offerings (representing complete dedication to God) and peace offerings (symbolizing fellowship and communion with God and one another). After the elaborate ritual of worship and sacrifice, David, acting as the spiritual leader of the nation, personally imparted a blessing upon the people.

Key Themes

  • Worship and Sacrifice: The verse highlights the culmination of a massive act of worship, emphasizing the importance of offerings as a means of approaching God and expressing devotion. The burnt offerings signified total surrender, while the peace offerings celebrated reconciliation and fellowship with God and fellow Israelites.
  • David's Leadership and Priestly Role: Though not a Levite or Aaronic priest, David exercised a unique spiritual authority as king. His act of blessing the people underscored his role as God's chosen leader, mediating divine favor to his nation. This act foreshadows the ultimate King and High Priest, Jesus Christ.
  • Divine Blessing: The blessing was not from David's own power or authority but "in the name of the LORD," signifying its divine origin and authority. It was a declaration of God's favor, peace, and prosperity upon His people, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blessed" here is barakh (בָּרַךְ), which carries the meaning of imparting favor, prosperity, and well-being. When God blesses, He bestows good things; when man blesses God, he praises Him. Here, David, acting on God's behalf, is imparting divine favor and well-being upon the congregation. The phrase "in the name of the LORD" (b'shem Yahweh) is crucial, indicating that David's authority to bless came directly from God, making the blessing potent, legitimate, and divinely sanctioned.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives and communities; just as the Ark symbolized God's dwelling among Israel, believers today have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. Secondly, it underscores the significant role of spiritual leaders in blessing and guiding their people, not by their own power, but by the authority of God. Finally, it highlights the significance of corporate worship and sacrifice—giving our best to God—as a foundation for receiving divine favor and experiencing true fellowship with Him. The act of blessing serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to pour out His goodness on His people, much like the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 47:10 (4 votes)

    And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 (2 votes)

    For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

  • 2 Chronicles 30:20 (2 votes)

    And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

  • 1 Kings 8:55 (2 votes)

    And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

  • 1 Kings 8:56 (2 votes)

    Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

  • Genesis 14:19 (2 votes)

    And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

  • Genesis 20:7 (2 votes)

    Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.