1 Chronicles 16:33

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

Then shall the trees {H6086} of the wood {H3293} sing out {H7442} at the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, because he cometh {H935} to judge {H8199} the earth {H776}.

Then the trees in the forest will sing before ADONAI, because he has come to judge the earth.

Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth.

Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before Jehovah; For he cometh to judge the earth.

Commentary

Context of 1 Chronicles 16:33

This verse is part of a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise delivered by King David after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The entire chapter, particularly verses 8-36, records this magnificent song, which largely parallels portions of Psalms 105, 96, and 106. It expresses joy, calls for worship, recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, and looks forward to His universal reign. Verse 33 specifically highlights the response of creation to God's glorious presence and His coming reign.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Cosmic Praise and Anticipation: The imagery of "the trees of the wood sing out" is a poetic expression of all creation joining in joyful anticipation and adoration of the Lord. It signifies that God's sovereignty extends over all things, and even inanimate objects are depicted as responding to His glory. This theme emphasizes God's universal dominion.
  • God's Imminent Arrival: The phrase "at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh" points to a future, definitive manifestation of God's power and authority. This is a prophetic declaration of God's active involvement in the world.
  • Righteous Judgment and Reign: The reason for creation's rejoicing is that "he cometh to judge the earth." The Hebrew word for "judge," shaphat (ืฉึธืืคึทื˜), means more than just condemnation; it encompasses governing, ruling, vindicating, and setting things right. For the righteous, God's judgment is not a cause for fear but for celebration, as it signifies the establishment of perfect justice, order, and righteousness, and the end of all evil and oppression. This idea is echoed in Psalm 96:13, which is nearly identical to this verse.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sing out" (Hebrew: ranan): This verb signifies a ringing cry, a shout of joy, exultation, or triumph. It suggests a vibrant, unrestrained expression of delight, far beyond a mere whisper.
  • "Judge" (Hebrew: shaphat): As noted, this word is rich in meaning. While it certainly includes the idea of discerning and pronouncing judgment (guilty or innocent), its broader scope includes governing, delivering justice, vindicating the oppressed, and maintaining order. The earth rejoices because God is coming to set everything right and establish His just rule.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 16:33 encourages believers to share in the anticipation and joy of God's ultimate reign. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign: He is in control of all creation, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
  • Hope for Justice: For those who suffer injustice or long for righteousness, this verse offers profound hope. God will indeed come to set all things right, bringing perfect justice and peace to the earth.
  • Call to Praise: If even the trees are depicted as "singing out," how much more should humanity, made in God's image, offer Him praise and worship for His coming reign and righteous judgment. It invites us to align our hearts with creation's joyful expectation of His glorious return and the establishment of His kingdom.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 98:9 (6 votes)

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • Psalms 96:12 (6 votes)

    Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

  • Psalms 96:13 (6 votes)

    Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (3 votes)

    In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Ezekiel 17:22 (3 votes)

    ยถ Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent:

  • Ezekiel 17:24 (3 votes)

    And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

  • Revelation 11:17 (3 votes)

    Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.