1 Chronicles 16:40

To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and [to do] according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;

To offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068} upon the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930} continually {H8548} morning {H1242} and evening {H6153}, and to do according to all that is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}, which he commanded {H6680} Israel {H3478};

to offer burnt offerings to ADONAI every morning and evening on the altar for burnt offerings, according to everything written in the Torah of ADONAI, which he gave to Isra'el.

to regularly present burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offerings, morning and evening, according to all that was written in the Law of the LORD, which He had commanded Israel to keep.

to offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah upon the altar of burnt-offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Jehovah, which he commanded unto Israel;

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:40 describes the specific duties assigned to the Levites and priests, particularly under the leadership of Zadok and his brethren, at the main tabernacle in Gibeon. This verse highlights the importance of consistent, prescribed worship in ancient Israel.

Context

This verse follows King David's bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and establishing a new order of worship. While the Ark was in a temporary tent in Jerusalem, the primary altar for burnt offerings, as commanded by the Law of the LORD, remained at Gibeon. David ensured that the traditional, daily sacrificial system, central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, continued without interruption. This organizational foresight by David demonstrates his commitment to proper religious observance and the established Mosaic Law.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Law: The phrase "according to all that is written in the law of the LORD" underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to God's specific commands for worship. This principle emphasizes that true worship is not arbitrary but follows divine revelation.
  • Continual Worship and Atonement: The instruction to offer "continually morning and evening" points to the daily need for atonement and ongoing devotion to God. These daily sacrifices served as a constant reminder of sin and the need for divine grace and cleansing.
  • Order and Structure in Service: David's detailed arrangements for the priests and Levites at both Jerusalem and Gibeon reflect a desire for organized, reverent service, ensuring that the sacred duties were carried out systematically and effectively.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt offerings" translates the Hebrew word olah (ืขึนืœึธื”), which literally means "that which goes up." This refers to the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and ascent to God. The word "continually" comes from the Hebrew tamid (ืชึธึผืžึดื™ื“), emphasizing the consistent, perpetual nature of these daily sacrifices, as prescribed in Numbers 28:3-8, highlighting an unbroken communion with God.

Significance and Application

While the physical burnt offerings ceased with Christ's perfect sacrifice (as explained in Hebrews 10:10), the principle of continual devotion remains. For believers today, this verse encourages a life of ongoing worship and obedience. It calls us to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1) and to engage in continual prayer and praise, recognizing God's unchanging nature and our constant dependence on Him. It reminds us that true worship is not merely an occasional act but a lifestyle lived in accordance with God's revealed will, seeking His presence and guidance daily.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 28:3 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

  • Numbers 28:8 (4 votes)

    And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer [it], a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 29:38 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

  • Exodus 29:42 (3 votes)

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • Ezra 3:3 (2 votes)

    And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear [was] upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, [even] burnt offerings morning and evening.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:4 (2 votes)

    Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

  • 1 Kings 18:29 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the [time] of the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that [there was] neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.