Faithroots Podcast 1 Chronicles 16
The Ark installed (v1-3)
- The Ark is housed in its new tent
- David leads worship offering sacrifices
- David provides food for the people -a type of blessing
“Blessing the people (v2, c.f. v43) was an activity usually carried out by priests (c.f. Deut 10:8 1 Chr 23:13, but also occasionally by other leaders, notably Moses (Ex 39:43). Apart from David, Solomon was the only other Israelite king known to have exercised the privilege (1 Kings 8:14, 55; c.f 2 Chr. 6:3). David appears therefore in a semi priestly role mediating temporal (v3) as well as spiritual blessings .” [1]
Note on David offering the sacrifices. It may be that there was broader acceptance of non-priests offering sacrifices that weren’t sin/guilt type offerings. However compare 2 Samuel 6:12 with 1 Chronicles 15:26. David’s naming as the instigator of sacrifices may not preclude the possibility that it was the priests who carried out the activity. [2]
The second type of food indicates generosity as wasn’t part of every day meals (either date cake or possibly a portion of meat).[3]
Worshippers appointed (v4-7)
- Asaph (cf Psalms 50 and 73-83).
Praise offered (v8-36)
Note it’s a model (v7)
Probably based on portions of other Psalms, 105, 95, 106.[4]
- Psalm 105:1-15 = 1 Chr 16:8-22
- Psalm 95:1-5 is the basis for 1 Chr 16:23 -27
- Psalm 106: 1 = 1 Ch 16:34.
Note we seem to be assuming there that 1 Chronicles is based on the Psalms in question, either because David drew directly from them or because the Chronicler uses those Psalms as examples rather than seeking to record the exact song used. This would be an acceptable approach to historical writing in pre-modern times.
However, it is also possible that the direction of travel is the other way and that the P:salmist took this song and expanded upon it. It is also possible that these kinds of words and phrases are engraved into David’s mind and heart that he uses them more than once when bursting into song.
- Praise/sing/give glory, (v8-11)
- Remember wonders and judgements (v12-14)
- Trust because God remembers his covenant (v15-22)
- Sing again, not just Israel but all creation (v23-37)
- Ascribe and tremble (v28-30)
- Let creation rejoice (v 31-33)
- Give thanks (v34-36)
Consider the pattern here, echoes of the Exodus and the song of Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea.
Note the pattern of worship as praise to God, remembering and giving thanks for his goodness, seen in his covenant faithfulness to his people. The invitation is then given to draw a wider and wider circle into this praise and thanksgiving.
Leaving (v37-43)
- People with the ark (v37-38)
- The Tabernacle at Gibeon (v39-42)
- The people for their own homes (v43)
Types and lessons
- David as King carries out a priestly function and this points us to Christ
- Worship is about praise, remembrance, witness.
Discussion
- To what extent should Christian public worship include an invitation for non-Christians to join in?
[1] Sleman, 1 Chronicles, 174.
[2] C.f. Braun,, 1 Chronicles, 190.
[3] Sleman, 1 Chronicles, 174.
[4] Braun, 1 Chronicles, 192-193.
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