1 Chronicles 16:1 - Meaning and Application

It was a glorious day when the ark of God was safely placed in the tent David had prepared for it. This good man cared deeply about it and could not rest comfortably until it was done (Psalm 132:4-5).

The ark’s situation was now better than before. It had been hidden away in a country town, out in the fields of the wood. Now it was brought to a public place, the royal city, where everyone could come to it. It had once been neglected, like a despised broken vessel. Now it was treated with honor, and people sought the Lord through it. It had been kept in a private house, where it stayed only by permission. Now it had its own home, set in the center, not pushed into a corner. Even when God’s word and ordinances are clouded for a time, they will shine out again in the end.

Still, the ark’s present home fell far short of what would come in the next reign, when the temple would be built. This was only a tent, a simple and humble dwelling. Yet David often spoke of this tabernacle, this dwelling place of God, with great affection in his psalms. David, who set up a tent for the ark and stayed faithful to it, did far better than Solomon, who built a temple for it but later turned away from it. The church’s poorest times are often its purest times.

Now David’s mind was at ease, because the ark was settled and settled near him. Notice how he made sure God received the glory for it. He honored God in two ways. First, by sacrifices, burnt offerings that showed praise for God’s holy character, and peace offerings that thanked him for his kindness. Second, by songs. He appointed Levites, the temple servants from the tribe of Levi, to record the event in song for others, or to praise the God of Israel themselves (1 Chronicles 16:4). All our joy should rise into thanksgiving to the One from whom every comfort comes.

He also made sure the people shared in the joy of the day. They were to benefit from this celebration. He gave them a royal feast in honor of the occasion (1 Chronicles 16:3), showing generosity to his subjects, just as God had shown grace to him. Those whose hearts are filled with holy joy should show it by being open-handed. Even better, he gave them a blessing in the name of the Lord, as both a father and a prophet (1 Chronicles 16:2). He prayed to God for them and commended them to his grace. The Targum says, “In the name of the Word of the Lord,” meaning the eternal Word, who is the Lord, and through whom all blessings come to us.