So they brought the ark of GodThe Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, symbolized God's presence among His people. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Ark's journey to Jerusalem marked a significant moment in Israel's history, as it represented the unification of religious and political life under King David. This event fulfilled David's desire to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel, a city chosen by God (
2 Samuel 6:12-15).
and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it.
David prepared a special tent in Jerusalem to house the Ark, signifying a temporary dwelling until the construction of the Temple by his son Solomon. This act demonstrated David's reverence and commitment to honoring God. The tent, or tabernacle, was reminiscent of the portable sanctuary used during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, emphasizing the continuity of worship practices. David's actions foreshadowed the future establishment of a permanent Temple, a central place of worship for the nation (1 Kings 8:1-11).
And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
Burnt offerings, symbolizing atonement and dedication, were entirely consumed by fire, representing the worshiper's total surrender to God. Peace offerings, on the other hand, were expressions of thanksgiving and fellowship, with portions shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer. These offerings highlighted the communal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. The sacrificial system pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and established a new covenant through His death and resurrection (Hebrews 10:1-10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel who orchestrated the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating his devotion to God and his role as a leader in worship.
2.
The Ark of GodA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence among His people. Its return to Jerusalem was a significant event in Israel's religious life.
3.
The TentA temporary dwelling place for the Ark, set up by David in Jerusalem. This tent symbolizes a place of worship and God's presence among His people.
4.
Burnt OfferingsSacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. These offerings were a way for the Israelites to express their devotion and seek reconciliation with God.
5.
Peace OfferingsSacrifices that symbolized fellowship and thanksgiving. These offerings were a means of expressing gratitude and maintaining a harmonious relationship with God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of God's PresenceThe Ark symbolized God's presence, reminding us of the importance of seeking and valuing His presence in our lives today.
Worship as a PriorityDavid prioritized worship by bringing the Ark to Jerusalem and offering sacrifices. We should also prioritize worship in our daily lives, making time to honor God.
Sacrificial LivingThe burnt and peace offerings represent dedication and gratitude. We are called to live sacrificially, offering our lives as living sacrifices to God (
Romans 12:1).
Leadership in WorshipDavid's leadership in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrates the role of leaders in guiding others in worship. Whether in families, churches, or communities, we can lead by example in worship.
Thanksgiving and FellowshipThe peace offerings highlight the importance of thanksgiving and fellowship with God and others. Cultivating a heart of gratitude and maintaining harmonious relationships are vital aspects of our faith journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 16:1?
2.How does 1 Chronicles 16:1 emphasize the importance of worship in our lives?
3.What role does the "ark of God" play in our spiritual journey today?
4.How can we create a "tent" of worship in our daily routines?
5.What connections exist between 1 Chronicles 16:1 and New Testament teachings on worship?
6.How can we offer "burnt offerings" of praise in our modern Christian walk?
7.What is the significance of the Ark of God in 1 Chronicles 16:1?
8.How does 1 Chronicles 16:1 reflect the importance of worship in ancient Israel?
9.Why was the Ark placed in a tent according to 1 Chronicles 16:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 16?
11.How does 1 Chronicles 16:1 reconcile with archaeological evidence for the Ark’s location and existence?
12.How credible is the 1 Chronicles 16 account of continuous musical and priestly service, given scant historical records?
13.Why does 1 Chronicles 16 differ from 2 Samuel 6 in describing the Ark's journey and the people's offerings?
14.What are the three biblical tabernacles?What Does 1 Chronicles 16:1 Mean
So they brought the ark of God• The ark symbolized God’s throne and His covenant presence (Exodus 25:22;Psalm 99:1).
• After years of neglect and Philistine captivity, bringing it to Jerusalem signaled national repentance and renewed devotion (1 Samuel 6:13;2 Samuel 6:12).
• David led the procession, affirming that every victory and blessing flows from God’s nearness (Psalm 24:7-10).
and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it• David had prepared a special tent in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1;2 Samuel 6:17), highlighting planning and reverence rather than hasty enthusiasm.
• Though the original tabernacle was at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39), this interim tent kept worship central in the new capital until Solomon built the temple (1 Kings 8:4).
• David’s actions echo his vow, “I will not rest… until I find a place for the LORD” (Psalm 132:3-5), modeling eagerness to honor God first.
And they presented burnt offerings• Burnt offerings were wholly consumed on the altar, portraying total surrender and atonement (Leviticus 1:3-9).
• By offering them immediately, David underscored that access to God’s presence requires cleansing through substitutionary sacrifice (Genesis 8:20;1 Chronicles 21:26).
• These offerings foreshadow Christ, who “gave Himself up for us … a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
and peace offerings before God• Peace (fellowship) offerings celebrated restored relationship; a shared meal followed the sacrifice (Leviticus 3:1-17;Deuteronomy 27:7).
• Presenting both burnt and peace offerings in sequence teaches that forgiveness precedes fellowship—first sin is covered, then joy is shared (Romans 5:1, 11).
• The communal feast fostered unity among the people, mirroring the church’s fellowship around the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
summary1 Chronicles 16:1 records a milestone of worship: David brings the ark into a prepared place, then immediately offers sacrifices that express surrender and communion. The verse highlights God’s tangible presence, the necessity of atoning blood, and the delight of fellowship with Him—truths ultimately fulfilled in Jesus and still central for believers today.
XVI.
(1)So they brought the ark of God.--1Chronicles 16:1-3 are wrongly separated from the concluding verses of 1 Chronicles 15. The narrative is still parallel to 2 Sam. (2 Samuel 17-19 a). The differences are unimportant.
God.--Samuel,Jehovah.
And set it.--Samuel adds, "in its place."
And they offered burnt sacrifices.--Samuel,"andDavid offered [a different word] burnt sacrifices beforeJehovah." Our narrative takes care to make it clear thatthe priests and Levites ministered in the sacrifices.
Verse 1. -
In the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it. So ch. 15:1 distinctly states that David had "pitched a tent" for the ark, and evidently to be ready for its arrival. On the other hand, there is no mention of any such tent having been got in readiness in ch. 13. or in
2 Samuel 6:1-11, which give the account of the attempt that disastrously failed. The expressions which are there used would rather lead to the conclusion that David's intention was to take the sacred structure into his own home (
2 Samuel 6:9, 10;
1 Chronicles 13:12, 13), for a while, at all events. The
אֹהֶל (tent) of the original designates, when Intended strictly, a haircloth covering, resting on poles or planks (
Exodus 26:7, 11;
Exodus 36:14, 19). The first occasion of the use of the word is found in
Genesis 4:20. The
סֻכָּח (booth) was made of leaves and branches interwoven (
Leviticus 23:34, 40, 42;
Deuteronomy 16:13). The
מִשְׁכָּן (tabernacle) was the dwelling-place or pavilion, which owned to the ten inner curtains as well as the outer covering and the framework (
Exodus 25:9;
Exodus 26:1, 12-15, etc.; Exodus 39:32; 40:2, 29). The first occurrence of this word is in the first of these last-quoted references.
Burnt sacrifices and peace offerings. The identical words of
2 Samuel 6:17, 18, where the Authorized Version translates "burnt offerings and peace offerings." These were the two great sacrifices - the former speaking of atonement (
Leviticus 1:3-9, etc.), the latter of
reconciliation effected and the enjoyment of peace (
Leviticus 3:1-5, etc.). Neither here nor in the parallel place is any mention made of the altar upon which these sacrifices were offered.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So they broughtוַיָּבִ֙יאוּ֙(way·yā·ḇî·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe arkאֲר֣וֹן(’ă·rō·wn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727:A chest, arkof Godהָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeand placedוַיַּצִּ֣יגוּ(way·yaṣ·ṣî·ḡū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3322:To place permanentlyit insideבְּת֣וֹךְ(bə·ṯō·wḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centrethe tentהָאֹ֔הֶל(hā·’ō·hel)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168:A tentthatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatDavidדָּוִ֑יד(dā·wîḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessehad pitchedנָֽטָה־(nā·ṭāh-)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendfor it.ל֖וֹ(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's HebrewAnd they presentedוַיַּקְרִ֛יבוּ(way·yaq·rî·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachburnt offeringsעֹל֥וֹת(‘ō·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringand peace offeringsוּשְׁלָמִ֖ים(ū·šə·lā·mîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8002:A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offeringbeforeלִפְנֵ֥י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceGod.הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
1 Chronicles 16:1 NIV1 Chronicles 16:1 NLT1 Chronicles 16:1 ESV1 Chronicles 16:1 NASB1 Chronicles 16:1 KJV
1 Chronicles 16:1 BibleApps.com1 Chronicles 16:1 Biblia Paralela1 Chronicles 16:1 Chinese Bible1 Chronicles 16:1 French Bible1 Chronicles 16:1 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Chronicles 16:1 They brought in the ark of God (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) 
