I Chronicles 16:1 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 16:1 Commentary: of 'They Brought the Ark'
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why the Chronicler changes 'David offered' to 'they offered', and what David's tent for the ark means for worship in Jerusalem.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The ark comes to rest in David's tent; the people (not just the king) offer burnt and peace offerings to God.
- Key words: 'brought in' (Hiphil of H0935, cause to enter), 'set' (H3322, place securely), 'tent' (H0168, David's temporary dwelling), 'burnt offerings' (H5930), 'peace offerings' (H8002, thank/fellowship offerings).
- Main debate: Why the Chronicler writes 'they offered' rather than 'David offered' (communal emphasis vs. simple paraphrase).
- Theological theme: God's presence dwells among His people; true worship involves both consecration (burnt offering) and communion (peace offering).
- Best use: Teaching on corporate worship, the centrality of God's presence, and the preparation needed to honor Him.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
WEB World English Bible 2000
They brought in God’s ark, and set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.
KJV King James Version 1769
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And they bring in the ark of God, and set it up in the midst of the tent that David hath stretched out for it, and they bring near burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had spread for it; and they presented burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before God.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent, which David had pitched for it: and they offered holocausts, and peace offerings before God.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
ASÍ trajeron el arca de Dios, y asentáronla en medio de la tienda que David había tendido para ella: y ofrecieron holocaustos y pacíficos delante de Dios.
Trouxeram, pois, a arca de Deus, e a puseram no meio da tenda que Davi tinha lhe armado; e apresentaram ofertas de queima e sacrifícios de gratidão diante de Deus.
Après qu’ on eut amené l’arche de Dieu, on la plaça au milieu de la tente que David avait dressée pour elle, et l’ on offrit devant Dieu des holocaustes et des sacrifices d’actions de grâces.
Und da sie die Lade Gottes hineinbrachten, setzten sie sie in die Hütte, die ihr David aufgerichtet hatte, und opferten Brandopfer und Dankopfer vor Gott.
Toen zij de ark Gods inbrachten, zo stelden zij ze in het midden der tent, welke David voor haar gespannen had; en zij offerden brandofferen en dankofferen voor het aangezicht Gods.
Portarono dunque l’arca di Dio e la collocarono in mezzo al padiglione che Davide aveva rizzato per lei; e si offrirono olocausti e sacrifizi di azioni di grazie dinanzi a Dio.
A gdy przynieśli skrzynię Bożą, i postawili ją w pośród namiotu, który był Dawid rozbił, tedy sprawowali całopalenia i ofiary spokojne przed Bogiem.
И принесли ковчег Божий, и поставили его среди скинии, которую устроил для него Давид, и вознесли Богу всесожжения и мирные жертвы.
眾人將 神 的約櫃 請進去，安放 在大衛 所 搭的 帳幕 裡，就在 神 面前 獻 燔祭 和平安祭。
Then they took in the ark of God and put it inside the tent which David had put up for it; and they made offerings, burned offerings and peace-offerings before God.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 16:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that 1 Chronicles 16:1 marks the joyful climax of the ark's journey to Jerusalem. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the Chronicler intentionally writes 'they offered' (plural) where 2 Samuel 6:17 has 'David offered,' associating the elders and the people with the king. Matthew Henry calls it 'a glorious day,' emphasizing the veneration and public celebration. The offerings, burnt offerings (consecration) and peace offerings (fellowship and thanksgiving), are seen together as acts of whole dedication and covenant renewal. The tent David pitched is not the Mosaic tabernacle but a temporary home for the ark, prepared with care (1 Chronicles 15:1). The Cambridge Bible and Keil & Delitzsch both highlight this as a new stage: the ark now resides in the royal city, drawing all Israel to worship before God.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The ark is brought to the tent prepared by David, and burnt offerings and peace offerings are presented before God by the gathered community.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Who offered the sacrifices? | Both 2 Samuel 6:17 and 1 Chronicles 16:1 describe offerings at the ark's arrival. | Some see the Chronicler's 'they offered' as a correction to emphasize the elders and Levites (Cambridge Bible), while others view it as a simple paraphrase without theological change (Gill, referring to his 2 Samuel notes). |
| Significance of David's tent | The tent was prepared by David specifically for the ark (1 Chronicles 15:1), separate from the tabernacle. | Matthew Henry sees this as a step toward the temple and a sign of David's zeal; Lange's Commentary notes it as part of the Chronicler's interest in proper preparation and order. |
| Burnt offerings and peace offerings together | Both offerings are legitimate acts of worship commanded in the Law (Leviticus 1, 7). | Barnes suggests the burnt offering may be a consecration sacrifice, while the peace offering is for fellowship and thanksgiving; some traditions emphasize the atoning aspect, others the communal meal aspect. |
| Relationship to 2 Samuel 6:17 | Both accounts describe the same historical event. | Cambridge Bible calls the Chronicler's version a 'paraphrase' for clarity; others (Keil & Delitzsch) see deliberate amplification to highlight the role of the Levites and the people. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Chronicler writes for a post-exilic community rebuilding their identity. In this verse, David brings the ark into a tent he had prepared in Jerusalem, separate from the tabernacle at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 15:1; 2 Chronicles 1:4). This tent was a temporary dwelling, not the permanent temple David desired to build. The ark, the symbol of God's throne on earth, had been neglected during Saul's reign (1 Chronicles 13:3; Pool's notes). Now, with careful organization and joy, it enters the city of David.
The change from 'David offered' in 2 Samuel 6:17 to 'they offered' here is the Chronicler's hallmark. He emphasizes the community's participation: the Levites carry the ark as Moses commanded (1 Chronicles 15:15), the leaders and people join in sacrifice. The peace offerings (Hebrew shelamim) were thank offerings, often shared as a meal, sealing fellowship with God and each other. Burnt offerings expressed total dedication.
This moment also anticipates Solomon's temple, where the ark will find a permanent home (1 Kings 8:6). For the Chronicler's original readers, the message is clear: proper worship, centered in Jerusalem, unites God's people around His presence.
Textual Notes
The consulted commentaries and lexical sources note no significant textual variants for 1 Chronicles 16:1. The Masoretic Text is consistent across manuscripts. The differences between the parallel passage in 2 Samuel 6:17 (the subject of the verb) are seen as authorial choices rather than scribal errors.
Reception History
Throughout church history, this verse has been read as a model of joyful, orderly worship. Early Christian writers saw the ark's arrival in Jerusalem as a type of Christ entering the heavenly sanctuary. Medieval commentators like Hugh of St. Victor highlighted the tent as a sign of God's willingness to dwell among a pilgrim people. The Reformed tradition (Matthew Henry, Geneva Bible) emphasized David's zeal and the community's involvement, drawing lessons for public worship. In modern times, the verse is often cited in discussions of worship renewal, reminding congregations that the presence of God is central to all liturgical life.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Ark Comes Home, After years of obscurity and neglect, God's presence is brought to the center of Israel's life. David's tent is a place of joy and order.
- The People Offer Worship, Not just David, but the whole community brings burnt offerings and peace offerings. Worship is corporate, not individual.
- Before God, The phrase 'before God' (literally 'to the face of God') reminds us that worship is lived in the awareness of His presence.
Five-point outline
- Preparation, David prepared a tent; order precedes worship.
- Placement, The ark is set 'in the midst of the tent,' central and secure.
- Presentation, Burnt offerings give God what is due; peace offerings restore fellowship.
- Participation, 'They offered' shows everyone shares the work of worship.
- Praise, The following verses appoint singers and thanks, worship flows into song.
Illustration hooks
- A family finally moves into a home after years of temporary housing, setting up the living room as a place to gather.
- A community project, like building a park or playground, where everyone's contribution makes it a shared celebration.
- Preparing a special guest room for a beloved visitor, the care shows honor.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did David use a tent instead of the tabernacle? (The ark was separate; Solomon later united them.)
- Does it matter whether the Chronicler says 'David offered' or 'they offered'? (It emphasizes that worship involves everyone, not just leaders.)
- What is a peace offering today? (Our thankful fellowship with God and others through Christ.)
Leading a Discussion
This verse captures a moment of arrival and celebration. The ark, which had been separated from the tabernacle for decades, finally comes to rest in Jerusalem. David's role as organizer and worshipper is shared with the entire assembly. As you study together, consider how worship is both a personal and a community act.
Discussion questions
- What do you notice about the actions in this verse? Who does what?
- Compare this verse with 2 Samuel 6:17. How does the Chronicler change the wording? Why might he do that?
- What is the significance of the tent being prepared by David? (See 1 Chronicles 15:1 for context.)
- Why does the Chronicler include both burnt offerings and peace offerings? What do they represent?
- How does this passage help us understand the role of community in worship? What can we learn for our own gatherings?
- The ark is placed 'in the midst of the tent.' What does the centrality of God's presence mean for our daily lives?
- How does this story encourage you to prepare for worship, whether at church or at home?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 6:17 | They brought in Yahweh’s ark, and set it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh. |
| II Samuel 6:19 | He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and raisins. So all the people departed, each to his own house. |
| I Kings 8:5 | King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. |
| I Kings 8:6 | The priests brought in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the cherubim’s wings. |
| I Chronicles 15:1 | David made himself houses in David’s city; and he prepared a place for God’s ark, and pitched a tent for it. |
| I Chronicles 15:12 | and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, up to the place that I have prepared for it. |
| II Chronicles 1:4 | But David had brought God’s ark up from Kiriath Jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. |
| II Chronicles 5:6 | King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled to him were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that this chapter records how David systematically established the ark's worship: he brought it into its tent, offered sacrifices, gave gifts to the people, appointed specific ministers and officers, and led a formal thanksgiving. The emphasis falls on David's careful organization of all the elements of public worship.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the first three verses belong to the narrative beginning at an earlier verse, and the parallel account in 2 Samuel shows the passage in its proper setting rather than isolated from its context.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that the Chronicler deliberately associates the elders with David in offering sacrifices, unlike the parallel account where only David offers. It also clarifies that peace offerings were thank-offerings or offerings made in fulfillment of a vow.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes observe that David's tent became the temporary resting place for the Ark, and the people responded with proper worship: burnt offerings and peace offerings were presented before God. This underscores the reverence due to God's presence among His people.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill points out that the events recorded here match the account in 2 Samuel 6:17-19, so he sends the reader to his comments on that passage for explanation. He offers no new interpretation of this verse itself.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch point out that this entire section describing the religious festival and service before the ark in the city of David has no parallel in 2 Samuel. In Samuel, the narrative jumps directly from the king’s feast to the people’s departure, making the Chronicler’s arrangement a distinctive addition.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange treats the song in 1 Chronicles 16 as an ideal composition, not a verbatim transcript. He argues the Chronicler wove together passages from Psalms 105, 96, and 106 to create a fitting hymn for the ark's dedication, much like the canticles in Luke's Gospel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry contrasts the ark's earlier obscurity and neglect with its new setting in David's tent, now publicly honored and centrally placed. Yet he notes that even this was much short of the temple Solomon would later build, pointing forward to a greater establishment of worship still to come.