1 Chronicles 16 3

1 Chronicles 16:3 kjv

And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

1 Chronicles 16:3 nkjv

Then he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins.

1 Chronicles 16:3 niv

Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man and woman.

1 Chronicles 16:3 esv

and distributed to all Israel, both men and women, to each a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

1 Chronicles 16:3 nlt

Then he gave to every man and woman in all Israel a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins.

1 Chronicles 16 verses

1 Chronicles 16 3 Meaning

1 Chronicles 16:3 describes King David's generous distribution of provisions to every person in Israel, both male and female, after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This act, following burnt offerings and peace offerings, signifies the culmination of a joyous celebration, marking the establishment of God's presence in the new capital and highlighting the king's care for his people with symbolic foods of sustenance and festivity.

1 Chronicles 16 3 Context

1 Chronicles 16:3 is situated within a pivotal moment in Israel's history: King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, to Jerusalem. Chapter 16 opens immediately after the Ark's successful relocation to a specially prepared tent (1 Chr 16:1). Following extensive burnt and peace offerings, David blesses the people in the name of the Lord (1 Chr 16:2). The act described in verse 3, the generous distribution of food, concludes this celebratory and reverent event. This feast signifies not just a royal act of benevolence but also a covenant renewal, solidifying the relationship between God, David, and the entire nation, emphasizing the joy and blessings of God's dwelling among His people in their capital city.

1 Chronicles 16 3 Word analysis

• And he distributed: (וַיְחַלֵּק֙ - vayechalleq) From the Hebrew root חָלַק (chalaq), meaning "to divide," "to share," or "to distribute." This word emphasizes David's deliberate and methodical act of providing for his people. It's a regal action, a mark of a king's responsibility and generosity.

• to everyone of Israel: (לְכׇל־אִישׁ֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל - lekhol-ish Yisrael) Literally, "to every man of Israel." This phrase signifies comprehensive inclusion, indicating that the blessing and celebration extended to the entire community of God's chosen people.

• both man and woman: (אִ֤ישׁ וְאִשָּׁה֙ - ish v'ishshah) This explicit mention highlights the universal nature of the distribution. It confirms that the feast and associated blessings were not limited by gender, demonstrating that women were full participants in the communal joy and divine covenant.

• to every one: (לְאִישׁ - l'ish) A repetition reinforcing the individual focus. Each single person received their portion, underscoring the personal and inclusive nature of David's provision.

• a loaf of bread: (כִּכַּר־לֶ֡חֶם - kikkar-lechem) Kikkar typically refers to something round (a "round loaf"). Lechem is "bread," a staple and foundational food item. This signifies basic sustenance and the essential provision of daily needs, often representing the primary form of food.

• and a cake of dates: (וְאֶשְׁפָּר֙ - v'eshpar) The meaning of eshpar (Strong's H819) is debated, often translated as "a good piece of meat" (KJV) or "a cake of dates/figs." Given the context alongside bread and raisin cakes, and the festive nature of the occasion, "a cake of dates" or some other sweet, celebratory cake of fruit (perhaps compressed fruit like figs) is the more widely accepted and contextual understanding among many scholars. It adds a pleasant, festive element beyond basic sustenance.

• and a cake of raisins: (וַאֲשִׁישָׁה֙ - va'ashishah) From ashishah (Strong's H810), specifically meaning "a raisin-cake" or "cake of pressed raisins." This was a sweet, rich delicacy, often consumed at celebrations and feasts. Its inclusion further emphasizes the celebratory and abundant nature of David's distribution, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and the bounty of the land.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman": This highlights David's comprehensive pastoral care for his entire nation. It emphasizes unity and shared celebration, extending God's blessing and the joy of His presence to all members of the covenant community, regardless of social status or gender. This mirrors God's indiscriminate grace and inclusive promises to Israel.
  • "a loaf of bread, and a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins": This selection of food represents a complete and festive meal rather than just bare sustenance. The bread provides basic nourishment, while the fruit cakes add sweetness and richness. Together, they symbolize abundance, joy, and the celebratory nature of the occasion—a bountiful blessing from God mediated through the king, foreshadowing the spiritual banquet Christ offers.

1 Chronicles 16 3 Bonus section

• The parallel passage in 2 Sam 6:19 describes "a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine." While Chronicles focuses on bread and fruit cakes, emphasizing the fruitfulness of the land and sweet joy, the overall theme in both accounts remains one of generous, inclusive feasting orchestrated by the king to mark a monumental spiritual event. The variation might reflect differing emphasis or simply common alternatives in ancient feasting.
• The act of providing and sharing food was a significant social and spiritual marker in ancient Israel, often linked to covenant ceremonies (e.g., Exod 24:11), major festivals (e.g., Deut 12), and kingly acts of hospitality and benevolence (e.g., 2 Sam 9:7-11). David's distribution here is therefore deeply embedded in Israelite cultural and religious practices.
• This feast after bringing the Ark to Zion foreshadows the spiritual feasts God provides for His people: the Passover meal, the Lord's Supper (Communion), and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation (Rev 19:9), where believers feast with Christ in His eternal kingdom. All emphasize community, provision, and joyful celebration in God's presence.

1 Chronicles 16 3 Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:3 encapsulates King David's generosity and his role as a shepherd-king caring for his people, mirroring God's own providence. After securing the Ark in Jerusalem, David's public act of blessing and providing food reinforces the festive atmosphere and the profound significance of God's established presence among them. This was not mere charity, but a shared sacred meal, signifying a renewed covenant and shared joy. The inclusion of "man and woman" underscores the universality of this blessing within the community. The specific items – bread (staple), "cake of dates" (sweet, perhaps meat in parallel passage) and raisin cakes (delicacy) – indicate a complete and joyful feast, emphasizing the richness and delight found in God's presence, rather than just basic needs. It reflects the truth that true celebration, joy, and abundance are found in being in right relationship with God, whose presence brings peace and prosperity. This historical event foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision and the joyous eternal feast available through Christ, who is the true "Bread of Life" (Jn 6:35), offering salvation and an unending banquet to all who come to Him, irrespective of any earthly distinction.