1 Chronicles 16 33

1 Chronicles 16:33 kjv

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:33 nkjv

Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the LORD, For He is coming to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:33 niv

Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:33 esv

Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:33 nlt

Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD,
for he is coming to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16 verses

1 Chronicles 16 33 Meaning

This verse declares a prophetic and poetic vision where even the inanimate creation, specifically the "trees of the forest," will exuberantly express joy and sing in the presence of Yahweh. The profound reason for this cosmic celebration is the impending arrival of the Lord, who comes to exercise His just reign and sovereign judgment over all the earth. It portrays a scene of universal acknowledgment and delight in God's supreme authority and redemptive purpose.

1 Chronicles 16 33 Context

This verse is part of a psalm of thanksgiving and praise delivered by King David, recorded in 1 Chronicles 16, particularly verses 8-36. This psalm was given to Asaph and his associates on the momentous day when the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, was brought to Jerusalem and placed in the tent David had prepared for it. This event was a significant milestone in Israel's history, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and His central presence among His people. The psalm is a call to worship Yahweh, recounting His past deeds, proclaiming His greatness among the nations, and celebrating His impending righteous rule over all the earth. Verse 33 specifically envisions the entire natural world joining this celebration, anticipating the ultimate culmination of God's reign and judgment. It elevates the immediate celebration in Jerusalem to a cosmic scale, reminding Israel, and all humanity, of God's universal sovereignty that extends beyond a single nation or land.

1 Chronicles 16 33 Word analysis

• Then (Hebrew: אָז, 'az): A temporal adverb signaling a consequent or subsequent action, often with a sense of certainty or solemnity. It links the preceding universal declaration of God's greatness (e.g., Ps 96:10-12) to this specific joyous reaction of creation, emphasizing the direct result of God's revelation.
• the trees (Hebrew: עֲצֵי, 'atsei): Plural, from 'etz, meaning "tree" or "wood." In the Bible, trees often symbolize life, strength, flourishing, and the natural world. Here, it refers to a specific and tangible part of creation.
• of the forest (Hebrew: הַיַּעַר, ha-ya'ar): With the definite article "the," indicating a specific and collective body of trees. "Forest" signifies wild, uncultivated, sprawling nature, contrasting with cultivated fields or gardens. Its inclusion underscores the idea that even untamed nature is subject to and responsive to the Creator.
• will sing for joy (Hebrew: יְרַנְּנוּ, yerann'nu): A Piel imperfect verb from the root ranan. This implies a vibrant, loud, and sustained expression of joy, like shouting, exulting, or ringing out. It's a highly active and effusive form of praise, personifying nature in its profound celebration of God. It's not a mere sound, but an intentional, joyful expression.
• before (Hebrew: לִפְנֵי, lifnei): Literally "in the face of" or "in the presence of." This highlights the direct audience for their "song" – it is offered specifically to and observed by the Lord. This signifies active awareness and acknowledgment of His divine presence and authority.
• the Lord (Hebrew: יְהוָה, YHWH): The covenantal, personal name of God, revealing His self-existent and relational nature. Its use here anchors the universal praise to the one true God of Israel, distinguishing Him from any other deities. It's Yahweh who commands this cosmic response.
• for (Hebrew: כִּי, ki): A conjunction introducing the reason or cause for the preceding statement. It establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship, providing the theological impetus for creation's rejoicing.
• He comes (Hebrew: בָא, ba): A participle, signifying an active, dynamic coming that is either imminent or in process. This isn't just a future event, but something that, from God's eternal perspective, is as good as done. It signifies His arrival as sovereign and judge.
• to judge (Hebrew: לִשְׁפּוֹט, lishpot): Infinitive construct of shaphat, which encompasses more than just condemnation. It means "to govern," "to rule," "to set right," "to do justice," "to vindicate," and "to administer judgment." God's coming is for establishing righteousness and order.
• the earth (Hebrew: הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): The definite article "the" combined with aretz, meaning "land" or "earth." Here, it signifies the entire planet, the inhabited world, encompassing all nations and creation. God's reign and judgment are universal, affecting everything and everyone.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Then the trees of the forest": This phrase uses natural imagery, specifically wild and untamed vegetation, to expand the scope of praise beyond humanity. It suggests that even the most "primitive" or non-human parts of creation intrinsically recognize God's sovereignty and will participate in the future outpouring of worship. It also indirectly counters pagan nature worship, as these natural elements are shown as worshippers of God, not objects of worship themselves.
• "will sing for joy before the Lord": This vivid personification highlights the profound and intentional nature of creation's response. "Sing for joy" (רנּן - ranan) conveys exuberant, audible celebration. The phrase "before the Lord" underscores that this is a directed act of homage, performed in conscious awareness of His presence and for His glory, signifying His rightful place as the object of all worship.
• "for He comes to judge the earth": This clause provides the core theological reason for the universal rejoicing. God's "coming" (בָּא - ba') implies a direct, sovereign intervention. The purpose, "to judge" (לִשְׁפּוֹט - lishpot), points to the establishment of divine order, justice, and righteousness throughout the whole earth. This is not primarily about condemnation but about vindication, restoration, and the final putting right of all things, which is cause for immense joy in creation. It signifies the end of chaos and the reign of perfect justice.

1 Chronicles 16 33 Bonus section

• This verse is part of a "new song" theme frequently found in the Psalms (Ps 96, Ps 98), which often accompanies revelations of God's universal reign and saving acts. The "newness" might refer to a fresh appreciation of God's sovereignty or a future, unprecedented demonstration of His glory.
• The personification of trees singing connects to a broader biblical motif where creation responds to its Creator, either in groaning (Rom 8:22) or in praise (Ps 148; Isa 55:12). This implies an inherent sensitivity in creation to divine truth and an anticipated redemption.
• The judgment of the earth by God is not a concept introduced here but is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern ideas of divine kingship and justice, reinterpreted in a monotheistic framework under YHWH's exclusive rule. His judgment is the foundation of cosmic order and ultimate peace.
• While seemingly literal, the "singing trees" often point to a complete, harmonious renewal of creation under God's righteous reign, where all things acknowledge and submit to His supreme authority in a symphony of praise. It’s an ultimate picture of shalom (peace and wholeness) realized through divine intervention.

1 Chronicles 16 33 Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:33 captures a breathtaking prophetic vision within a psalm of David, showcasing the ultimate, universal dominion of God. It transcends mere human worship to declare that even inanimate nature, represented by the "trees of the forest," will one day burst forth in exuberant, audible joy in God's presence. The root of this cosmic celebration is God's impending "coming to judge the earth." This "judgment" is not merely punitive but encapsulates His righteous governance, setting all things right, vindicating the oppressed, and establishing His just kingdom. For creation, subjected to futility (Rom 8:20) due to sin, God's return to govern perfectly is cause for deep relief and triumphant exultation. The verse positions Yahweh as the sovereign Lord of all creation, deserving of universal praise, anticipating the culmination of His plan when His perfect justice and rule will be fully manifested throughout the entire world.