1 Chronicles 16 41

1 Chronicles 16:41 kjv

And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;

1 Chronicles 16:41 nkjv

and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because His mercy endures forever;

1 Chronicles 16:41 niv

With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, "for his love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:41 esv

With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:41 nlt

David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the LORD, for "his faithful love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16 verses

1 Chronicles 16 41 Meaning

This verse details the specific assignment of Levites, including the prominent leaders Heman and Jeduthun, who were chosen and officially designated for continuous worship and thanksgiving before the LORD. The perpetual reason for this praise is explicitly stated: "for His steadfast love endures forever," a foundational truth affirming God's unfailing covenant faithfulness and loyal love.

1 Chronicles 16 41 Context

First Chronicles 16 describes King David's pivotal act of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, marking a significant moment in Israel's worship life. After a grand procession and offerings, David institutes formal, structured worship before the Ark. He appoints various Levites to serve the LORD continuously. Verse 41 specifically focuses on those Levites designated for musical praise and thanksgiving at the main altar (likely referring to the tabernacle at Gibeon, as v. 39 indicates a separate group led by Zadok the priest ministering there) and reiterates the foundational reason for such worship: God's eternal "steadfast love." This detailed assignment underscores David's vision for ordered, consistent worship as central to Israel's national identity and relationship with God, anticipating the future Temple service.

1 Chronicles 16 41 Word analysis

• and with them: Connects this group to the general Levites already mentioned as serving before the Ark, specifically those at the tabernacle for burnt offerings.

• Heman and Jeduthun: These are key Levitical leaders of David's era, specifically mentioned as chief musicians and seers (1 Chr 25:1, 5; 2 Chr 35:15). Their inclusion here highlights their prominent role in establishing organized worship.

• and the rest of those chosen: Hebrew: בְּרוּרִים (b'rurim). This implies a careful and deliberate selection process. It's not arbitrary; individuals were picked out by God or by authorized human leaders for a specific, sacred purpose in ministry. This selection suggests a qualification, not merely volunteerism.

• and enrolled by name: Hebrew: בְּשֵׁמוֹת (b'shemot), meaning "by names" or "by their names." This signifies an official, documented assignment. To be named indicates an official appointment, personal accountability, and public recognition of one's role. It emphasizes an orderly, systematic approach to ministry within the community, as opposed to spontaneous or unauthorized activity.

• to give thanks: Hebrew: לְהֹדוֹת (l'hodot), from the root יָדָה (yadah), meaning to praise, confess, give thanks. This term refers to expressing gratitude, acknowledging blessings, and glorifying God. In the context of the tabernacle, it involved musical praise, singing, and instrumental accompaniment. It speaks to a responsive act of worship acknowledging God's deeds and character.

• to the LORD: Hebrew: יְהוָה (Yahweh). This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel and His unique identity as the self-existent God who fulfills His promises. The praise is directed specifically and exclusively to Him.

• for His steadfast love: Hebrew: חֶסֶד (chesed). This is a crucial theological term denoting God's covenant loyalty, enduring faithfulness, mercy, kindness, and unceasing love. It is more than mere emotion; it signifies a steadfast commitment, often expressed through compassionate action, even when undeserved. It's the immutable character of God's covenant with His people.

• endures forever: Hebrew: לְעוֹלָם (l'olam), for eternity, perpetually, continually. This phrase reinforces the everlasting nature of God's loyal love. It signifies that His covenant promises and gracious disposition towards His people are constant and unwavering throughout all generations. This eternal nature of God's love serves as the ultimate and continuous basis for unending praise.

• "Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and enrolled by name": This grouping highlights that organized worship involved both prominent leaders and a body of formally selected and recognized personnel. Their appointment was deliberate and structured, establishing a blueprint for future liturgical service. This prefigures the meticulous organization of Levites later detailed in Chronicles.

• "to give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever": This phrase unites the act of praise with its fundamental theological motivation. The "steadfast love" (chesed) is not just a reason for gratitude; it is the eternal foundation of God's character and actions, making Him eternally worthy of thanks. This refrain becomes a recurring liturgical formula, deeply embedded in Israelite worship.

1 Chronicles 16 41 Bonus section

The repetitive use of "for His steadfast love endures forever" (seen in v. 34, and numerous Psalms, Ezra, Jeremiah) was likely a liturgical response or antiphon used by the congregational assembly, affirming their understanding and participation in the truth being declared. This makes the phrase deeply embedded in Israel's collective worship consciousness. The emphasis on Heman and Jeduthun prefigures their later importance as heads of musical divisions, shaping the tradition of sacred music for centuries (1 Chr 25). The detailing of specific roles for different Levitical groups (like this verse for the singers and gatekeepers, distinct from the priests and other Levites involved with burnt offerings and specific ministries as seen in previous and following verses) illustrates the sophisticated division of labor and hierarchical organization of the temple service, laying a groundwork for the future Temple, built by Solomon, but envisioned by David.

1 Chronicles 16 41 Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:41 unveils the deliberate structure David established for worship in Israel, focusing on those Levites specifically appointed for musical praise. The verse underlines that worship is not arbitrary but is ordained by God and organized by divinely-inspired leadership. The selection of individuals by "name" signifies a formal, accountable assignment to sacred duty. The ultimate wellspring for this constant thanksgiving is God's "steadfast love," or hesed, which is immutable and eternal. This eternal loyalty of God forms the unchanging basis for human praise and confidence, grounding Israel's worship in God's faithful character. It ensures that the very nature of God guarantees an endless supply of reasons for worship.