1 Chronicles 16:42 Kommentar

This chapter concludes that great affair of the settlement of the ark in the royal city, and with it the settlement of the public worship of God during the reign of David. Here is, I. The solemnity with which the ark was fixed (Ch1 16:1-6). II. The psalm David gave to be sung on this occasion (v. 7-36). III. The settling of the stated public worship of God in order thenceforward (Ch1 16:37-43).

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 16 This chapter relates that David offered sacrifices when the ark was brought into his city, Ch1 16:1 who were the singers he appointed to sing before it continually, Ch1 16:4 and the song he that day composed and delivered to them to sing, Ch1 16:7 and that he appointed not only proper persons to minister before the ark, but also before the tabernacle at Gibeon, Ch1 16:37.

David brings the ark into its tent; and offers sacrifices, peace-offerings, and burnt-offerings, Ch1 16:1, Ch1 16:2; and gives portions to the people of Israel, Ch1 16:3. He appoints proper ministers and officers for the ark, Ch1 16:4-6. He delivers a solemn thanksgiving on the occasion, vv. 7-36. How the different officers served at the ark, Ch1 16:37-42. The people return home, Ch1 16:43.

Musical instruments of God - Ad canendum Deo, "to sing to God." - Vulgate. Των ωδων του Θεου, "of the sons of God." - Septuagint. The Syriac is remarkable: "These were upright men who did not sing unto God with instruments of music, nor with drums, nor with listra, nor with straight nor crooked pipes, nor with cymbals; but they sang before the Lord Almighty with a joyous mouth, and with a pure and holy prayer, and with innocence and integrity." The Arabic is nearly the same. None of the versions understand the words כלי שיר האלהים keley shir haelohim as implying instruments of music of God, but instruments employed in the song of God, or to praise God; as also the Targum. Query, Did God ever ordain instruments of music to be used in his worship? Can they be used in Christian assemblies according to the spirit of Christianity? Has Jesus Christ, or his apostles, ever commanded or sanctioned the use of them? Were they ever used any where in the apostolic Church? Does the use of them at present, in Christian congregations, ever increase the spirit of devotion? Does it ever appear that bands of musicians, either in their collective or individual capacity, are more spiritual, or as spiritual, as the other parts of the Church of Christ? Is there less pride, self-will, stubbornness, insubordination, lightness, and frivolity, among such persons, than among the other professors of Christianity found in the same religious society? Is it ever remarked or known that musicians in the house of God have attained to any depth of piety, or superior soundness of understanding, in the things of God? Is it ever found that those Churches and Christian societies which have and use instruments of music in Divine worship are more holy, or as holy, as those societies which do not use them? And is it always found that the ministers which affect and recommend them to be used in the worship of Almighty God, are the most spiritual men, and the most spiritual and useful preachers? Can mere sounds, no matter how melodious, where no word nor sentiment is or can be uttered, be considered as giving praise to God? Is it possible that pipes or strings of any kind can give God praise? Can God be pleased with sounds which are emitted by no sentient being, and have in themselves no meaning? If these questions cannot be answered in the affirmative: then, query, Is not the introduction of such instruments into the worship of God antichristian, and calculated to debase and ultimately ruin the spirit and influence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And should not all who wish well to the spread and establishment of pure and undefiled religion, lift up their hand, their influence, and their voice against them? The argument from their use in the Jewish service is futile in the extreme when applied to Christianity.

DAVID'S FESTIVAL SACRIFICE AND LIBERALITY TO THE PEOPLE. (Ch1 16:1-6) he blessed the people in the name of the Lord--The king commended their zeal, supplicated the divine blessing upon them, and ordered the remains of the thank offerings which had been profusely sacrificed during the procession, to be distributed in certain proportions to every individual, that the ceremonial might terminate with appropriate festivities (Deu 12:7).

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 16 This chapter relates that David offered sacrifices when the ark was brought into his city, Ch1 16:1 who were the singers he appointed to sing before it continually, Ch1 16:4 and the song he that day composed and delivered to them to sing, Ch1 16:7 and that he appointed not only proper persons to minister before the ark, but also before the tabernacle at Gibeon, Ch1 16:37.