Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
1 Chronicles
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 16
Overview:
The solemnity with which the
Ark was fixed.
(1-6) David's
psalm of praise.
(7-36) Setting in order the
Worship of
God.
(37-43)
1-6 Though
God's
Word and ordinances may be clouded and
eclipsed for a time, they shall shine out of obscurity. This was
but a
Tent, a humble dwelling, yet this was the
Tabernacle which
David, in his
Psalms, often speaks of with
So much
Affection.
David showed himself generous to his subjects, as he had found
God gracious to him. Those whose hearts are enlarged with holy
joy, should show it
By being open-handed.
7-36 Let
God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified
and taught, that strangers to him may be led to
Adore him. Let
us ourselves triumph and trust in
God. Those that give
Glory to
God's name are allowed to
Glory in it. Let the
Everlasting
Covenant be the great matter of our joy and praise. Be ye mindful
of his
Covenant. Let
God's former mercies to his people of old,
be remembered
By us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from
Day
to
Day his
Salvation, his promised
Salvation By Christ. We have
reason to celebrate that from
Day to
Day; for we daily receive
the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In
the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the
servants of
God in distress.
37-43 The
Worship of
God ought to be the work of every
Day.
David Put it into order. At
Jerusalem, where the
Ark was,
Asaph
and his brethren were to
Minister before the
Ark continually,
with
Songs of praise.
No sacrifices were offered there, nor
Incense burnt, because the altars were not there; but
David's
prayers were directed as
Incense, and the lifting up of his
hands as the
Evening Sacrifice.
So early did spiritual
Worship
take place of ceremonial. Yet the ceremonial
Worship, being of
Divine institution, must
By No means be omitted; therefore at
Gibeon, at the altars, the priests attended; for their work was
to
Sacrifice and burn
Incense; and that they did continually,
morning and
Evening, according to the
Law of
Moses. As the
ceremonies were types of the mediation of
Christ, the observance
of them was of great consequence. The attendance of his
appointed ministers is right in itself, and encourages the
people.