1 Chronicles 16:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 16:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 16:13 calls out to the descendants of Israel, specifically naming them as the servant and chosen people of God. The verse is a reminder to the people of their special relationship with God, rooted in their ancestry through Jacob.

In this verse, David is speaking to the gathered Israelites during a celebration as the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem. He addresses them as the "seed of Israel" and "children of Jacob," highlighting their identity and God's choice of them as His people. The verse sets the tone for the surrounding psalm, which focuses on remembering God's faithfulness and calling.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 16:13

• "seed" (זֶרַע, zeraʿ): This word means descendants or offspring, emphasizing the people’s connection to their ancestors and the ongoing story of their nation.
• "servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This term often means someone who serves or belongs to another; here, it points to Israel’s role as those who serve God.
• "ones" (בָּחִיר, bachir): This word means "chosen," underlining that the people addressed are specially selected by God, not just any group.

Why 1 Chronicles 16:13 matters

• The verse clarifies that the message is directed to the whole nation of Israel, not just a single tribe or group, by using terms that include all descendants of Jacob.
• By calling Israel "servant" and "chosen," the verse reminds the people of both their responsibility to God and the honor of being selected by Him.
• This verse connects to the larger passage, which is a psalm of thanksgiving, by grounding the call to praise in the people’s identity and history with God.