Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

1 CHRONICLES 29:10KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:10 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:10 describes King David publicly blessing and praising the LORD, calling Him the God of Israel and recognizing Him as the everlasting Father. David speaks these words in front of the gathered people, expressing honor and gratitude to God forever.

David is addressing the entire assembly of Israel at a significant moment, likely during preparations for building the temple. By calling God the "LORD God of Israel our father," David connects the people to their shared spiritual heritage. His blessing is both a personal act of worship and a public declaration of God's eternal greatness.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:10

  • "blessed" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to speak well of or praise. Here, it shows David giving honor to God in front of everyone, not just in private.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting God's unique relationship with Israel.
  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This word refers to the assembled people, emphasizing that David's blessing is a public act meant for all of Israel to witness.
  • "father" (אָב, av): Calling God "our father" points to a close, caring relationship between God and the people, not just a distant ruler.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:10 matters

  • This verse shows that worship and praise of God are meant to be both personal and shared with the community, not hidden away.
  • David’s words set the tone for the rest of his prayer, focusing on God’s eternal nature and faithfulness to Israel.
  • By calling God "our father," David reminds the people of their identity as God’s chosen family, strengthening their sense of belonging and trust in God’s care.

Where else these words appear

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,