◄ 1 Chronicles 29:20 ►
Then David said to the whole assembly, "Blessed be the LORD your God." So the whole assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and to the king.
Study Bible
Then David said
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as King David, nearing the end of his reign, addresses the assembly of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies a declaration or command. David's leadership is underscored here, as he directs the people's focus towards worship and gratitude. Historically, David's role as a king was not just political but deeply spiritual, guiding Israel in their covenant relationship with God.

to the whole assembly
The "whole assembly" refers to the gathered people of Israel, including leaders, elders, and common folk. The Hebrew word "קָהָל" (qahal) signifies a congregation or gathering, emphasizing the unity and collective identity of the Israelites. This assembly is significant as it represents the entire nation coming together in a moment of communal worship and dedication, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israelite society where God was central to national identity.

Bless the LORD your God
The command to "Bless the LORD" uses the Hebrew word "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which means to kneel or to praise. This act of blessing God is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. The phrase "your God" personalizes the relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique covenant with Yahweh. This call to worship is a reminder of the first commandment, to love and honor God above all, and it sets the tone for the assembly's response.

And the whole assembly blessed the LORD
The repetition of the act of blessing underscores its importance. The collective response of the assembly highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel. This unity in worship is a powerful testament to the shared faith and commitment of the people. It reflects the biblical principle that worship is not just an individual act but a corporate one, where the community of believers comes together to honor God.

the God of their fathers
This phrase connects the present generation with their ancestors, emphasizing continuity in faith. The "fathers" refer to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—who established the covenant relationship with God. This historical context reinforces the idea of a living tradition, where the faith and promises of the past are alive and active in the present. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness through generations.

They bowed down and paid homage
The physical act of bowing down, from the Hebrew "שָׁחָה" (shachah), signifies deep reverence and submission. Paying homage is an expression of respect and acknowledgment of authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such gestures were common in both religious and royal settings, symbolizing loyalty and devotion. This dual act of worship before God and the king illustrates the intertwined nature of spiritual and temporal authority in Israel.

before the LORD and the king
The dual focus on the LORD and the king highlights the theocratic structure of Israel, where the king was seen as God's appointed ruler. This phrase underscores the harmony between divine and human leadership when both are aligned with God's will. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that all authority is ultimately derived from God, and true leadership is exercised in submission to Him. This moment encapsulates the ideal of a godly kingdom, where both ruler and people are united in worship and service to the LORD.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel who led the people in worship and preparation for the building of the Temple. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership in worship.

2. The Whole Assembly
The gathered people of Israel who participated in the act of blessing and worshiping the LORD, showing unity and collective reverence.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is the focus of worship and blessing in this passage. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the covenant name of God, Yahweh.

4. The God of their Fathers
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of faith and the covenant relationship between God and the ancestors of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. The King
Refers to David, who is also honored by the people, indicating respect for his God-given authority and leadership.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Worship
David's role as a leader in worship highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others to honor God. Leaders today should model reverence and devotion.

Corporate Worship
The collective action of the assembly underscores the power and significance of corporate worship. Believers are encouraged to gather and worship together, strengthening community and faith.

Continuity of Faith
The reference to "the God of their fathers" reminds us of the importance of passing down faith through generations. We are called to teach and uphold the faith traditions of our spiritual ancestors.

Reverence and Homage
The act of bowing down signifies deep respect and submission to God's authority. In our lives, we should regularly practice humility and reverence before God.

Respect for Authority
The homage paid to the king reflects a biblical principle of respecting God-ordained authority. Christians are called to honor and pray for their leaders.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's leadership in worship challenge or inspire you in your own role within your community or family?

2. In what ways can you participate more fully in corporate worship, and why is it important for your spiritual growth?

3. How can you ensure that the faith and values of your spiritual ancestors are passed down to future generations?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate reverence and submission to God in your daily life?

5. How can you show respect for authority in your life, and what biblical principles guide your actions in this area?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 6:13
This verse emphasizes the importance of fearing the LORD and serving Him only, which is reflected in the assembly's act of worship and homage.

Psalm 95:6
This Psalm calls for worship and bowing down before the LORD, our Maker, similar to the actions of the assembly in 1 Chronicles 29:20.

Philippians 2:10-11
The New Testament speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, paralleling the homage paid to the LORD in this passage.
Sermons
National and Individual ThanksgivingRichard Jones, B. A.1 Chronicles 29:20
The Duty of PraiseA. Roberts, M. A.1 Chronicles 29:20
WorshipJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 29:20
All Strength is from GodD. Macleod.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
David's ThanksgivingJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
David's ThanksgivingD. Clarkson.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Divine OwnershipHomilist1 Chronicles 29:10-20
God's Supreme Dominion and Universal AuthorityR. Shittler.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Agency of God in Human GreatnessJ. Erskine, D. D.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Divine Greatness and BeneficenceJ. Johnson Cort, M. A.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Kingdom of GodW. Jay, M. A.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Last ThanksgivingJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Lord is the Owner of All Things1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Nature of True GreatnessJohn Proudfit, D. D.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
The Reciprocal Influence of Mind Upon Mind in WorshipAnon.1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Rejoicing Before GodW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 29:10-22
David's Prayer and BlessingF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 29:10-24
People
David, Gad, Isaac, Jehiel, Jesse, Nathan, Ophir, Samuel, Solomon, Zadok
Places
Hebron, Jerusalem, Ophir
Topics
Assembly, Bent, Bless, Blessed, Bow, Bowed, Congregation, David, Fathers, Fell, Heads, Homage, Low, Obeisance, Praise, Praised, Prostrate, Prostrated, Themselves, Worshiped, Worshipped, Worshipping
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 29:20

     5138   bowing
     5174   prostration

Library
The Waves of Time
'The times that went over him.'--1 CHRON. xxix. 30. This is a fragment from the chronicler's close of his life of King David. He is referring in it to other written authorities in which there are fuller particulars concerning his hero; and he says, 'the acts of David the King, first and last, behold they are written in the book of Samuel the seer ... with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over all Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.' Now I have ventured …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

That we Ought to Offer Ourselves and all that is Ours to God, and to Pray for All
The Voice of the Disciple Lord, all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.(1) I desire to offer myself up unto thee as a freewill offering, and to continue Thine for ever. Lord, in the uprightness of mine heart I willingly offer(2) myself to Thee to-day to be Thy servant for ever, in humble submission and for a sacrifice of perpetual praise. Receive me with this holy Communion of Thy precious Body, which I celebrate before Thee this day in the presence of the Angels invisibly surrounding, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Enoch, the Deathless
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. Enoch was the bright particular star of the patriarchal epoch. His record is short, but eloquent. It is crowded into a few words, but every word, when placed under examination, expands indefinitely. Every virtue may be read into them; every eulogium possible to a human character shines from them. He was a devout man, a fearless preacher of righteousness, an intimate friend of God, and the only man of his dispensation who did not see death. He sheds a lustre on the …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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