1 Chronicles 16:10

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Study Bible

Glory in His holy name
The word "glory" in Hebrew is "halal," which means to boast, celebrate, or shine. This phrase calls believers to take pride and find joy in the holiness and sanctity of God's name. The "holy name" refers to the unique and set-apart nature of God, emphasizing His purity, righteousness, and divine authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a name was more than just a label; it represented the character and essence of a person. Thus, to glory in God's holy name is to recognize and celebrate His divine attributes and His covenantal faithfulness to His people. This act of glorifying God is a form of worship that acknowledges His supremacy and invites His presence into the lives of the faithful.

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice
The "hearts" in Hebrew thought are the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This phrase encourages an internal, heartfelt response to God's presence and works. "Those who seek the LORD" refers to individuals who earnestly pursue a relationship with God, desiring to know Him more deeply and live according to His will. Seeking the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with prayer, worship, and obedience. The call to "rejoice" is an invitation to experience profound joy and satisfaction in the pursuit of God. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's love, faithfulness, and the hope of His promises. Historically, this verse is part of a psalm of thanksgiving delivered by David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence among His people and prompting a communal celebration of His goodness and mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The king of Israel who organized the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and led the people in worship and thanksgiving to God.

2. Israelites
The people of God who participated in the celebration and worship as the Ark was brought to Jerusalem.

3. Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that represented God's presence and covenant with Israel, central to the worship and celebration in this passage.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought, becoming the central place of worship for the Israelites.

5. Asaph and his brothers
Levites appointed by David to minister before the Ark, leading the people in songs of thanksgiving and praise.

Teaching Points

Glory in His Name
Believers are called to find their identity and worth in the holiness and majesty of God's name. This involves recognizing His attributes and living in a way that honors Him.

Joy in Seeking the Lord
True joy is found in the pursuit of God. As we seek Him, our hearts are filled with rejoicing, knowing that He is faithful to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.

The Importance of Worship
Worship is central to the life of a believer. It is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's presence and goodness, as demonstrated by David and the Israelites.

Community in Worship
Worship is both personal and communal. Gathering with others to glorify God strengthens our faith and encourages us to live out our calling as His people.

Rejoicing in God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness fuels our present joy and hope. Remembering His deeds encourages us to trust Him with our future.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does glorifying God's name impact your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you actively seek the Lord in your current circumstances?

3. How does communal worship enhance your personal relationship with God?

4. Reflect on a time when seeking the Lord brought you joy. How can this experience encourage you in your current walk with God?

5. How can you incorporate the practice of remembering God's faithfulness into your daily routine?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 105
This psalm parallels 1 Chronicles 16 and emphasizes the same themes of seeking the Lord and rejoicing in His name.

Philippians 4:4
Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, echoing the call to joy found in 1 Chronicles 16:10.

Isaiah 12:4-6
These verses call on the people to give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His name, similar to the exhortation in 1 Chronicles 16.

Psalm 34:3
This verse invites believers to glorify the Lord together, aligning with the communal aspect of worship in 1 Chronicles 16.

Hebrews 13:15
Encourages offering a sacrifice of praise to God, which is a New Testament reflection of the worship seen in 1 Chronicles 16.