1 chronicles 16:19 - when you were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 chronicles 16:19" mean?
This verse, 1 Chronicles 16:19, is part of a larger song of thanksgiving that David composed and entrusted to Asaph and his fellow Levites to sing after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. To understand it, we need to consider it within the context of the story of the Israelites.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"When you were but a few men in number...": This refers to the early days of the Israelites, likely when they were a small nomadic tribe, perhaps even during the time of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). They were not a large, powerful nation at this point. Their numbers were limited, making them vulnerable.
"...yes, very few...": This emphasizes the vulnerability of the Israelites at the beginning of their journey. It underscores the improbability of their survival and eventual prosperity.
"...and foreigners were in it.": This refers to the land of Canaan and their sojourn in Egypt. It acknowledges that the Israelites were not native to the lands they inhabited. They were "strangers" or "foreigners" (NIV uses the term "aliens") in the land. This highlights the fact that they depended on God's provision and protection in those foreign territories.
In essence, the verse is a reminder of the humble beginnings of the Israelites. It emphasizes that they started as a small, insignificant group of people, vulnerable and without a homeland. They were outsiders, not native to the land they occupied.
The broader significance within the song (Psalm 105, from which this passage is taken) and the context of 1 Chronicles is this:
Gratitude: It serves as a basis for gratitude to God. Despite their insignificance, God chose them, protected them, and promised them a land.
God's Covenant: The verse highlights God's faithfulness to his covenant with Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and give them the land of Canaan. Despite all odds, God kept his promise.
God's Power and Grace: It emphasizes God's power and grace. The Israelites' success was not due to their own strength or merit but entirely due to God's intervention and favor.
Humility: It encourages humility. They are reminded of their dependent status and their need to continue relying on God.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 16:19 is a powerful reminder of the Israelites' weak and vulnerable beginnings, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to them and prompting gratitude and humility. It highlights that their existence and prosperity were entirely due to God's grace and protection, despite their small numbers and foreign status.
1 chronicles 16:19 - when you were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.
What does "1 chronicles 16:19" mean?
This verse, 1 Chronicles 16:19, is part of a larger song of thanksgiving that David composed and entrusted to Asaph and his fellow Levites to sing after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. To understand it, we need to consider it within the context of the story of the Israelites.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"When you were but a few men in number...": This refers to the early days of the Israelites, likely when they were a small nomadic tribe, perhaps even during the time of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). They were not a large, powerful nation at this point. Their numbers were limited, making them vulnerable.
"...yes, very few...": This emphasizes the vulnerability of the Israelites at the beginning of their journey. It underscores the improbability of their survival and eventual prosperity.
"...and foreigners were in it.": This refers to the land of Canaan and their sojourn in Egypt. It acknowledges that the Israelites were not native to the lands they inhabited. They were "strangers" or "foreigners" (NIV uses the term "aliens") in the land. This highlights the fact that they depended on God's provision and protection in those foreign territories.
In essence, the verse is a reminder of the humble beginnings of the Israelites. It emphasizes that they started as a small, insignificant group of people, vulnerable and without a homeland. They were outsiders, not native to the land they occupied.
The broader significance within the song (Psalm 105, from which this passage is taken) and the context of 1 Chronicles is this:
Gratitude: It serves as a basis for gratitude to God. Despite their insignificance, God chose them, protected them, and promised them a land.
God's Covenant: The verse highlights God's faithfulness to his covenant with Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and give them the land of Canaan. Despite all odds, God kept his promise.
God's Power and Grace: It emphasizes God's power and grace. The Israelites' success was not due to their own strength or merit but entirely due to God's intervention and favor.
Humility: It encourages humility. They are reminded of their dependent status and their need to continue relying on God.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 16:19 is a powerful reminder of the Israelites' weak and vulnerable beginnings, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to them and prompting gratitude and humility. It highlights that their existence and prosperity were entirely due to God's grace and protection, despite their small numbers and foreign status.