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1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

Strength and Gladness in His Place

Lyrics · 1 Chronicles

Strength and Gladness in His Place

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

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Strength and Gladness in His Place

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

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About this song

This song belongs to the 1 Chronicles collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.

Bible book
1 Chronicles
Collection
1 Chronicles
Musical styles
World Music
[Verse 1] David builds houses in Jerusalem and prepares a tent for the ark. All Israel gathers in Jerusalem for the transfer. David calls Zadok, Abiathar, and the chiefs of the Levites. David explains that the first breach came because proper order was not sought. [Pre-Chorus] The long night ended, fear released its hold, And every household heard the story told. [Chorus] Strength and Gladness in His Place, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what God could do. [Verse 2] Gatekeepers receive their places before and behind the ark. David, elders, and captains go joyfully to Obed-edom's house. Seven bullocks and seven rams are sacrificed when God helps the Levites. Shouting, cornets, trumpets, cymbals, psalteries, and harps fill the procession. [Bridge] The ark is set within the prepared tent. Burnt offerings and peace offerings are presented. David blesses the people and distributes bread, meat. Levites are appointed to record, thank, praise, and sound instruments before the ark. [Final Chorus] Strength and Gladness in His Place, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what mercy still could do. [Outro] The feast became a memory to keep. Joy learned the name of those who once would weep.

Named in this songDavidJerusalem

About the passage

1 Chronicles 15: The ark moves on shoulders, and the music returns

The second attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem begins with a changed decision, not with better luck. David states that the Levites are the appointed bearers, gathers their chiefs, calls for sanctification, and identifies the earlier breach as a failure to seek the Lord “after the due order.” The ark now travels on shoulders with staves, according to the command associated with Moses. At the same time, the chapter expands the musical organization dramatically. Singers, cymbal players, string players, trumpeters, doorkeepers, and skilled leaders receive distinct assignments. Correction does not drain the procession of joy. Sacrifice, shouting, instruments, and David's dancing fill the successful movement into the city. The final verse then isolates Michal at a window, preserving one private response of contempt inside a moment of national celebration.

Study 1 Chronicles 15 in depth

1 Chronicles 16: A song large enough for Israel and the nations

The ark is finally in Jerusalem, but 1 Chronicles 16 refuses to let the arrival remain a single spectacular day. Sacrifice becomes shared food, celebration becomes assigned service, and a song begins with Israel’s remembered covenant before widening until nations, seas, fields, and trees are caught in its praise. The widening is not vague. The Lord is distinguished from idols as the maker of heaven, and judgment itself becomes part of creation’s rejoicing. Yet the song can still ask to be gathered and delivered, holding triumph and dependence together. Then the crowd goes home. Asaph’s group remains before the ark, Zadok’s priests continue at Gibeon, and the morning-and-evening work proceeds. The festival matters, but the chapter’s final image is a rota still functioning after the applause is gone.

Study 1 Chronicles 16 in depth