Then all the people left, each for their own home, and David returned home to bless his family.

1 Chronicles 16:43

For Meditation

It is a closing remark, so few people pay attention to it. What is the significance of David returning home to bless his family to comment about? (1 Chron. 16:43). There is no theological value in it to teach; nothing scandalous to shout out. But what King David did was something valuable, which we can all emulate, especially fathers.  

King David had it right this time. He brought the Levites to carry the ark of the covenant of God to Jerusalem, after the failed attempt to bring the ark on a cart that resulted in the tragic death of Uzzah (13:9-10). David made the second attempt a festive occasion for the entire nation, assembling them in Jerusalem to welcome the symbol of God’s Presence with His people. The king gave gifts “to each Israelite man and woman” (16:3), Asaph and his associates led the people in praising the Lord with the beautiful Psalm David wrote, and they all said “Amen” to it. 

“Then all the people left, each for their own home, and David returned home to bless his family” (16:43).

Isn’t that beautiful? After ministering to the Lord and His people, David went home to bless his family. He did not go somewhere to spend time with friends until his family went to bed. David did not go home to shout at his wives. His children did not hide from him. Neither did he bury himself in his office for more work. I am sure David gathered his family before the Lord, and they had a worshipful time with Him. Then, under the unction of the Lord, he blessed them. And why wouldn’t they be blessed? (cf. Gen. 27:33).

So never cease to bless your family. Speak over them. Pronounce blessings into their lives in the name of Jesus and cover them in His blood. Invoke the ministry of the Holy Spirit on them and into their lives. Ask for His guidance for them. Pray them into the life and ministry of the church. And ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen His gifts in their ministry.

May “the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”