1 Chronicles 16:3

Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — David distributes food immediately after completing burnt and peace offerings and blessing the gathered people. He acts as the national leader providing for the community before formally appointing Levites to minister before the ark.

The words — The text records וַיְחַלֵּק (va/y.cha.Lek, "he distributed") paired with לְכָל־אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאִישׁ וְעַד־אִשָּׁה לְאִישׁ ("to every man of Israel from man to woman"). This precise Hebrew phrasing emphasizes the exhaustive scope of the distribution rather than a condensed "every man and woman" expression.

The thread — The provision of sustenance for communal gatherings parallels the ruler's obligation to supply feast offerings in Ezekiel 45:17 and the shared meals described in Nehemiah 8:10. The tangible care for the people also reflects the practical hospitality command in 1 Peter 4:9.

Why it lands — The verse states the factual allocation of bread, date cakes, and raisin cakes to the entire population without exclusion. It requires the reader to acknowledge that spiritual leadership manifests through the direct meeting of physical needs.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וַיְחַלֵּק֙va/y.cha.Lekand/ he distributed לְכָל־le./kholto/ every אִ֣ישׁ'ish<the> person of יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לYis.ra.'ElIsrael מֵאִ֖ישׁme./'Ishfrom/ man וְעַד־ve./'ad-and/ unto אִשָּׁ֑ה'i.Shahwoman לְאִישׁ֙le./'Ishto/ everyone כִּכַּר־ki.kar-a round loaf of לֶ֔חֶםLe.chembread וְאֶשְׁפָּ֖רve./'esh.Parand/ a date-cake וַאֲשִׁישָֽׁה׃va./'a.shi.Shahand/ a raisin-cake

King James Version

And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.

Cross-references

Ezekiel 45:17 And it shall be the prince’s part to provide the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings for the feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths—for all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He will provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel.
Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
2 Chronicles 30:24 For Hezekiah king of Judah contributed a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for the assembly, and the officials contributed a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep for the assembly, and a great number of priests consecrated themselves.
2 Chronicles 35:7 From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present.