God is powerful enough to plant and protect those who trust in Him—even when they are small in number.
“When they were only a few in number, Very few, and strangers in it.” (v.19) appears in a song of thanksgiving composed by King David (who reigned over Israel approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC) and given to Asaph and his relatives to lead Israel in worship before the Ark of the Covenant. In its historical setting, this verse underscores the humble beginnings of the people of Israel. The phrase “When they were only a few in number” (v.19) points to a time when Israel’s ancestors, deeply connected to the covenant first given to Abraham, were not numerous or politically powerful. This reminder emphasizes the faithfulness of God in preserving them through many adversities.
The words “Very few, and strangers in it” (v.19) depict Israel’s initial condition in Canaan, the land they eventually inherited as promised by God. Canaan was located in the southern Levant along the eastern Mediterranean coast, encompassing what is now modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria. Despite their small population and their status as outsiders, God guided them and protected them. This depiction of Israel’s humble start forms a bedrock for understanding how the Lord later multiplied and settled them in this region, fulfilling the covenant He made with Abraham and carried forward through Isaac and Jacob (see Genesis 17:1-8).
In the broader biblical narrative, the theme of starting small and becoming fruitful finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus, who arrives in humility but establishes a Kingdom that extends over all the earth (Matthew 28:18-20). The recollection of humble origins in 1 Chronicles 16:19 reminds readers that God’s power is often displayed most profoundly in weakness. This encourages worshipers to trust in God’s covenant promises, knowing He remains faithful from generation to generation.
Set to dark mode
1 Chronicles 16:19 meaning
“When they were only a few in number, Very few, and strangers in it.” (v.19) appears in a song of thanksgiving composed by King David (who reigned over Israel approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC) and given to Asaph and his relatives to lead Israel in worship before the Ark of the Covenant. In its historical setting, this verse underscores the humble beginnings of the people of Israel. The phrase “When they were only a few in number” (v.19) points to a time when Israel’s ancestors, deeply connected to the covenant first given to Abraham, were not numerous or politically powerful. This reminder emphasizes the faithfulness of God in preserving them through many adversities.
The words “Very few, and strangers in it” (v.19) depict Israel’s initial condition in Canaan, the land they eventually inherited as promised by God. Canaan was located in the southern Levant along the eastern Mediterranean coast, encompassing what is now modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria. Despite their small population and their status as outsiders, God guided them and protected them. This depiction of Israel’s humble start forms a bedrock for understanding how the Lord later multiplied and settled them in this region, fulfilling the covenant He made with Abraham and carried forward through Isaac and Jacob (see Genesis 17:1-8).
In the broader biblical narrative, the theme of starting small and becoming fruitful finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus, who arrives in humility but establishes a Kingdom that extends over all the earth (Matthew 28:18-20). The recollection of humble origins in 1 Chronicles 16:19 reminds readers that God’s power is often displayed most profoundly in weakness. This encourages worshipers to trust in God’s covenant promises, knowing He remains faithful from generation to generation.