What was Splendor?

In 1 Chronicles 16:27, “splendor” (also translated as glory or majesty) is not a person but a divine attribute—an expression of God‘s magnificent and radiant presence. It reflects His supreme beauty, holiness, and exaltation above all creation. In Hebrew, the word translated as “splendor” is hod (הוֹד), which conveys the idea of majestic grandeur, honor, and awe-inspiring beauty. This word frequently appears in the Old Testament in reference to the overwhelming brilliance that surrounds God and sometimes His dwelling place or representatives.

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.”
— 1 Chronicles 16:27, NIV

This verse is part of a larger song of thanksgiving that David composed when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. In it, David calls God’s people to worship the Lord by declaring His greatness among the nations, describing not only His deeds but also His glorious nature. “Splendor” here is a theological reality, pointing to the visible and moral brilliance that surrounds God.

Biblical References

• 1 Chronicles 16:27 – “Splendor and majesty are before him…”

• Psalm 96:6 – A parallel verse: “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.”

• Psalm 104:1 – “O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.”

• Daniel 2:37 – Used of human kings to describe God-given greatness: “You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory.”

The Meaning of Splendor in Scripture

Splendor describes the magnificent radiance and majesty that emanates from the presence of the Lord. It is often associated with:

• His glory (kabod in Hebrew), the weightiness of His presence

• His majesty, denoting His kingship and beauty

• His holiness, which makes Him set apart and exalted above all

The term is used not only to describe God‘s appearance but also His character and the impact of His presence upon creation and His people.

Literary and Theological Significance

In 1 Chronicles 16, David celebrates God‘s kingship, covenant faithfulness, and mighty acts. Splendor is one of the attributes tied to God‘s kingship—He is not only powerful but also worthy of awe and worship because of the majesty that surrounds Him.

This passage marks a turning point in Israel’s worship life, as the Ark of the Covenant is finally placed in Jerusalem. David’s hymn, which includes the phrase “splendor and majesty are before him,” anchors worship not in dry ritual but in an encounter with the glorious presence of God.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Kingship

Splendor underscores God‘s rule. He is not a distant or impersonal ruler, but one whose reign is marked by beauty, justice, and awe. Psalm 93 and Isaiah 6 also capture this image of God reigning in glory and majesty.

2. God’s Holiness

Splendor and holiness are often linked. In Psalm 29:2, the psalmist calls worshipers to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Holiness is not dull or dry—it is radiant and overwhelming.

3. Worship and Reverence

Recognizing God’s splendor leads to reverence. Worship in the Bible is never merely emotional or ritual—it flows from a vision of God’s glorious nature. Splendor draws the heart to bow down.

4. God’s Presence Among His People

In both the Tabernacle and later the Temple, God‘s splendor was experienced by His people. The Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God‘s presence, was a visible sign of His nearness and majesty.

How Splendor Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus Christ is the full radiance of God‘s splendor. Hebrews 1:3 says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” The word “radiance” in Greek (apaugasma) reflects the same idea as splendor—He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

At the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), Jesus‘ face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. This moment unveiled His divine splendor, which had been veiled in human flesh.

Moreover, in Revelation 21:23, the New Jerusalem does not need sun or moon because “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” The splendor of God is fully revealed in Christ—He is the radiance of divine beauty and holiness, drawing all believers into worship.

The gospel, then, is the good news that we can enter into this splendor not by our own righteousness but through Christ’s perfect work. Believers will one day be glorified and share in His splendor (Romans 8:17; Colossians 3:4).

Relevance for Today’s Christians

• God is not only powerful, He is beautiful. Splendor reminds us that God is worthy of our delight, not merely our obedience.

• Worship should reflect God’s majesty. Whether in corporate worship or private devotion, believers are invited to behold and respond to the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4).

• God’s presence is radiant, not dull. The Christian life is about living in the presence of the God of splendor, walking in awe and joy.

• Jesus reveals God’s splendor to us. We do not need to look for mystical experiences to see God’s beauty—it is revealed in Christ, through the Word, and by the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

1. When you think of God, do you picture Him as radiant and beautiful, or only as powerful and just?

2. How does recognizing God’s splendor change the way you worship?

3. In what ways does the splendor of Jesus encourage your heart in dark or difficult seasons?

4. How can you cultivate a greater reverence and awe for God‘s majesty in your daily life?

5. Are there parts of your life where you are seeking lesser “splendors” instead of the glory of Christ?

“Splendor and majesty are before Him.” These words are not only poetic—they are a call to behold the greatness of God and to respond with worship, awe, and joy, as those who have seen the light of His glory in the face of Christ.