1 Chronicles 16.7-43 (Cf. Psalm 96.1-13, Psalm 105.1-15, and Psalm 106.1, 47-48 [see our study of Psalm 96, Psalm 105, Psalm 106])
This chapter is a song of David that has found its way into at least three psalms, as can be seen from the above.
- 2 Chronicles 16.7-22 is found in Psalm 105.1-15, which is a psalm of thanks for God’s faithfulness to His covenant people. The covenant was central to the faith of the Israelite and, now, to the Christian [research].
- 2 Chronicles 16.23-33 is found in Psalm 96.1-13, which is a call to the people of the earth to come and worship before God.
- 2 Chronicles 16.34-36 is found in Psalm 106.1, 47-48, which is a psalm of praise for forgiveness of sin.
Verses seven and thirty-seven present Asaph, the writer of and musician for many psalms, as the chief musician under David.
God, through David’s (and Ezra) pen, reminds us that God is above all other gods. When those around you proclaim that Christianity is too narrowminded and that there is more than one way to God, show them 1 Chronicles 16.23-30. It is here that God proclaims He is above all other gods, that He alone is worthy of worship, and that all other gods are useless. If this seems intolerant to them, remind them it is the truth. Much like gravity is intolerant of those who want to float, yet it is the truth.
The passage reminds us that God is intending to offer salvation to all mankind, not merely the Israelites (31-32).
Included in the conclusion of the poetic portion of this chapter are three verses representing our prayers: we should thank God (34), ask God for His will to be done (35), and praise Him for whom He is (36).
The conclusion of the passage, verses 37-43, presents a slight problem in that there are two places of worship, Gibeon and Jerusalem. However, this will not always be the case. When the worship is established in Jerusalem, all worship is moved there (by worship I mean the corporate celebrations of God in a public place [research “worship”]).
Verse 41 is interesting in that it reminds us of God’s steadfast love for us in the middle of a narrative. There were specific people who were designated to remind others of this throughout the day. Isn’t this our call as well?
The last verse, 43, is the tie-in to chapter 17. All people went home, but the Lord had no home.
Special occasions like this will come and go in our lives. We may remember what we did, what God had done, how we praised Him, and how others were drawn to Him during this occasion. But, it is better to write down a word of praise to God for what He has done. When God works in your life, write down what He did, how you felt, how others responded, and whatever else you experienced for the moment. That day will disappear, but your written words will last throughout your life and beyond. This can be your tool to bring others to Christ even after you are gone (23).
One last application, do you regularly attend corporate worship? Are you involved with the corporate worship at your church? Are you using your gifts for God’s purpose, glory, and honor (Ephesians 4.11-16)?
I think the point David is trying to make is that God deserves our praise and worship continually and each and every day. Even through pain or distress, God deserves that from us, and we need to remember the ways He has helped us and delivered us from our struggles in the past; this will help us through our current struggles and help bring others to Him. I really like verses 11 and 34.