I Chronicles 16:23-33

The book of I Chronicles consists of a list of genealogies followed historical accounts which focus mainly upon David’s rule (1010-970 B.C.). The text before us is a portion of a psalm which proceeded from the lips of David when the ark of God was placed in Jerusalem.

The ark of God (ark of the testimony, Ex. 25) was a physical representation of God’s spiritual presence. Its presence in Jerusalem speaks of God’s dwelling in the midst of His people and of the establishment of a spiritual closeness to Him which was previously absent. The physical presence of the ark in Jerusalem was more than symbolic. The people experienced a heartfelt closeness to God and the occasion was cause for celebration. It was with celebration that this psalm leapt from David’s heart.

The psalm, in its entirety, extends from verse 8 to verse 36. David exhorts the people to thank the Lord; to call upon the Lord’s name; and to make known among the people that which God has done. The psalm expresses a closeness to God which the Lord would have all men enjoy.

In verse 23, David directs “all the earth” to sing unto the Lord. All is inclusive. All consists of the earth and all things in and on earth. David looked upon all the earth and could hear the earth sing, “This is what the Lord has done!” It was the desire of David’s heart that others should hear all the earth sing the words which he heard. It was David’s desire that all should know the God he knew.

“. . . shew forth from day to day his salvation” (v. 23b). Again, David is directing all the earth to sing of that which God has done. David is asking all the earth to sing and to sing daily of God’s salvation. David knew God’s salvation. The Lord had delivered David as a shepherd boy from a bear and a lion. The Lord had delivered David from Saul. In the psalms, we see time and time in which the Lord delivered David from despair.

God’s salvation, His deliverance from trouble, is not constrained by time. The earth is to sing of that which God has supplied, is supplying, and shall supply tomorrow.

In verse 24, David calls upon all the earth to declare God’s glory among the heathen. God’s glory is the righteousness, love, and holy perfection which radiates outward from Him. David is directing all the world to do that which God wills. God would have the heathen know His righteousness, His love, and His holy perfection. God would have the heathen know His glory which exceeds all power of description. New Testament believers receive David’s instruction knowing that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).

“ . . . his marvellous works among all nations” (v. 24b). The works of God are marvelous. God makes things happen which should not happen. God made a great nation of Abram (a man whose youth had passed). God made the east wind part the sea. God does the impossible. Through David, God is calling all the earth to declare His marvelous works. God used a shepherd boy to fell a mighty giant. God now uses a shepherd boy turned psalmist to declare His glory and His works.

All the earth is to sing unto the Lord “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised” (v. 25). God is. All other gods are idols. All other gods are the manufacture of men, fashioned from that which God spoke into being.

Glory and honor cannot be separated from God. God is glory and honor. His presence is glory and honor. Strength and gladness cannot be separated from Him (v. 27).

“Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people” (v. 28). David calls upon the kindreds of the people to give, to present an offering. What are the kindreds to give? The kindreds of the people are to give glory and strength. Glory and strength are joined with God who is. The kindreds are to offer up that which is of God. No man can offer that which he does not possess. Through the psalmist, God is calling the kindreds to give glory and strength which is of Him.

David’s words reach out beyond Israel. Israel cannot be the kindreds of the people if Israel not be given the strength and gladness which cannot be removed from God. All who have received strength and gladness are instructed to “ . . . bring an offering, come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (v. 29).

New Testament believers are blessed and empowered. The Comforter brings to remembrance the words which the Father gave to the Son. We can do the works of the Son. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13). We are to give that which we have received of Him and from Him.

All the earth is to “Fear before him” (v. 30). “Let . . . the earth rejoice” (v. 31). “Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth” (v. 33). All creation shall shout out the glory of the Creator.

David’s words resonate with New Testament believers because we are part of the all who have received the salvation which the Lord freely gives. All New Testament believers are directed to show the Lord’s salvation day to day, every day. God’s glory cannot be boxed. His glory is beyond human comprehension. Let us reflect that which we have received.