1 Chronicles 16 Study Notes

16:23-24 These verses repeat Israel’s obligation to praise God. They add the dimension that this praise should be done among the nations. The people who had not directly experienced God’s guidance would learn about it from the Israelites.

16:25-27 This second segment describes the difference between God and idols. Because idols are man-made they do not have the power and majesty of the Lord.

16:28-30a To ascribe something to someone is to acknowledge they have that attribute. This exhortation to praise connects praising God with worshiping him with offerings. Just as praise of God is connected with his works, praise from the worshiper is connected with active service.

16:30b-33 In this segment of the psalm, the power of God is recognized by the firmness of the world, the witness of the heavens, the proclamation of the sea, and the shouts of joy of the trees. The created order gives testimony to the Creator’s glory.

16:34-36 The fourth and final exhortation to praise combines another reminder of God’s glory with the need to rely on the Lord for salvation.

16:37-42 The Chronicler once more focuses on the service at the ark in Jerusalem and the service at the tabernacle in Gibeon. The ambiguity caused by having two sacred sites shows that a temple that unified worship was badly needed. Zadok, with the assistance of the musicians Heman and Jeduthun (Ethan), continued the sacrifices that were commanded by the law at the tabernacle. Just as David had instituted a more consistent regimen surrounding the ark, he ordered similar provisions for the tabernacle.