1 Chron. 16:8-36, God, the Salvation of Israel

(We hope you will use this Thanksgiving Day well, by giving thanks to our God!  Perhaps this will help.) 

Here is a Psalm not recorded in the Book of Psalms, yet which, in its entirety, is found in the Book of Psalms.  Confused?  No need.  It is never recorded in Psalms in this form.  But 1 Chron. 16:8-22 is taken from Ps. 105:1-15; 16:23-34 is from 96:1-13; and 16:35-36 from 106:47-48.

Psalms 104-106 are a historical “trilogy,” a survey of creation and the sustaining of that creation (104, Gen. 1-9), a survey of Israel’s history from Abraham to the Exodus (105, Gen. 10-Ex. 17), and Israel’s history from the Exodus to the Judges and Kings (Ex. 18-2 Samuel).  If David was the author of 1 Chron. 16:8-36 (that is very clear; he gave this song to the musicians), then he likely wrote Ps. 104-6.  It makes sense.  A king was supposed to be steeped in the Word of God (Deut. 17:18-20).  David’s first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was a disaster, all because he did not know the word of God (1 Chron. 15:11-15).  Now he had become familiar with God’s word, so might have written the three historical Psalms, and then placed parts of them with the passage from Ps. 96, to make for a great call to worship as the Ark entered Jerusalem. 

·       16:8-13: This is an exceptionally strong call to worship.  But of course: it is for those who are bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem.  Finally there is a place for the Ark to be set for all the people.  How can we worship God? Give thanks to the LORD (v8).  Call upon His name (v8).  Make known His deeds among the peoples (v8).  Sing psalms to Him (v9).  Talk about His wondrous works (v9).  Glory in His holy name (v10).  Rejoice (v10)!  Seek the LORD (v11).  Remember His marvelous works, wonders and judgments (v12). 

·       v14-19: His judgments are in all the earth.  One way we see this is in the fact of “Israel.”  The presence of that nation in their land is a constant “in your face” reminder that God is at work in this world.  His covenant with Abraham is a foundational judgment this world must recognize and subject themselves to.  Even today, as I write, Israel’s Prime Minister has given a speech to the United Nations, only to have a large crowd of those national representatives get up and walk out.  They do this to their own peril.

·       v20-22: God protected the Patriarchs (Abraham, etc.).  He will do that today.

·       v23-24: Again, a call to praise.  But this is specifically to “all the earth.” 

·       v25-27: The nations must understand that the LORD, the God of Israel, is great, the greatest, the Most High God.  Why?  Because He alone is the Creator of all things, of all people.

·       v28-34: Therefore, He is the coming Judge of all the earth.  THEREFORE!  Because He is the Creator of all, He is the Judge of all.

·       v35-36: “Save us, O God of our salvation … from the Gentiles.”  How powerful that these word are spoken at the Ark is brought to Jerusalem.  In this city it will be a national symbol, a recognition that God’s intent was to dwell with Israel, to be their God and they His people.  This is one of those “judgments” that must be recognized by the nations, by all the earth.  Think of this prayer, in this context, at the outset of the rule of David and his family: “Save us.”  Then let me give you Jeremiah 30:11, from the time of the approaching Babylonian army and Israel captivity and the beginning of the “times of the Gentiles/Nations.”

For I am with you,’ says the Lord, ‘to save you;
Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you,
Yet I will not make a complete end of you.
But I will correct you in justice,
And will not let you go altogether unpunished.’

This is still God’s plan, God’s promise, God’s purpose.  If you are going to  declare the praises of God and honor Him as your God, then declare His marvelous works.  David prayed this Psalm.  And God then, in 1 Chron. 17, gave to David the first installment of His answer to David by establishing a covenant with David that His sons, and eventually His “Son,” would be on the throne.  Do you share David’s response to God?

O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with out ears.  And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people – to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds … For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever, and You, LORD, have become their God. (1 Chron. 17:20-22)