4 David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord -to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. 5 Asaph, the leader of this group, sounded the cymbals. Second to him was Zechariah, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They played the harps and lyres. 6 The priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, played the trumpets regularly before the Ark of God's Covenant.
7 On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the Lord : 8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. 10 Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord . 11 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. 12 Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, 13 you children of his servant Israel, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14 He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. 15 Remember his covenant forever- the commitment he made to a thousand generations. 16 This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac. 17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant: 18 "I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession." 19 He said this when you were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan. 20 They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. 21 Yet he did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf: 22 "Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets." 23 Let the whole earth sing to the Lord ! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. 24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 25 Great is the Lord ! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. 26 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! 27 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling. 28 OÂ nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:4-28
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:1-6
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:1-6)
Though God's word and ordinances may be clouded and eclipsed for a time, they shall shine out of obscurity. This was but a tent, a humble dwelling, yet this was the tabernacle which David, in his psalms, often speaks of with so much affection. David showed himself generous to his subjects, as he had found God gracious to him. Those whose hearts are enlarged with holy joy, should show it by being open-handed.
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 16:7-36
(Read 1 Chronicles 16:7-36)
Let God be glorified in our praises. Let others be edified and taught, that strangers to him may be led to adore him. Let us ourselves triumph and trust in God. Those that give glory to God's name are allowed to glory in it. Let the everlasting covenant be the great matter of our joy his people of old, be remembered by us with thankfulness to him. Show forth from day to day his salvation, his promised salvation by Christ. We have reason to celebrate that from day to day; for we daily receive the benefit, and it is a subject that can never be exhausted. In the midst of praises, we must not forget to pray for the servants of God in distress.