Elements of true Worship

 Read 1 Chronicles 16. 

With the Ark in place, it was time to worship and sing praises to God.  This is one of many psalms (songs) in the Bible apart from the Book of Psalms. 

I am indebted to Eugene Merrill for his comments on this chapter as he demonstrates that this song appears to be a compilation of other songs from David.

1 Chronicles 16               Psalms

16:8-22                           105:1-15

16:23-33                         96:1b-13a

16:34-36                         106:1b-c, 47-48 

How does one praise and thank the LORD of heaven?  Surely, we would leave something out.  Our praise and thanksgiving at times seem so inadequate, limited by words, human thought, and memory.  This song contains praise for what God has done in the past.  

There are other objects of worship but all of them are man made idols.  He alone is to be held in awe (v.25).  He is the Creator (v.26).  He sovereignly chose this nation, made an everlasting covenant with them, and protected them. Worship of the LORD is to include an offering (v.29).  Worship declares who God is.  He is holy and to be feared (v.29b-30). 

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (v.34)