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David's First Psalm
Then on that day David delivered first this
psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of
Asaph and his brethren. (1 Chronicles 16:7)
When Israel finally got the sacred Ark of the Covenant back from the pagan Philistines, David made a place for it in the city of Jerusalem. To re-dedicate it, they offered up the
burnt sacrifices and peace offerings, celebrating it's return. When they were finished with all the sacrifices and offerings, David gave all of Israel - every man and woman -
a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. David then blessed the people in the name of the LORD,
calling upon God to prosper them, and give good success to their new beginnings.
David then appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD.
God had chosen them and only them, back in the days of Moses, to serve in His tabernacle. Now David was appointing them to continue carrying our their duties,
now that they had the Ark back. The priests were to invoke the Lord on the people's behalf, leading the people to praise Him for His greatness and for His mighty works,
and leading them to give thanks to God for all He had done for them in the past, and all He would do in the future.
Second Chronicles chapter 16 records David's song of praise and worship on this special occassion.
It may also be found, with very slight variations, in Psalms 96:1-13; 105:1-15; 106:47-48.
According to verse 7, however, it seems to have been the first psalm given specifically for use in the tabernacle service.
Abounding in praise to God for the revelation of His glorious character and His marvellous works, it is also recounts the how God chose the nation of Israel as His own, the
privileges God had granted them. It's purpose was to evoke worship and devotion to the Almighty, and to remind the assembled Israelites to be always thankful and
grateful to their God.
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make
known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing
psalms unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk you
of all His wondrous works. Glory you in His holy name:
let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face
continually. Remember His marvellous works that
He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of
His mouth; O you descendants of Israel His servant,
you children of Jacob, His chosen ones.
He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all
the earth. Be you mindful always of His covenant;
the word which He commanded to a thousand
generations; Even of the covenant which He made
with Abraham, and of His oath unto Isaac; And has
confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel
for an everlasting covenant,
Saying, Unto you will I give the land of Canaan, the
portion of your inheritance; When you were but few,
even a few, and strangers in it. And when they went
from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another
people; He allowed no man to do them wrong: yea, He
reproved kings for their sakes, Saying, Touch not my
anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day
to day His salvation. Declare Hhis glory among the
nations; His marvellous works among all peoples. For
great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: He also
is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the
people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and
gladness are in His place. Give unto the LORD, you
families of the peoples, give unto the LORD glory
and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due
unto His name: bring an offering, and come before
Him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Fear before Him, all the earth: the world also shall be
stable,that it be not moved. Let the heavens be glad,
and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the
nations, The LORD reigns. Let the sea roar, and the
fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is
therein. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at
the presence of the LORD, because He comes to
judge the earth.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His
mercy endures forever. And say, Save us, O God of
our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us
from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy
name, and glory in your praise. Blessed be the LORD
God of Israel forever and ever. (1 Chronicles 16:8-36a) .
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