“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” (1 Chron. 16:8, NKJV)

The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistine and remained with them for about seven months (1 Sam. 4:11; 6:1). The Philistines’ possession of the Ark was accompanied by plagues which forced them to send it back to Israel. It was then placed at Kiriath Jearim, 8.5 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It remained there for 20 years (1 Sam. 7:2).

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, David successfully established it as the national capital. He then called all Israel together to bring the ark to the newly founded capital in a grand ceremonial procession. After three months at the house of Obed-Edom (1 Sam. 13:14), who was a Levite (1 Sam. 15:17-18, 21, 24), the ark was transferred to Jerusalem amid rejoicing and placed in a tent that David had made for it (1 Sam. 15:1).

Image courtesy of http://www.olivetree.com

1 Chronicles 16:8 is a psalm that was sung in celebration of the ark’s arrival in Jerusalem. It was a classic psalm sung on such great national occasions. The people of Israel is called to worship God in praise because of his covenant faithfulness.

In the same way, the Bible is replete with passages that call us to worship God because of his faithfulness not just collectively but as individual believers.

References:

Halley’s Bible Handbook. eBook Format. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2000.

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software. http://www.olivetree.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

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