David's Song of Thanksgiving

For days I have been thinking and praying about what I will write for Thanksgiving week. Of course, I wanted the devotion to thank God for His provision and blessing.

This morning, my Bible reading schedule had me in 1 Chronicles 16. King David and all Israel had brought the ark of God to Jerusalem and set it in the tabernacle David had erected for it. They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God, and King David blessed the people.

King David had also appointed singers and musicians “to minister before the ark of the Lord, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel.” David had written a special song just for this event. This song is not listed in the book of Psalms; it is only here in 1 Chronicles. In my Bible, it is subtitled, “David’s Song of Thanksgiving.”

Look at that: God answered my prayer for a devotion on Thanksgiving with a unique and beautiful song of thanksgiving! Quoted below are my favorite verses of the song. I will leave the rest for the diligent student to look up on their own. Enjoy!

1 Chronicles 16:23-29

Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
24 Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.

25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
27 Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.

28 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
29 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!