1 Chronicles 16:23-36·~1 min

Sing to the LORD, All the Earth

All the earth is called to sing, proclaim salvation, and declare the LORD’s glory among the nations. His greatness stands over against the idols, while splendor and strength surround Him.

S²³ing to the LORD, all the earth. ²⁴Declare His glory among the nations, ²⁵For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; ²⁶For all the gods of the nations are idols, ²⁷Splendor and majesty are before Him;

The families of the nations are told to ascribe glory to the LORD, and all the earth is summoned to tremble before Him. Heaven, sea, and forest join the joy because the LORD comes before them.

²⁸Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ²⁹Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; ³⁰tremble before Him, all the earth. ³¹Let the heavens be glad, ³²Let the sea resound, ³³Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD,

The song returns to thanksgiving for the LORD’s enduring goodness and adds a plea for salvation and gathering. It ends with blessing the God of Israel, answered by the people’s amen and praise.

³⁴Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; ³⁵Then cry out: ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; ³⁶Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,

Section summaryThe song widens from Israel to all nations and even creation, calling everything to praise the LORD alone. His greatness, glory, and kingship stand over against the idols of the nations, and the section closes with thanksgiving and a plea for saving help and gathered worship.

Role in the chapterThis section broadens the chapter’s praise beyond Israel’s memory into the LORD’s universal reign. It turns thanksgiving at the ark into a declaration meant for the nations, the whole earth, and the gathered people of God.