The Chronicler also tells the story of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, with much singing and music. Did they have a Praise Band – an actual marching Praise Band – with guitars and percussion? Actually, it really is pretty close to that, with lots of singers, along with harps and lyres, cymbals, and trumpets (I Chronicles 15:16, 19, 21, 24, 28): all of these musicians gathered together “to raise loud sounds of joy” (15:16).

The Chronicler includes some of the unhappy details from II Samuel: the story of the death of Uzzah (II Samuel 6:6), the story of David’s second thoughts about bringing the Ark to Jerusalem and leaving it in the keeping of Obededom for a while (II Samuel 6:9-11), the bitterness of Michal when she saw David dancing in a frenzy of worship as the Ark arrived (II Samuel 6:16, 20). Even so, the dominant theme of the Chronicler’s account is glad celebration.

The words they sang are recorded here (16:8-36) and in today’s three psalms as well (105:1-15; 96:1-13; 106: 1, 47-48). The instruments played loud, David and his crew the singers lifted up their voices to exhort everyone in the world: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples” (16:23-24).

Thus from a thousand years before the time of Christ, the faithfulness of God’s people includes both worship and evangelism. Those who know the Lord lift up their voices in exuberant praise, and they tell the story of God’s gracious love to those who have never heard about it.

* * * * *

We come to you, O Lord, singing the glory of your steadfast love! We offer our hearts in devoted worship to you. Give us eyes to see the deep need of all the nations, and voices ready to proclaim to all the world the power of your grace to transform us all, near and far.

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!