1 Chronicles 16:28: “Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a call for all people to recognize and acknowledge God’s greatness. The word “ascribe” means to give credit or attribute something to someone. In this case, the verse urges people to recognize that glory and strength belong to God alone. The phrase “all you families of nations” makes it clear that this call is not just for Israel but for all people everywhere. It’s a universal declaration that everyone should recognize God’s supreme authority, power, and majesty. The glory and strength that people might see in human rulers or other gods belong only to the Lord.
Historical Context
This verse comes from a psalm that David wrote when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The Ark represented the presence of God among His people, and this event was a major moment of celebration and thanksgiving. The call to “all you families of nations” reflects David’s understanding that God is not just the God of Israel but the God of the whole world. The surrounding nations worshipped many gods, but David is declaring that only the Lord is worthy of being recognized for His glory and strength. In a world where different nations had their own gods and religious practices, this psalm boldly declares the supremacy of the Lord over all.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the universal reign of God. It calls people from every nation and background to recognize that glory and strength belong to God alone. This speaks to the idea that God is not limited to one nation or one people—He is the Creator and Ruler of all. The verse also points to the responsibility of humanity to worship and honor God. People are called to “ascribe” to God what is rightfully His—acknowledging His majesty and power. This implies that worship is not optional; it is something all people are called to do because God deserves it.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses repetition to emphasize its message. The word “ascribe” is repeated twice, stressing the importance of giving God the credit He deserves. The structure of the verse builds by first addressing “all you families of nations,” which includes everyone, and then instructing them to recognize God’s “glory and strength.” The use of “glory” and “strength” highlights two key aspects of God’s character: His majesty and His power. By pairing these attributes, the verse paints a picture of God as both beautiful and strong, deserving of admiration and reverence from all people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 29:1-2: “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” This passage echoes the call to give God glory and strength.
- Psalm 96:7-8: “Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.” This verse is almost identical to 1 Chronicles 16:28 and reinforces the universal call to worship God.
- Revelation 5:13: “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” This verse points to the future fulfillment of all creation acknowledging God’s glory and strength.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to give God the glory and honor He deserves in all areas of life. It calls believers to recognize that all strength and majesty belong to God and not to rely on human strength or wisdom. This verse also encourages Christians to remember that God’s greatness is not just for one group or nation—His power and glory are for all people, and His rule extends over the entire world. Christians are invited to join in this universal chorus of praise, recognizing that God’s glory and strength should be acknowledged by all.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in that He invites all people to know Him and recognize His glory. God’s desire is not just for one group of people to worship Him but for all nations to experience His greatness and respond in worship. The call for all “families of nations” to ascribe glory and strength to the Lord reflects God’s loving heart for the whole world. He wants everyone to see and experience His power, beauty, and majesty. His invitation to worship is an act of love, drawing people into a relationship with Him where they can experience His glory and strength firsthand.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory and strength. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the one through whom God’s glory is made known to the world (John 1:14). He also demonstrates God’s strength through His victory over sin and death on the cross. When we ascribe glory and strength to God, we are also recognizing the work of Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Through Jesus, people from all nations are invited to come to God and experience His glory and strength in a personal way. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill the call for all people to recognize the greatness of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you “ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” in your daily life?
- What does it mean to you that all people, from every nation, are called to recognize God’s greatness?
- In what ways have you seen God’s glory and strength in your own life, and how can you share that with others?
- How does knowing that Jesus reveals God’s glory and strength change the way you approach worship and your relationship with Him?