1 Chronicles 16:29: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a call for people to recognize and give God the glory that He deserves. The phrase “ascribe to the Lord” means to attribute or give credit to God for who He is—His greatness, majesty, and power. The “glory due his name” emphasizes that God deserves to be honored simply because of who He is. The verse also calls for worshipers to “bring an offering” and “come before him,” showing that true worship involves both a heart attitude and a physical act of sacrifice or offering. Finally, it calls for believers to “worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness,” pointing to the fact that God is set apart and glorious in His purity and majesty. Worshiping God means recognizing His holiness and responding to it with reverence and awe.
Historical Context
This verse is part of a psalm written by David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The Ark represented God’s presence among His people, and this event was a time of great celebration and thanksgiving. In the ancient world, offerings were often part of worship, a way for people to show their gratitude and reverence for God’s blessings. The focus on God’s holiness reflects the understanding that God is set apart from His creation in His purity, majesty, and power. David’s psalm is filled with reminders that God alone is worthy of worship and that all nations should honor Him for His greatness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reminds believers that worship is not just about words or feelings, but about giving God the honor and reverence He is due. The call to bring an offering and come before Him shows that worship requires intentional action and a sacrificial heart. The “splendor of his holiness” points to the idea that God is perfect and completely set apart from sin and imperfection. This holiness is what makes God deserving of worship, and it requires believers to approach Him with humility, recognizing their own need for grace. The verse underscores the idea that God deserves glory not because of what He does for us, but because of who He is.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured with three commands that build upon one another: “Ascribe,” “bring an offering,” and “worship.” The repetition of “ascribe” throughout the psalm emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring God’s greatness. The phrase “glory due his name” is a key element, as it reminds us that God’s very name—His identity—is inherently glorious and deserving of honor. The mention of offerings and coming before God speaks to the outward expressions of worship, while “the splendor of his holiness” reflects the internal attitude of awe and reverence that should accompany true worship. The language used in this verse elevates God’s majesty, focusing on His unique and holy nature.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 29:2: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” This verse echoes the same call to worship God and recognize His holiness.
- Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This New Testament passage connects the idea of offerings and worship, encouraging believers to offer their lives as an act of worship.
- Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” This verse emphasizes the importance of reverence in worship, which aligns with the idea of worshiping God in the splendor of His holiness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that God deserves our highest praise and worship. It challenges us to think about how we approach God—whether we are truly giving Him the honor and reverence He deserves. The call to “bring an offering” may not always mean a physical sacrifice, but it does mean bringing something valuable, whether it’s our time, resources, or hearts. Worship is not just about singing or attending church; it involves offering our whole lives to God. The verse also encourages believers to recognize God’s holiness and to approach Him with reverence, knowing that He is set apart from sin and deserving of our awe and respect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love by inviting people into His presence to worship Him. God doesn’t demand worship because He needs it, but because He knows that it brings us into a deeper relationship with Him. Worshiping God in “the splendor of His holiness” allows us to experience His majesty and purity, which transforms us. God’s desire for us to bring offerings is not about needing our sacrifices, but about drawing us closer to Him in trust and dependence. His holiness, while awe-inspiring, is also a reminder of His perfect love for us. He invites us to know Him more fully through worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s glory and holiness. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3), showing that He is the physical manifestation of God’s majesty. Jesus also perfectly fulfilled the idea of bringing an offering, as He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Ephesians 5:2). Through Jesus, we are able to come into God’s presence and worship Him in the splendor of His holiness. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, believers can approach God confidently, offering their lives as living sacrifices in response to His glory and grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name” in your daily life?
- What are some ways you can offer your time, resources, or talents to God as part of your worship?
- How does recognizing God’s holiness affect the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice enable you to worship God more fully, and how does this shape your understanding of worship?