1 Chronicles 29:13 – “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, David is leading the people of Israel in a prayer of gratitude and worship to God. After recognizing God’s greatness, power, and sovereignty in the earlier verses, David now turns to giving thanks and praising God’s “glorious name.” This simple yet profound statement reflects a heart full of gratitude for who God is and for His blessings on the people of Israel. David’s focus is on worshiping God for His character and His actions, acknowledging that all they have comes from Him and that He deserves all the glory.
The phrase “glorious name” speaks to God’s majesty and honor. In Hebrew thought, a name represents the character and essence of a person, so to praise God’s name is to praise His nature—His holiness, goodness, power, and faithfulness. David’s prayer here sets an example for us in recognizing that thanksgiving and praise are central parts of our relationship with God.
Historical Context
This verse is part of David’s public prayer near the end of his reign as king of Israel. The nation had gathered to contribute to the building of the temple, which David’s son Solomon would complete. After seeing the people’s generous offerings and reflecting on God’s provision, David leads the assembly in worship, recognizing that everything they have is from God. The people’s generosity is a direct response to God’s blessings, and David uses this moment to turn their attention back to God, giving thanks for all He has done.
The temple was to be a central place of worship for Israel, a symbol of God’s presence among His people. David’s prayer, including this expression of thanksgiving and praise, helped set the spiritual tone for the temple’s construction. It wasn’t just about building a grand structure; it was about honoring the God who had blessed and sustained them.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of gratitude and worship in our relationship with God. David’s response to God’s blessings is one of heartfelt thanks and praise, reminding us that worship is not just about what we receive from God but about recognizing and acknowledging His glory. Thanksgiving is a natural response to recognizing God’s goodness and provision in our lives.
Theologically, the verse also teaches us that praising God is not simply about what He has done, but about who He is. God’s “glorious name” reflects His character—His faithfulness, holiness, and love. When we praise God’s name, we are honoring Him for His very nature, not just for the blessings we receive. This deepens our understanding of worship as being more about God’s worthiness than about our circumstances.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short but packed with meaning. The structure is simple, yet powerful: “We give you thanks” and “praise your glorious name” reflect two essential aspects of worship—gratitude and adoration. The use of “now” gives the verse an immediacy, calling attention to the present moment of worship. It emphasizes that thanksgiving and praise are not just occasional responses to special blessings, but should be a constant posture of our hearts toward God.
The phrase “your glorious name” is a key focus of the verse, pointing to the majesty and splendor of God’s character. The repetition of praise and thanks in different forms throughout David’s prayer reflects the abundance of reasons to worship God, creating a rhythm of gratitude and exaltation that builds throughout the chapter.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” This verse echoes the call to worship God with gratitude and praise, just as David does in 1 Chronicles 29:13.
- James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” This reminds us that all blessings come from God, which is why we give Him thanks.
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This encourages believers to always give thanks in their prayers, no matter the situation.
- Psalm 113:3 – “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” This verse connects with the idea of praising God’s “glorious name,” emphasizing that praise should be constant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse calls us to live with a heart of gratitude and praise. It reminds us that no matter what we are going through, we have reasons to give thanks and praise God. When we reflect on God’s character—His faithfulness, love, and grace—we are reminded that He is worthy of our worship, even when circumstances may be challenging.
This verse also encourages us to make thanksgiving a regular part of our prayer life. Like David, we should not only bring our needs and requests to God but also take time to thank Him for His goodness and praise Him for who He is. Living with an attitude of gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us to focus more on God’s blessings and less on our worries.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s loving nature by showing that He is the source of all blessings. David’s thanks and praise are rooted in an understanding that God is generous and kind, providing for His people and blessing them abundantly. God’s “glorious name” reflects His character as a loving Father who cares for His people and invites them into a relationship with Him.
David’s expression of gratitude also shows that God delights in His people’s worship. He is a personal God who enjoys our thanks and praise, not because He needs it, but because it reflects our recognition of His love and provision in our lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s “glorious name.” In John 17:6, Jesus prays, “I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me.” Through Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s character—His love, grace, and truth. Jesus not only reveals God’s name but also makes it possible for us to live in a relationship with God where thanksgiving and praise are central.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection give us the greatest reason to give thanks and praise. Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, and we experience the ultimate gift of salvation. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” In Christ, we have every reason to continually give thanks.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some specific things in your life that you can thank God for today?
- How does praising God for His character, not just His blessings, deepen your relationship with Him?
- In what ways can you make thanksgiving and praise a more regular part of your prayer life?
- How does recognizing Jesus as the revelation of God’s “glorious name” impact your understanding of who God is?
- How can you live with a heart of gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, following David’s example in this verse?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 29:13 reminds us of the importance of living with a spirit of gratitude and praise. By focusing on God’s glorious nature and His abundant blessings, we are drawn into deeper worship, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him. As we give thanks and praise His name, we align our hearts with His purposes and experience the joy of His presence in our lives.