1 Chronicles 16:28
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Look closely: the verse doesn't just say "give to the Lord." It uses the word "ascribe," which means to attribute or recognize the glory and strength that already belongs to God. This isn't about trying to give Him something He lacks, but rather about acknowledging the truth of who He is, a truth meant for all the families of the earth.
The previous verses describe David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, and then appointing musicians and priests to worship the Lord continually. This verse is part of a psalm of praise David composed for that occasion, calling on all the nations of the earth to acknowledge God's power and majesty. It's an invitation to join in the joyous recognition of who God is, as demonstrated by His mighty acts.
We often chase after recognition and success, attributing our achievements to our own hard work. But this verse calls us to shift our focus.
What if our deepest desires for significance are meant to be directed elsewhere?
The Practice of Ascribing
The Hebrew word behind "ascribe" here (like yachas) carries the sense of giving, attributing, or reckoning something to someone. It's an active declaration.
This isn't about a passive feeling; it's a deliberate act of saying, "This glory, this strength—it belongs to the LORD."
Why Glory and Strength?
This isn't just a personal devotion or a call to a select few. The command is grander, encompassing everyone.
Who is included in this call to worship, and why does that matter?
Beyond Our Own Backyard
The verse addresses "families of the peoples." This is a broad sweep, calling not just individuals or Israel, but all nations and their familial structures to recognize God.
It highlights God's universal claim. His worth isn't confined to one group; His glory and strength are to be acknowledged by all of humanity.
The Unified Worship of Humanity
This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan for all nations. It paints a picture of a future where people from every background ascribe worth to the Creator.
Understand the original words
yahab · Hebrew Verb
To attribute, assign, or give credit to someone; in a biblical context, it implies publicly acknowledging God's rightful character and deeds.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The heavy, weighty, or brilliant manifestation of God’s character, presence, and reputation; the visible display of His infinite worth.
This Psalm directly echoes the call to ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, urging the heavenly beings to give Him the honor due His name.
Psalm 96:7-8This passage mirrors the command to give the LORD the glory due His name and to bring an offering, emphasizing that all the peoples of the earth are called to worship Him.
Isaiah 42:12This prophetic call encourages all the inhabitants of the earth to give glory to the LORD, spreading His praise to the farthest reaches.
Matthew 6:13In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray that the kingdom, power, and glory belong to God forever, reflecting the very attributes we are called to ascribe to Him.
Look closely: the verse doesn't just say "give to the Lord." It uses the word "ascribe," which means to attribute or recognize the glory and strength that already belongs to God. This isn't about trying to give Him something He lacks, but rather about acknowledging the truth of who He is, a truth meant for all the families of the earth.
The previous verses describe David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, and then appointing musicians and priests to worship the Lord continually. This verse is part of a psalm of praise David composed for that occasion, calling on all the nations of the earth to acknowledge God's power and majesty. It's an invitation to join in the joyous recognition of who God is, as demonstrated by His mighty acts.
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It challenges any notion that worship is insular or exclusive. God deserves the worship of the entire world.
The previous verses describe David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration, and then appointing musicians and priests to worship the Lord continually. This verse is part of a psalm of praise David composed for that occasion, calling on all the nations of the earth to acknowledge God's power and majesty. It's an invitation to join in the joyous recognition of who God is, as demonstrated by His mighty acts.
"Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!" — Look closely: the verse doesn't just say "give to the Lord." It uses the word "ascribe," which means to attribute or recognize the glory and strength that already belongs to God. This isn't abo…
