1 Chronicles 16:35

Then cry out: 'Save us, O God of our salvation; gather and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.'

Study Bible

And cry out
The phrase "cry out" in Hebrew is "זָעַק" (za'aq), which conveys a sense of urgency and desperation. This is not a mere whisper or casual request; it is a heartfelt plea. In the context of ancient Israel, crying out to God was a common practice during times of distress or need, reflecting a deep reliance on divine intervention. This act of crying out signifies a recognition of human limitations and a turning towards God as the ultimate source of help and salvation.

Save us
The Hebrew word for "save" is "יָשַׁע" (yasha), which is the root of the name "Jesus" (Yeshua in Hebrew), meaning "The Lord saves." This plea for salvation is central to the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's role as the deliverer of His people. Historically, Israel often found itself in peril, surrounded by hostile nations, and this cry for salvation underscores their dependence on God's power to rescue them from physical and spiritual threats.

O God of our salvation
This title for God highlights His identity as the source of deliverance and protection. The phrase "God of our salvation" is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their savior. It reflects a personal and communal acknowledgment of God's past acts of salvation, such as the Exodus, and a trust in His continued faithfulness.

gather us
The Hebrew word "קָבַץ" (qabats) means to collect or assemble. This request for gathering implies a desire for unity and restoration. In the historical context, the Israelites often faced dispersion due to exile or conquest. The plea to be gathered is not only a physical return to their homeland but also a spiritual reassembly under God's covenant, symbolizing hope for national and spiritual renewal.

and deliver us from the nations
The term "deliver" comes from the Hebrew "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to snatch away or rescue. The nations, or "גּוֹיִם" (goyim), often represent foreign powers that threatened Israel's existence and faith. This request for deliverance is a call for God to protect His people from external influences that could lead them away from their covenantal obligations and identity.

that we may give thanks to Your holy name
Giving thanks, or "יָדָה" (yadah) in Hebrew, is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's goodness and mercy. The "holy name" of God signifies His unique and sacred character. In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it represented the essence and authority of a person. Thus, giving thanks to God's holy name is an expression of reverence and gratitude for His divine nature and deeds.

that we may glory in Your praise
The word "glory" in Hebrew is "הָלַל" (halal), which means to boast or celebrate. To glory in God's praise is to find joy and fulfillment in worshiping Him. This phrase suggests that the ultimate purpose of deliverance and salvation is to enable God's people to live lives that reflect His glory and to participate in the communal and eternal act of praising Him. It is a reminder that worship is both a privilege and a response to God's mighty works.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The king of Israel who organized the worship and thanksgiving to God, including the psalm from which this verse is taken.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often in need of deliverance and salvation, as expressed in this verse.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that represented God's presence, which David brought to Jerusalem, prompting this celebration.

4. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples and enemies from whom Israel sought deliverance.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought and where this psalm of thanksgiving was sung.

Teaching Points

Cry Out for Salvation
Recognize our need for God's saving power in our lives, both spiritually and in our daily struggles.

God of Our Salvation
Acknowledge God as the ultimate source of deliverance and salvation, reinforcing our dependence on Him.

Unity and Gathering
Emphasize the importance of community and unity in the body of Christ, as Israel sought to be gathered.

Thanksgiving and Praise
Cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, giving thanks for God's past, present, and future deliverance.

Witness to the Nations
Understand our role in glorifying God among the nations, sharing His salvation with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plea for salvation in 1 Chronicles 16:35 reflect your personal need for God's deliverance today?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the unity and gathering of believers, as Israel desired to be gathered?

3. How can you incorporate more thanksgiving and praise into your daily routine, as encouraged in this verse?

4. What are some practical ways you can be a witness to God's salvation among the "nations" or people in your life?

5. How do the themes of deliverance and praise in 1 Chronicles 16:35 connect with the New Testament teachings on salvation and worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 106:47
This verse is almost identical to 1 Chronicles 16:35, emphasizing the theme of deliverance and thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy 30:3-4
Discusses God's promise to gather and restore Israel from among the nations, similar to the plea in this verse.

Isaiah 12:4
Encourages giving thanks to the Lord and calling upon His name, echoing the themes of praise and thanksgiving.

Romans 15:9
Paul speaks of the Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy, connecting to the idea of nations and praise.

Ephesians 1:6
Highlights the praise of God's glorious grace, aligning with the call to glory in God's praise.