David
David, the second king of Israel, is central to this narrative. Known as a man after God's own heart, David's leadership was marked by his deep devotion to God. His role in this verse highlights his function as both a king and a spiritual leader. David's actions here reflect his desire to honor God and establish a culture of worship in Israel. Historically, David's reign is seen as a golden age for Israel, and his establishment of worship practices had lasting impacts on the nation.

first committed
The Hebrew root for "committed" (נָתַן, natan) means to give, set, or appoint. This indicates that David was initiating something new and significant. By committing this song, David was instituting a formal practice of worship. This act of commitment underscores the importance of intentionality in worship and the role of leadership in guiding spiritual practices.

to Asaph and his brothers
Asaph was a Levite and one of the chief musicians appointed by David. His role, along with his brothers, was to lead the people in worship. The mention of Asaph and his brothers highlights the organized and communal nature of worship in Israel. Asaph's lineage continued to play a significant role in temple worship, as seen in the Psalms attributed to him. This reflects the importance of music and song in expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God.

this song of thanksgiving
The phrase "song of thanksgiving" (תּוֹדָה, todah) is significant in Hebrew worship. It denotes a public declaration of God's deeds and an expression of gratitude. Thanksgiving was a central aspect of Israelite worship, often accompanied by sacrifices and offerings. This song was not just a personal expression but a communal act of acknowledging God's faithfulness and provision.

to the LORD
The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The focus on Yahweh in this verse underscores the centrality of God in Israel's worship and the recognition of His sovereignty and grace. The act of thanksgiving is directed to Yahweh, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings and the object of their worship.

(7) Then on that day David delivered first this psalm.--Rather, On that day then (viz., after the Ark had been placed in its tent, and the minstrels appointed) David originally committed the giving of thanks to Jehovah into the hands of Asaph and his brethren. Thus understood, the verse merely asserts that this was the occasion when "Asaph and his brethren" were first charged with the duties described in 1Chronicles 16:4-6. But the words seem really intended to introduce the long ode which follows, and therefore we should perhaps render, "On that day, then David gave for the first time into the hands of Asaph and his brethren, for giving thanks to Jehovah, Give thanks unto the Lord,'" &c., the whole psalm being regarded as the object of the verb. It may be that this composite hymn was sung in the time of the compiler, on the anniversary of the removal of the Ark, which may in after-times have been commemorated by a special service. Hence it was easy to infer that it was the ode sung at the original service under David. The words "then" ('az) and "on that day" certainly seem to introduce the psalm. (Comp, their use, Exodus 15:1, and Judges 5:1. Comp. also 2Chronicles 7:6.)

But the ambiguity of 1Chronicles 16:7 may be taken along with other considerations to indicate that this ode does not constitute an original part of the Chronicles, but has been inserted by a later hand. For (1) the Psalm is clearly a cento consisting of portions of three others extant in the Psalter, and so loosely patched together that the seams are quite visible; (2) the Psalter itself does not refer the three psalms in question to David; if, however, the editors of the Psalter had read in the Chronicles a clear assertion of Davidic authorship, they would hardly have left them anonymous; (3) all critics agree that it is not here expressly said that David composed this ode, and, in fact, its ideas and language betray a later origin than the Davidic age; and (4) it contains no specific allusion to the occasion for which it purports to have been written. If no record was preserved of the psalms actually sung at the festival, it was natural that some editor should attempt to supply the apparent lacuna from the Psalter. . . .