1 Chronicles 16:23

Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation day after day.

Study Bible

Sing to the LORD
The Hebrew word for "sing" is "שִׁירוּ" (shiru), which is a call to vocalize praise and adoration. Singing in ancient Israel was not merely a musical expression but a profound act of worship and declaration of God's glory. The act of singing to the LORD signifies a communal and individual response to God's majesty and faithfulness. Historically, singing was integral to Israelite worship, as seen in the Psalms and the temple services. It is a reminder that worship is not confined to silent meditation but is an active, joyful proclamation of God's greatness.

all the earth
This phrase emphasizes the universal call to worship. The Hebrew "כָּל־הָאָרֶץ" (kol-ha'aretz) indicates that the invitation to praise God is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations and peoples. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the entire world and His desire for all creation to acknowledge Him. It anticipates the New Testament revelation of the Gospel being preached to all nations, highlighting God's inclusive plan for salvation.

Proclaim His salvation
The word "proclaim" comes from the Hebrew "בַּשְּׂרוּ" (bassru), meaning to announce or herald. This is a call to actively declare God's saving acts. "His salvation" refers to the deliverance and redemption that God provides, which in the Old Testament context often related to physical deliverance from enemies or oppression. However, it also foreshadows the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. The act of proclaiming is both a privilege and a responsibility for believers, emphasizing the importance of sharing the message of God's saving power with others.

day after day
The Hebrew phrase "מִיּוֹם לְיוֹם" (miyom leyom) suggests a continual, daily practice. This underscores the idea that worship and the proclamation of God's salvation are not confined to specific times or events but are to be a constant part of a believer's life. It reflects the biblical principle of living in a state of continual awareness and gratitude for God's ongoing work in our lives. Historically, this daily proclamation would have been part of the rhythm of life for the Israelites, reminding them of God's constant presence and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The king of Israel who organized the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and appointed Asaph and his brothers to minister before the Ark.

2. Asaph
A Levite appointed by David to lead worship and thanksgiving before the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark of the Covenant was brought and where David established worship.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that represented God's presence and covenant with Israel.

5. The Nations
The call to "all the earth" implies a universal invitation to worship, extending beyond Israel to all peoples.

Teaching Points

Universal Call to Worship
The verse emphasizes that worship is not limited to Israel but is a call to all the earth. As believers, we are to invite others to join in worshiping God.

Daily Proclamation of Salvation
The instruction to proclaim His salvation "day after day" highlights the importance of consistently sharing the message of God's saving work. This is a daily commitment, not a one-time event.

Joyful Expression in Worship
Singing to the Lord is an expression of joy and gratitude. Worship should be a joyful response to God's goodness and salvation.

Evangelistic Mandate
The call to proclaim God's salvation aligns with the Great Commission. Believers are tasked with sharing the gospel with all nations, reflecting God's heart for the world.

Integration of Worship and Mission
Worship and mission are interconnected. As we worship, we are reminded of God's greatness and are compelled to share His salvation with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to "sing to the LORD, all the earth" challenge our understanding of who is invited to worship God?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the daily proclamation of God's salvation into our lives?

3. How does the joy of worship influence our witness to others about God's salvation?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to fulfill the evangelistic mandate in our communities?

5. How can we ensure that our worship services reflect both a heart for God and a heart for the nations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 96
This psalm closely parallels 1 Chronicles 16:23-33, emphasizing the call to all nations to worship the Lord and proclaim His salvation.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, echoes the call to proclaim God's salvation to the entire world.

Romans 10:14-15
Paul discusses the necessity of preaching for people to hear and believe, aligning with the call to proclaim God's salvation.