1 Chronicles 16:25

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

Study Bible

For great is the LORD
The Hebrew word for "great" is "gadol," which signifies magnitude and importance. In the context of ancient Israel, this declaration of God's greatness is a profound acknowledgment of His supreme power and authority. The LORD, or "Yahweh," is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. This phrase sets the tone for worship, reminding believers of the vastness and majesty of God, who is beyond comparison.

and greatly to be praised
The Hebrew root for "praised" is "halal," which means to boast or celebrate. This phrase underscores the intensity and fervor with which God deserves to be worshiped. In the historical context of Israel, praise was not merely a ritual but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and reverence. The adverb "greatly" amplifies this call to worship, suggesting that our praise should match the greatness of God Himself, overflowing with joy and adoration.

He is to be feared
The word "feared" comes from the Hebrew "yare," which can mean to stand in awe or reverence. This fear is not about terror but about a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness and justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fear of the LORD was foundational to wisdom and understanding. It is a recognition of His sovereignty and a call to live in obedience to His commandments.

above all gods
The phrase "above all gods" reflects the monotheistic belief of Israel in a polytheistic world. The Hebrew word for "gods" is "elohim," which can refer to divine beings or idols. This statement is a bold declaration of Yahweh's supremacy over any other so-called deities. Historically, Israel was surrounded by nations with various gods, and this phrase reaffirms the unique and unparalleled nature of the LORD. It is a call to reject idolatry and acknowledge the one true God who reigns over all creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The king of Israel who organized the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and led the people in worship and thanksgiving to God.

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought, symbolizing the central place of worship for the Israelites.

4. Asaph and his brothers
Levites appointed by David to minister before the Ark and lead in worship and thanksgiving.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, who is exalted in this passage as being above all other gods.

Teaching Points

The Greatness of God
Recognize and meditate on the greatness of God in your daily life. His attributes and works are beyond comparison.

Worship as a Response
Our response to God's greatness should be heartfelt worship and praise. Consider how you can incorporate more genuine worship into your routine.

Fear of the Lord
Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which involves reverence, awe, and obedience. Reflect on how this fear influences your decisions and actions.

God Above All
Acknowledge that God is above all other 'gods' or idols in your life. Identify and remove anything that competes for your devotion.

Community Worship
Engage in corporate worship with fellow believers, as David and the Israelites did. Find ways to encourage and participate in communal expressions of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the greatness of God influence your personal worship and prayer life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate a healthy fear of the Lord in your daily interactions and decisions?

3. What are some 'gods' or idols in today's culture that can distract us from fully worshiping the one true God?

4. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and respond to God's greatness?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the greatness of God in a personal way. How did it impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 96:4
This verse echoes the same theme of God's greatness and worthiness of praise, emphasizing His supremacy over all other gods.

Exodus 15:11
Highlights the uniqueness and majesty of God, similar to the reverence expressed in 1 Chronicles 16:25.

Revelation 4:11
Connects to the theme of God's worthiness to receive glory and honor, as He is the Creator of all things.

Deuteronomy 10:17
Reinforces the idea of God being above all gods, emphasizing His greatness and might.

Philippians 2:9-11
Points to the exaltation of Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and the call to worship Him.