1 Chronicles 16:24

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

Declare {H5608} his glory {H3519} among the heathen {H1471}; his marvellous works {H6381} among all nations {H5971}.

Declare his glory among the nations, his wonders among all peoples!

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples.

Declare his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 16:24 (KJV) is a powerful call to global evangelism and worship, urging God's people to spread His fame beyond their borders.

Context

This verse is part of a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise delivered by King David on the day the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:1-36). This was a momentous occasion, signifying God's presence among His people. David's psalm, which combines elements found in Psalms 105, 96, and 106, is not merely a celebration for Israel but a prophetic declaration of God's universal sovereignty and the global reach of His salvation. It underscores the idea that God's glory is not just for one nation but for all humanity.

Key Themes

  • Universal Proclamation: The command to "Declare his glory among the heathen" and "his marvellous works among all nations" highlights a fundamental missionary mandate. Even in the Old Testament, there was a clear understanding that God's plan extended beyond Israel to encompass all peoples. This foreshadows the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ.
  • God's Glory and Works: The verse emphasizes two aspects to be proclaimed: God's glory (His inherent majesty, character, and splendor) and His marvellous works (His mighty acts in creation, salvation, and history). These are the compelling reasons for all nations to acknowledge and worship Him.
  • Worship and Witness: The act of declaring God's glory and works is both an act of worship for those who declare it and a witness to those who hear. It's a call for God's people to be active participants in making His name known worldwide.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "glory" is kabod (ื›ึผึธื‘ื•ึนื“), which literally means "weight" or "heaviness," conveying the idea of God's substantial majesty, honor, and splendor. It's His intrinsic worth and magnificent presence.
  • "Marvellous works" comes from the Hebrew niphla'ot (ื ึดืคึฐืœึธืื•ึนืช), meaning "wonders" or "extraordinary deeds." These are acts that evoke awe and astonishment, demonstrating God's unique power and intervention.
  • "Heathen" and "nations" both translate the Hebrew word goyim (ื’ึผื•ึนื™ึดื), which refers to ethnic groups or peoples, often used in the Old Testament to denote non-Israelite nations or Gentiles. The repetition emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the mission.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 16:24 serves as a timeless reminder of our ongoing responsibility to share the truth of God. It encourages us to:

  • Be Intentional Witnesses: Just as David called Israel to declare God's greatness, we are called to actively share the Good News of God's love and redemptive work in Christ with those around us, both locally and globally.
  • Focus on God's Character and Deeds: Our witness should center on who God is (His glory) and what He has done (His marvellous works), especially His ultimate work of salvation through Jesus Christ.
  • Live a Life of Praise: A heart filled with praise for God's glory and wonders naturally overflows into a desire to declare Him to others. Our worship should fuel our witness, just as it did for David. Psalm 145:5 also speaks to meditating on God's wondrous works, fostering a desire to declare them.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 12:2

    Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

  • Isaiah 12:6

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

  • Psalms 22:27

    All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

  • Daniel 4:1

    ยถ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

  • Daniel 4:3

    How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

  • 2 Kings 19:19

    Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.
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