How does 2 Chronicles 5:13 connect with Psalm 100:4 about entering His presence? Text for Reflection “The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and give thanks to the LORD, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments. They raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: ‘He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ Then the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud.” “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.” Observing the Scene in 2 Chronicles 5:13 • Context: Solomon’s temple has just been completed; the Ark has been placed in the Most Holy Place. • Unified worship: Trumpeters and singers “joined together” in one voice. • Content of worship: A declaration of God’s goodness and enduring loving devotion. • Result: The cloud of God’s glory fills the temple so powerfully that the priests cannot continue ministering (v. 14). • Key principle: Praise and thanksgiving invite God’s manifest presence. Echoes of Psalm 100:4 • Same posture: “Thanksgiving” and “praise” are the two activities named in both passages. • Same destination: Psalm 100 speaks of “gates” and “courts”; 2 Chronicles shows worshippers inside the actual courts of the temple. • Same outcome: Psalm 100 promises entrance; 2 Chronicles records that entrance being rewarded with the tangible nearness of God. • Same covenant phrase: “He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” appears repeatedly (cf. 1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 136), linking temple worship to the psalmist’s call. A Shared Pattern for Approaching God 1. Start with gratitude—recognize specific blessings, rehearse His deeds (Psalm 103:2). 2. Move to praise—declare His character: goodness, mercy, faithfulness, sovereignty (Psalm 145:3). 3. Experience His presence—the Lord “inhabits the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3), and where He is, His glory is revealed (Isaiah 6:1–4). 4. Respond in reverence—when God draws near, ordinary activity gives way to awe (2 Chronicles 5:14; Revelation 1:17). New-Covenant Confirmation • Hebrews 10:19–22—through the blood of Jesus we “enter the Most Holy Place,” yet the pattern of drawing near “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” remains. • Ephesians 2:18—“For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Thanksgiving and praise align us with that Spirit’s leading. • 1 Peter 2:5—believers are now “a spiritual house” offering “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God,” echoing the temple scene. Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate a habit of verbal, corporate thanksgiving—unity amplifies praise just as it did in Solomon’s day. • Use Scripture-fed declarations—reciting “He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” anchors worship in truth. • Expect God to reveal Himself—while the glory cloud may not appear visibly, His peace, conviction, and joy attest to His nearness (John 14:21). • Let praise reorder priorities—just as priests laid down their tasks, be willing to pause other pursuits when God manifests His presence. Related Scriptures Psalm 95:2; 1 Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; Psalm 22:3; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 5:11-14 |
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