What Old Testament examples emphasize the importance of giving thanks to God? Gratitude Highlighted in Luke 17:18 “Was no one found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:18) Old Testament Snapshots of Thankful Hearts • Exodus 15:1–2 – After the Red Sea, Moses and Israel burst into praise: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted… The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” • Leviticus 7:11–15 – The thank offering (todah) was a designated sacrifice for expressing gratitude, woven into Israel’s regular worship. • 1 Samuel 2:1–2 – Hannah prays, “My heart rejoices in the LORD… There is no Rock like our God,” returning thanks after Samuel’s birth. • 1 Chronicles 16:4, 8–10 – David appoints Levites “to give thanks to the LORD,” leading the nation in public gratitude: “Give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name.” • 2 Chronicles 5:13 – At Solomon’s temple dedication, trumpeters and singers unite: “He is good; His loving devotion endures forever,” and “the glory of the LORD filled the house.” • 2 Chronicles 20:21 – Facing enemies, Jehoshaphat stations singers to proclaim, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever,” and God grants victory. • Psalm 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.” • Psalm 103:1–2 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul… forget not all His benefits.” • Psalm 136:1 – A refrain of twenty-six verses: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” • Daniel 6:10 – Even under threat, Daniel “got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God.” • Jonah 2:9 – From the fish’s belly: “But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You.” Themes Echoing Through These Examples • Gratitude follows deliverance (Exodus 15; 2 Chronicles 20; Jonah 2). • Thankfulness is commanded and institutionalized (Leviticus 7; 1 Chronicles 16). • Personal blessings stir private praise (Hannah; Daniel). • Corporate worship enlists the whole community (Solomon’s dedication; Psalms of ascent). • Consistent refrain: “He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” anchors Israel’s memory and identity. Lessons Tied Back to Luke 17:18 • God notices gratitude—it sets the thankful apart. • Both personal and corporate responses are expected, mirroring leper and nation alike. • Remembering past deliverances fuels present faithfulness. • Verbal, intentional thanks glorify God and invite His continued presence. |
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