1 Chronicles 16:12

Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

Study Bible

Remember the wonders He has done
This phrase calls the reader to recall the miraculous acts of God throughout history. In the context of 1 Chronicles 16, this is part of a psalm of thanksgiving delivered by David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. The wonders refer to the miraculous events such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12), and the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5). These acts demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His people. The call to remember is a common biblical theme, urging believers to keep God's mighty deeds at the forefront of their minds, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2 and Psalm 77:11.

His marvels
The term "marvels" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's actions, which inspire awe and reverence. These include not only the miracles performed during the Exodus but also the ongoing acts of God in the lives of His people, such as the victories in battles and the establishment of Israel as a nation. The marvels of God are a testament to His sovereignty and serve as a reminder of His covenant promises. In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, are seen as a continuation of God's marvelous works, pointing to His divine authority and compassion (Matthew 11:4-5).

and the judgments He has pronounced
This phrase refers to the decrees and decisions made by God, often in the form of divine justice or punishment. In the historical context, these judgments include the laws given at Sinai (Exodus 20) and the consequences for disobedience, such as the exile of Israel (2 Kings 17:6-23). God's judgments are seen as righteous and just, reflecting His holiness and the moral order He established. They serve as a warning and a guide for righteous living. In the prophetic literature, God's judgments also point to future events, including the final judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15. The judgments of God are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin and offers redemption to humanity (Romans 3:25-26).

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. Asaph and his brothers
Levites appointed by David to minister before the Ark, giving thanks and praise to the Lord.

3. Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that represented God's presence with His people, brought to Jerusalem by David.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought, becoming the central place of worship for Israel.

5. Israelites
The people of God who were called to remember His deeds and judgments as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering God's past deeds strengthens our faith and trust in His future provision. It is a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts aligned with His purposes.

God's Faithfulness in History
Reflecting on God's wonders and judgments reminds us of His unchanging nature and faithfulness throughout history, encouraging us to rely on Him in our present circumstances.

Worship as a Response to God's Works
Our response to remembering God's deeds should be one of worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging His greatness and expressing our gratitude.

Judgments as a Reminder of God's Justice
God's judgments serve as a reminder of His justice and righteousness, calling us to live in accordance with His will and to seek His mercy.

Community in Remembrance
Sharing testimonies of God's works within the community of believers strengthens collective faith and encourages mutual support and accountability.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you incorporate the practice of remembering God's past works into your daily life?

2. In what ways does recalling God's faithfulness in history impact your trust in Him today?

3. How does worship play a role in your response to remembering God's wonders and judgments?

4. What are some specific judgments of God that you can recall, and how do they influence your understanding of His justice?

5. How can you encourage others in your faith community to remember and share testimonies of God's works?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 105
This psalm parallels 1 Chronicles 16 and emphasizes remembering God's deeds, highlighting His faithfulness and covenant with Abraham.

Deuteronomy 7:18-19
Encourages the Israelites to remember God's mighty acts in delivering them from Egypt, reinforcing the theme of remembrance.

Isaiah 46:9
Calls God's people to remember the former things, underscoring His sovereignty and unique power.

Hebrews 10:32
Urges believers to recall the former days of faithfulness, drawing a parallel to the importance of remembering God's past works.