1 Chronicles 16:35

Then cry out: 'Save us, O God of our salvation; gather and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise.'

Study Bible

Then cry out:
This phrase emphasizes the importance of vocal prayer and supplication. In the context of 1 Chronicles 16, David is leading the Israelites in worship and thanksgiving to God. The act of crying out signifies urgency and dependence on God, reflecting a heart posture of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty.

‘Save us, O God of our salvation;
The plea for salvation is central to the biblical narrative. Here, the Israelites acknowledge God as the source of their deliverance. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as the Savior, seen in passages like Psalm 18:46 and Isaiah 12:2. The title "God of our salvation" underscores God's role as the ultimate deliverer, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Savior (Luke 2:11).

gather and deliver us from the nations,
This request for gathering and deliverance points to the historical context of Israel's frequent conflicts and dispersions among other nations. It echoes the covenant promises of God to regather His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:3-4. The gathering of Israel is also a prophetic theme, pointing to eschatological hope and the ultimate gathering of God's people in the end times (Isaiah 11:12).

that we may give thanks to Your holy name,
Thanksgiving is a central aspect of worship in the Bible. The "holy name" of God signifies His character and reputation, which are worthy of reverence and gratitude. This phrase highlights the purpose of deliverance: to enable the people to worship and honor God. The holiness of God's name is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like Psalm 30:4 and Matthew 6:9.

that we may glory in Your praise.’
The ultimate aim of salvation and deliverance is the glorification of God. To "glory in Your praise" means to find joy and fulfillment in worshiping God. This reflects the biblical principle that God's glory is the chief end of all creation, as seen in passages like Isaiah 43:7 and Revelation 4:11. The concept of glory is also tied to the presence of God, which is a central theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the revelation of Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God's glory (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The king of Israel who organized the worship and thanksgiving to God, including the psalm from which this verse is taken.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often in need of deliverance and salvation, as expressed in this verse.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that represented God's presence, which David brought to Jerusalem, prompting this celebration.

4. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples and enemies from whom Israel sought deliverance.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought and where this psalm of thanksgiving was sung.

Teaching Points

Cry Out for Salvation
Recognize our need for God's saving power in our lives, both spiritually and in our daily struggles.

God of Our Salvation
Acknowledge God as the ultimate source of deliverance and salvation, reinforcing our dependence on Him.

Unity and Gathering
Emphasize the importance of community and unity in the body of Christ, as Israel sought to be gathered.

Thanksgiving and Praise
Cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, giving thanks for God's past, present, and future deliverance.

Witness to the Nations
Understand our role in glorifying God among the nations, sharing His salvation with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plea for salvation in 1 Chronicles 16:35 reflect your personal need for God's deliverance today?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the unity and gathering of believers, as Israel desired to be gathered?

3. How can you incorporate more thanksgiving and praise into your daily routine, as encouraged in this verse?

4. What are some practical ways you can be a witness to God's salvation among the "nations" or people in your life?

5. How do the themes of deliverance and praise in 1 Chronicles 16:35 connect with the New Testament teachings on salvation and worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 106:47
This verse is almost identical to 1 Chronicles 16:35, emphasizing the theme of deliverance and thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy 30:3-4
Discusses God's promise to gather and restore Israel from among the nations, similar to the plea in this verse.

Isaiah 12:4
Encourages giving thanks to the Lord and calling upon His name, echoing the themes of praise and thanksgiving.

Romans 15:9
Paul speaks of the Gentiles glorifying God for His mercy, connecting to the idea of nations and praise.

Ephesians 1:6
Highlights the praise of God's glorious grace, aligning with the call to glory in God's praise.