David’s Prayer of Praise
November 14, 2020
Commentary
David sings praises to the Lord before all the people (v. 10). He says that the God of Israel is to be praised forever for His greatness, power, glory, majesty and victory. He tells the Lord how His power is great and His glory is seen everywhere; both in the heavens and in all the earth (v. 11). He goes on to say that both riches and honor come from Him and that He rules with strength and power (v. 12). He thanks Him and praises Him for His attributes (v. 13). He says that anything that we have actually belongs to Him and anything we give back to Him already is His (v. 14). We are foreigners living here on earth for a while, just as our ancestors were (v. 15). We are like a shadow that will suddenly disappear, and there is no hope or expectation remaining.
He tells the Lord how we have brought all of these things to build a temple to honor Him (v. 16). They belong to Him because He gave them to us. He says we are happy because everyone has voluntarily and freely given these things to you (v. 17). He asks the Lord to help us to be faithful to Him just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshiped Him (v. 18). He also desires that Solomon will completely obey His laws and teachings and have a desire to build the temple (v. 19). David then tells the people that it is their turn to praise the Lord (v. 20). With this thought everyone bowed down to honor David their king. When David told the assembly to “Give praise to the Lord your God,” they bowed low and knelt before the Lord and the king.
Application
I need to honor those to whom honor is due regardless if I agree with all they say and all they do. I need to honor them because of their position and not necessarily because of their proclamation. That is especially true of my parents, our president and those in authority over me.
1 Chronicles 29:10– 20 (NET)
10 David praised the Lord before the entire assembly:
11 O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. 12 You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!
14 “But who am I and who are my people, that we should be in a position to contribute this much? Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours. 15 For we are resident foreigners and temporary settlers in your presence, as all our ancestors were; our days are like a shadow on the earth, without security. 16 O Lord our God, all this wealth, which we have collected to build a temple for you to honor your holy name, comes from you; it all belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you examine thoughts and are pleased with integrity. With pure motives I contribute all this; and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you. 18 O Lord God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, always maintain these motives of your people and keep them devoted to you. 19 Make my son Solomon willing to obey your commands, rules, and regulations, and to complete building the palace for which I have made preparations.”
20 David told the entire assembly: “Praise the Lord your God!” So the entire assembly praised the Lord God of their ancestors; they bowed down and stretched out flat on the ground before the Lord and the king.