First Chronicles 16 records David’s founding psalm of praise on the day the Ark of the Covenant arrived in Jerusalem - the act that established organized worship at the center of Israel’s life.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

They brought in God’s ark And set it in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God

He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the Lord’s ark And to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord The God of Israel Then on that day David first ordained giving of thanks To the Lord by the hand of Asaph and his brothers

Oh give thanks to the Lord Call on his name, make what he has done known amongst the peoples Sing to him, sing praises to him Tell of all his marvellous works Glory in his holy name Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice

Seek the Lord and his strength Seek his face forever more Remember his marvellous works that he has done His wonders and the judgements of his mouth

You offspring of Israel his servant You children of Jacob, his chosen ones He is the Lord our God His judgements are in all the earth His judgements are in all the earth

Remember his covenant forever The word which he commanded to a thousand generations The covenant which he made with Abraham His oath to Isaac He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute To Israel for an everlasting covenant

He will give you the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance When you were but a few men in number, yes, very few And foreigners in it They went about from nation to nation From one kingdom to another people He allowed no man to do them wrong

Sing to the Lord, all the earth Display his salvation from day to day Declare his glory amongst the nations And his marvellous works amongst all the peoples For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised

He also is to be feared above all gods For all the gods of the peoples are idols But the Lord made the heavens Honour and majesty are before him Strength and gladness are in his place The female voice soars in wordless harmony as the male leads the final refrain Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good For his loving kindness endures forever Oh give thanks to the Lord The praise continues, the covenant holds

Listen

1 Chronicles 16 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press