1 Chronicles 16:25

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

Study Bible

For great is the LORD
The greatness of the LORD is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His supreme power, majesty, and authority. In the context of 1 Chronicles 16, this declaration is part of a song of thanksgiving by King David as the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem. The greatness of God is a reminder of His sovereignty over creation, as seen in Genesis 1:1, where He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This phrase also echoes the sentiments found in Psalm 145:3, which speaks of the LORD's greatness as unsearchable, highlighting the infinite nature of His attributes.

and greatly to be praised;
The call to praise God greatly underscores the appropriate response to His greatness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, praise was not only a personal expression but a communal activity, often involving music, singing, and dancing, as seen in the celebration led by David. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative where praise is a central aspect of worship, such as in Psalm 150, which lists various instruments used to praise God. The act of praising God is also a recognition of His deeds and character, as seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the establishment of the covenant.

He is to be feared above all gods.
The fear of the LORD is a recurring biblical theme, signifying reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness and justice. In the historical context of ancient Israel, surrounded by polytheistic cultures, this statement affirms the monotheistic belief in the one true God. The phrase "above all gods" acknowledges the existence of other deities worshiped by neighboring nations but asserts the superiority of the LORD. This is consistent with the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, which instructs the Israelites to have no other gods before Him. The fear of the LORD is also the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, guiding believers to live in accordance with His will.

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. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the Ark was brought, symbolizing the central place of worship for the Israelites.

4. Asaph and his brothers
Levites appointed by David to minister before the Ark and lead in worship and thanksgiving.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, who is exalted in this passage as being above all other gods.

Teaching Points

The Greatness of God
Recognize and meditate on the greatness of God in your daily life. His attributes and works are beyond comparison.

Worship as a Response
Our response to God's greatness should be heartfelt worship and praise. Consider how you can incorporate more genuine worship into your routine.

Fear of the Lord
Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which involves reverence, awe, and obedience. Reflect on how this fear influences your decisions and actions.

God Above All
Acknowledge that God is above all other 'gods' or idols in your life. Identify and remove anything that competes for your devotion.

Community Worship
Engage in corporate worship with fellow believers, as David and the Israelites did. Find ways to encourage and participate in communal expressions of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the greatness of God influence your personal worship and prayer life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate a healthy fear of the Lord in your daily interactions and decisions?

3. What are some 'gods' or idols in today's culture that can distract us from fully worshiping the one true God?

4. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and respond to God's greatness?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the greatness of God in a personal way. How did it impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 96:4
This verse echoes the same theme of God's greatness and worthiness of praise, emphasizing His supremacy over all other gods.

Exodus 15:11
Highlights the uniqueness and majesty of God, similar to the reverence expressed in 1 Chronicles 16:25.

Revelation 4:11
Connects to the theme of God's worthiness to receive glory and honor, as He is the Creator of all things.

Deuteronomy 10:17
Reinforces the idea of God being above all gods, emphasizing His greatness and might.

Philippians 2:9-11
Points to the exaltation of Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and the call to worship Him.