Meaning and Interpretation

This verse is part of David's song of thanks, sung to celebrate the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It emphasizes the importance of ascribing glory and strength to the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and power. The verse calls upon all nations and peoples to acknowledge God and worship Him for His greatness.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Henry highlights that the call to "give unto the LORD" is a recognition of His position as the Creator and Sustainer of all. The phrase "kindreds of the people" suggests that all families and nations should unite in glorifying God, thus reflecting the universality of His sovereignty.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes interprets “glory and strength” as attributes of God that believers are to proclaim. He notes that this verse serves to unify the people under one common act of worship, identifying their allegiance to God as the source of their strength and glory.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke offers insights into the implications of the verse for worship. He states that giving glory to God involves recognizing His attributes and His deeds. Furthermore, he points out that worship not only acknowledges God's greatness but also inspires believers to reflect that glory in their lives.

Cross-References and Thematic Connections

This verse can be linked to numerous other scriptures that reinforce similar themes of glorifying God:

• Psalm 29:1-2 - "Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength." This psalm echoes the call for acknowledgment of God's power.
• Revelation 4:11 - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power." This verse emphasizes the worthiness of God, corroborating the theme of ascribing glory.
• Isaiah 42:12 - "Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands." This connection highlights the global call to worship God.
• 1 Peter 4:11 - "That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." This verse relates to how believers glorify God through their actions.
• Psalm 96:7-8 - "Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength." This psalm reiterates the communal aspect of worship like 1 Chronicles 16:28.
• 1 Chronicles 16:29 - "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; bring an offering, and come before him." This immediate context reinforces the call to glorify God.
• Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This verse provides a practical application of giving glory to God.

The Importance of Cross-Referencing

Cross-referencing these verses helps deepen the understanding of 1 Chronicles 16:28. By examining the connections between Bible verses, believers can enhance their spiritual knowledge and appreciate the unity of the Biblical narrative.

With tools for cross-referencing, such as Bible concordances and cross-reference guides, individuals can effectively explore the rich tapestry of scripture and gain insights into how scriptures relate to each other. Techniques for cross-referencing include:

• Utilizing a Bible concordance to find thematic and keyword connections.
• Engaging in a comparative Bible verse analysis to understand the context and implications of related scriptures.
• Studying the links between the Old and New Testament, recognizing how themes and teachings echo throughout scripture.

Conclusion

1 Chronicles 16:28 serves as a pivotal verse that calls all creation to acknowledge God's glory and strength. Its connections with other scriptures provide a deeper understanding of worship and the Christian responsibility to ascribe honor to God. By engaging in scriptural cross-referencing, believers are equipped to discover comprehensive insights into their faith and the texts that shape it.