The Presence Of God In Worship
1 Chronicles 16:1 says, “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.”
This chapter is a thanksgiving Psalm that is also recorded in Psalms 105 – it was David’s account of God’s dealings with His people, as He led them to the promised land of Canaan (Ex 3:8). They thanked God by calling upon His name and making “known His deeds among the people” (v. 8). They thanked God by remembering all the “marvellous works that He hath done” (v. 12). They thanked God “for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever” (v. 34). And they thanked God because He is the “God of our salvation” (v. 35)!
We can also follow this great example of thanksgiving for the countless blessings of God in our lives! Our passage starts with a significant turning point in Israel’s history, when “they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent.” It vividly portrays their act of reverence in worshipping and thanking the Lord (Ps 95:6). We can also see David’s desire to restore the presence of God among His people (Ps 105:4). The “ark of God” is also called “the ark of the testimony” (Ex 25:22), or “the ark of the covenant” (Num 10:33). It was located inside the “most holy place” (Ex 26:34), where God’s presence was manifested (Lev 16:2).
It was a symbol of His covenant with Israel (Deut 31:26), and a testimony of His faithfulness (Deut 7:9), with them throughout their 40 years of wilderness wanderings (Num 14:33). But the ark was captured by the Philistines (1 Sam 5:2), and later returned (1 Sam 6:13), to Israel under David’s leadership. Setting the ark “in the midst of the tent” indicates David’s understanding of humility in worship and his willingness to meet God. When we recognize God’s goodness to us, we too shall surrender to Him (Rom 12:1), so we can experience the fullness of joy that is only found in His presence! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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