"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."

Psalm 105:1-4

The first book of Chronicles quotes part of this psalm, relating how David appointed it to be sung when the ark of the covenant arrived in Jerusalem. Verses 1–11 call on God’s people to praise him and remember his great deeds, the covenant with Abraham and the promise of the land. Verses 12–44 summarize the story from Abraham to Joshua, showing how God repeatedly acted on his people’s behalf and ultimately fulfilled that promise by giving them the land. Take another look and notice all the verses beginning with ‘He’ (the Lord).

These verses deal with the patriarchs in Canaan (vv. 12–16), the captivity in Egypt (vv. 17–38) and the exodus and wilderness wanderings (vv. 39–43). Significant for the exiles in Babylon are the 22 verses telling of God’s activity during the captivity in Egypt. If God could intervene on his people’s behalf in Egypt and deliver them from captivity there, he could surely do the same for them now in Babylon as they keep his precepts and observe his laws (45).

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, you have done far too many good things in my life for me to remember them all. Help me live a life of gratitude that testifies to who you are and encourages others to seek you.

(Edited from Encounter with God)