The Chronicler adds a detail to the record of the instalment of the ark in the Most Holy Place in the temple that is missing in the account of Kings. Once the ark had been installed something happened which preceded the amazing manifestation of God’s glory filling the temple: the musicians worshipped God in song. The books from Joshua through Kings were written in the time of the exile which was a time of repentance and prayer for the Jews. In this period, they put aside their musical worship which was then associated with the temple which had been destroyed (see Psalm 137:1-6). In the post-exilic period, when the books of Chronicles were written, the singing of psalms became a central aspect of the endeavour to revive the faith of the regathered people who rebuilt the temple. We can learn something from this. If we want to revive the ancient faith and bring life to God’s temple then we should lift up our hearts and voices to God in worship. We should let the song of the LORD unite us in one expression of love and desire for God. We should allow the sound of praise to lift us to a higher place. Genuine worship brings life to God’s temple. Psalm 22:3 (ESV) says that God is enthroned on the praises of his people. Let’s build a throne of praise for God in our churches.
Praise God for all he has done for you.
Read 2 Chronicles 5:2-14
