Proclaim God's Name

“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. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth” (1 Chronicles 16:8-14, NIV).

Have you liked so much something that you could not just stop saying good things about it, but also promoting it in every opportunity that would come to you?

Perhaps, it’s a good book, an ideal place, an exotic food, or a very entertaining movie. You may have other things in mind.

But, why do you say good things about it and even promote it? Because you are so attracted to it. You really enjoyed it. You experienced its benefit. And you want others also to enjoy its goodness and be benefited by it.

How about God?

What do we know about Him that we find Him so attractive and we are motivated to declare His Goodness?

So, this time, let’s focus on what should propel us to PROCLAIM GOD’S NAME, as we deal with our text (1 Chronicles 16:8-15).

So, why should we praise and proclaim God’s Name?

Our text is a part of the psalm that was made after the ark of God was brought in it’s place in Jerusalem.

The ark was a chest containing the tables of the law. It was made of wood and gold. Poles were used for carrying it. The Israelites took it with them on their journey in the wilderness. But, it happened that it had been captured by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4:11) and remained with them for 7 months (1 Sam. 6:1). Then, it was sent back to Israel and was at Kiriath-jearim for 20 years (1 Sam. 7:2).

When David intended to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the procession was interrupted because of the death of Uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:10) for his impulsive gesture to touch the ark. It was just taken to the house of Obed-edom.

After three months at his house (1 Chronicles 13:14), the ark was finally brought into Jerusalem in the midst of rejoicing. For not only it was now in the right place, but for the Israelites it symbolized the Presence of God.

“Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the LORD by Asaph and his brothers” (16:7, ESV).

And in the early verses, we could point out at least 2 reasons why we need to praise and proclaim God.

So, what are those?

First, BECAUSE HE IS HOLY (verses 8-12).

We read in verses 8-12, “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. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…”

Notice the words, “…proclaim His name; make known among the nations what he has done… tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name…”

It is translated in the New Living Translation this way, “… proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name…”

In the early part, we read in the NIV: “proclaim His name”; but in the NLT, it says: “proclaim his greatness.”

The Psalmist did not tell the people to proclaim the “sound” or how the name of God be pronounced. In the Bible, the name refers to the identity of the person. It shows what makes him different or distinct from the other persons.

So, the Israelites understood that to proclaim the name of God would mean to proclaim His reputation, His fame, His greatness.

And the Psalmist even raised or lifted up this distinctiveness of God – elevated more God’s great reputation -- by saying further that His Name is not just “lovely,” not just “mighty,” not just “faithful” – but “Holy.” That makes Him so different from His creation. That makes His every action, not only good but wonderful. That makes Him the only Being you can righteously glorify, exult, or brag. That makes us truly rejoice in His Presence for there is no any trace of infirmity or defect in Him, only purity and strength. That enables Him to render not only supernatural favor, but also righteous judgement against the evil doers.