16:4 Certain Levites were appointed to give continual praise and thanks to God. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations. Praise God continually, and you will find that you won’t take his blessings for granted.
16:7-36 Four elements of true thanksgiving are found in this song (psalm): (1) remembering what God has done, (2) telling others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources. If you are truly thankful, your life will show it.
16:8ff Several parts of this psalm are parallel to songs in the book of Psalms: 16:8-22 with Psalm 105:1-15; 16:23-33 with Psalm 96; 16:34-36 with Psalm 106:1, 47, 48.
16:15-18 This covenant was given to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and then passed on to Isaac (Genesis 26:24, 25) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15). God promised to give the land of Canaan (present-day Israel) to their descendants. He also promised that the Messiah would come from their line.
16:25 Genuine praise results when we declare God’s character and attributes in the presence of others. When we recognize and affirm his goodness, we are holding up his perfect moral nature for all to see. Praise benefits us because it takes our minds off our problems and needs and focuses on God’s power, mercy, majesty, and love.
16:29 Genuine praise also involves ascribing glory to God. This means that we give credit where credit is due. Remember this in your worship and give God all the glory.
16:37 Asaph and his fellow Levites ministered in the Tabernacle, doing each day whatever was needed. To carry out God’s work is not merely to engage in religious exercises. It includes other necessary tasks. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to teach or preach, God can use you in the ministry. What needs to be done—cleaning, serving, singing, planning, administering? Look for ways to minister each day.
16:39 David brought the Ark to Jerusalem although the Tabernacle was still at Gibeon. His plan was to reunite the Tabernacle and Ark in a new Temple at Jerusalem that would then become Israel’s only worship center. The Temple, however, was not built until Solomon’s time. In the meantime, Israel had two worship centers and two high priests (15:11), one at Gibeon and one at Jerusalem.