CAN YOU EXPLAIN, “GIVE STRENGTH TO THE LORD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible thrice says “give strength to the LORD.” How do we “give strength” to Him?

• 1 Chronicles 16:28: “Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.” (Parallel is Psalm 96:7—see below.)
• Psalm 29:1: “Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”
• Psalm 96:7: “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”

The “strength” given to the LORD is in connection with “glory”—give Him “glory and strength.” It is majesty or splendor. The Ark of the Covenant, for example, is called “the ark of [God’s] strength” (Psalm 132:8; cf. 2 Chronicles 6:41). “Strength” refers to His majestic presence above the Mercy Seat (as in the Tabernacle and Temple). When Israel was guilty of sin, the Bible says God let the Philistines take the Ark, “his strength,” into their land (see 1 Samuel chapter 4).

We give to the LORD “glory and strength” in that we worship Him. We read His Word, believe it, let it work in and through us as it transforms our minds and conduct, pray in accordance with it, teach it to others, write songs about it and sing them, and so on. Here is how He manifests His glory and majesty: this is how we express His magnificence, goodness, splendor, all that He is and all that He has done and will do. This is in contradistinction to drawing attention to and praising ourselves and our human viewpoint, worshipping the world’s idols, and the like. “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary” (Psalm 96:4-6).

Also see:
» How can God be “jealous” and not sin?
» Was God “unfair” in striking Uzzah dead?
» Is it truly a good deed if done for selfish reasons?