Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.
Then on that day David delivered first this psalm. Among the other preparations for this solemn inauguration, the royal bard had composed a special hymn for the occasion. Doubtless it had been previously in the hands of Asaph and his assistants, but it was now publicly committed to them as they entered for the first time on the performance of their sacred duties. It occupies the greater part of this chapter (1 Chronicles 16:8-36), and seems to have been compiled from other psalms of David previously known to the Israelites, as the whole of it will be found with very slight variations in Psalms 96:1-13; Psalms 105:1-15; Psalms 106:47-48. In the form, however, in which it is given by the sacred historian, it seems to have been the first psalm given for use in the tabernacle service; and abounding, as it does, with the liveliest ascriptions of praise to God for the revelation of His glorious character and the display of His marvelous works-containing, as it does, so many pointed allusions to the origin, privileges, and special destiny of the chosen people-it was admirably calculated to animate the devotions and call forth the gratitude of the assembled multitude.