In the late 400s B.C., it was very obvious that the chosen people were weak, scattered, and defeated. The Chronicler exhorted the people to praise the Lord by focusing their attention on the promises God made concerning the Davidic kingship and the Temple worship.

Christianity today is also weak, scattered, and often defeated. Like David, we must bow down and worship the Lord in the power of the Spirit. We will praise our way out of bondage and prison (see Acts 16:25-26).

Key word    DAVID
 
Key verse    "David became more and more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him." —11:9
 
Command verse    "Therefore, in the presence of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, I exhort you to keep and to carry out all the commandments of the Lord, your God, that you may continue to possess this good land and afterward leave it as an inheritance to your children forever." —28:8
 
Promise verse    "He it is who shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be a Father to him, and he shall be a son to Me, and I will not withdraw My favor from him." —17:12-13
 
Difficult verse    "Then the Lord became angry with Uzzah and struck him; he died there in God's presence, because he had laid his hand on the ark." —13:10
 
Surprise verse    "And from day to day men kept coming to David's help until there was a vast encampment, like an encampment of angels." —12:23
 
Prayer: Father, may I praise You no matter what. Open up the gates of praise (Is 60:18).