After Samuel had been established as a prophet replacing the disgraced Eli, God allowed the Philistines to have a military victory over Israel. The Philistines captured the ark of God. After a lengthy period, King David prepared a place in the City of David to accommodate the ark. As the ark was returned to the tabernacle, David celebrated and wrote a psalm to thank and praise God.
In this psalm is the direction that God’s people are to “Give to the Lord the glory due His name” (1 Chronicles 16:29). This became the essence of Psalm 29. As a part of God’s word, we should heed instruction to give God the glory due His name. How do we turn something that appears abstract into a concrete concept we can embrace? How does a human give God glory?
The word glory means essentially ”weight” and is derived from a root meaning “to be heavy.” The idea is that it is weighty in the sense of being noteworthy or impressive. It means to give weight to something and is associated with the weightiness of character. The one to whom glory is due must be deserving of respect, attention, and obedience. The deserving nature of God is emphasized by the fact that He is King of glory (Psalm 24:7). His character is perfect and His name is synonymous with perfect righteousness. God is to be honored not just because of His position, but because of what and who He is. “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
We give God glory in two main ways: Firstly, by using His Holy Spirit to see Him as He is. As God reveals Himself to us, we honor Him in prayer, words and thoughts. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17).
Secondly, we give glory to God by becoming like Him. As we overcome and develop His holy character, we are honoring His name. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My father is glorified, that you bear much fruit …” (John 15:7-8). Living a Christ-like life glorifies God. “All Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them” (John 17:10).
What weight do we give to the qualities of God? A good amount of prayer should be devoted to thanking and praising God for what He is and what He is doing in bringing many sons to glory.
This coming Holy Day season is a good time to consider how God has revealed His great plan to us and for us to give God the glory due His name.
Brian Orchard
Suggested Review: To Glorify the Father