In chapter 16 we can see that the psalms resulted from real life experiences. When we get to reading the psalms it is obvious they are prayers and songs and praises and cries to the Lord through all the circumstances of life.
The defeat of David’s enemies and the return of the Ark to Jerusalem are cause for celebration and thanksgiving. David’s gift for music and lyric are used to help the people give thanks to God for all that he has done for them. Verses 8 -36 are similar to the 96th, 105th and 106th psalm recorded in the Book of Psalms. These praises (Hebrew) or songs (Greek) were used in the worship life of the people as they understood and responded to God’s activity among them. There are many types of psalms. These are psalms of praise.
I love what David does that is described in verse 17. In addition to Asaph and his associates who were employed to minister before the Ark and Zadok and his fellow priests left to serve before the tabernacle, David also designated those whose sole purpose was to give thanks to the Lord! Heman and Jeduthun “and the rest chosen and designated by name” were assigned to do nothing but give thanks because God’s love endures forever! Perahps we need to do the same. What would our worship and fellowship be like if we designated people by name to give thanks to God?
In our tradition of worship we designate greeters and ushers and musicians. Maybe we should designate others to encourage and lead us in giving thanks. Especially given our recent rededication service, we have much to give thanks for. We have seen how quickly the Israelites turned away from giving thanks. I think we are no different. In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul says that, giving thanks, we are to encourage and admonish one another with prayers and songs.