“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (vv.1-2).
The Babylonians under king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the first temple built by king Solomon in 586 B.C. The Jews were then carried off into captivity by Babylon for the next seventy years. After the seventy years were completed, the people were released from their captivity by King Cyrus and allowed to go back to their land and rebuild the temple, just as the LORD had told Jeremiah (25:10-12). Psalms 107-119 were songs that were sung as the foundation of the second temple was being laid.
Ezra 3:10-13 gives an eyewitness account of what took place during that time. How as the new foundation was laid all the people shouted with a great shout, praising the LORD. But, Ezra also records how the shouts of joy and celebration of the younger men were mingled with weeping and mourning of the older men, because the second temple was (in their eyes) architecturally inferior to the first. It is a rare thing not to find criticism when starting something new, especially among the elderly who have a tendency to look back to “the good old days” and long for what that had. But, returning to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, and seeing the deplorable state it was in, I’m sure that gave many cause for sorrow.
However a new work was being done in the hearts of a small contingency of the people, obedience and thankfulness. Thankfulness for being back in the city and no longer captives, and obedience to laying the foundation of the temple. And, as they waited on God, giving thanks to Him, singing songs to Him, they began to see not only the reality of the present, but prophetically what it would become in the future. And, as a result of their obedience to God’s Word, many blessings would come their way for which they would, "give thanks."
This is truly the key to a fruitful life, obeying the call God puts on our hearts. It’s not about how big and beautiful our temple of worship is, it’s about Him and what we do with His Word, and His calling, His blessings, His gifts. The final verse in this chapter sums it all up, “Whoever is wise will observe theses things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD” (v.43). What things? Praise and thanksgiving. Therefore, “Give Thanks To The LORD."
The Truth: “O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:1-3)
