Thanksgiving in the Bible

The Ark is placed in the tent David prepared. David appoints Levites to minister before the Ark and delivers a psalm of thanksgiving combining elements of Psalms 105, 96, and 106. Regular worship is established before the Ark.

David wants to build God a temple, but God tells Nathan to relay the Davidic covenant: God will build David a house — an eternal dynasty. David responds with a humble prayer of amazement and gratitude.

Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope. They received the gospel with power, joy, and the Holy Spirit despite persecution, becoming a model for believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia. They turned from idols to serve the living God and wait for His Son from heaven.

Paul teaches that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, urging believers to be alert and sober. He calls them to encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances—for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul encourages generous giving for the Jerusalem collection. God loves a cheerful giver, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. God is able to make all grace abound so that in all things you always have everything you need, abounding in every good work.

David sings a psalm of deliverance (nearly identical to Psalm 18) celebrating God's rescue throughout his life. He praises God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer, recounting how God responded to his cries in dramatic cosmic imagery.

Paul urges persistent prayer and wise conduct toward outsiders. He sends greetings from his companions including Luke and Mark, and gives instructions to share the letter with the Laodicean church. He closes with a personal note written in his own hand.

Moses prescribes two ceremonies for the Promised Land: offering firstfruits with a confession recounting God's rescue from Egypt, and presenting the third-year tithe with a declaration of obedience. The chapter concludes with the covenant declaration — God claims Israel as His treasured people and Israel claims Him as their God.

Moses and the Israelites sing a triumphant song celebrating God's victory over Egypt at the Red Sea. Miriam leads the women in dancing with tambourines. The people then travel into the wilderness where they find bitter water at Marah; God sweetens it and promises to be their healer.

A short hymn of thanksgiving concluding the first major section of Isaiah. The redeemed sing of God's salvation with joy, drawing water from the wells of salvation and proclaiming His deeds among the nations.

Hezekiah falls mortally ill and God adds fifteen years to his life after his tearful prayer. Hezekiah writes a psalm of thanksgiving, reflecting on his brush with death and God's faithfulness in restoring him.

Deborah and Barak sing a victory song celebrating God's deliverance. The song recounts the battle, praises the faithful tribes, rebukes those who stayed behind, and celebrates Jael's bravery.

From inside the fish, Jonah prays a psalm of thanksgiving — even from the depths of Sheol, God heard his cry. Salvation belongs to the Lord. After three days, the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land. Jesus cites this as a sign of His own death and resurrection.

Jesus teaches about forgiveness, faith the size of a mustard seed, and gratitude—only one of ten healed lepers returns to thank Him. He teaches about the coming of the kingdom, warning that it will arrive suddenly and that people must not look back.

The walls of Jerusalem are dedicated with great celebration. Two choirs march in opposite directions along the walls, meeting at the temple with songs of thanksgiving. The joy of Jerusalem is heard far away. Provision for priests and Levites is organized.

A psalm of thanksgiving and justice. David praises God for upholding his cause and destroying the wicked. God is a refuge for the oppressed and does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

A thanksgiving for the king's victory. God has granted the king his heart's desire and crowned him with blessings. The psalm celebrates God's faithfulness to his anointed and anticipates the defeat of all enemies.

A psalm of thanksgiving for healing. David was brought up from the grave and praises God for turning his mourning into dancing. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.