Short answer
– Most evangelicals attribute 1 Chronicles (and the passage 1 Chron 16:8) to the so‑called “Chronicler,” a post‑exilic Levite/scribe; many conservative evangelicals identify that Chronicler with Ezra. The book is thus usually dated to the late 5th or early 4th century BC and is seen as a theological, worship‑centered retelling of Israel’s history for the returned exiles.

Why scholars (and evangelicals) say this
– Internal style and vocabulary: Chronicles shares distinctive words, phraseology and theological emphases with Ezra–Nehemiah (priestly/Levitical vocabulary, concern for temple worship and genealogies), suggesting a common hand or school.
– Post‑exilic perspective: The book’s concerns (restoring proper worship, reestablishing genealogies, focus on the temple and Levites, and a hopeful outlook toward the Davidic line) fit the needs of the Judahite community after the exile.
– Use of sources: The Chronicler appears to rework material from Samuel–Kings and older liturgical texts (Chronicle 16 contains a thanksgiving/psalmody that parallels parts of the Psalter, e.g. Psalm 105/96), indicating a compiler/editor who reshaped older traditions for a new context.
– Tradition and conservative scholarship: Jewish and early Christian tradition links Chronicles with Ezra; many evangelical scholars (e.g., Gleason Archer, F. F. Bruce among others in the conservative camp) argue for Ezra or an Ezra‑like priestly scribe as author.

What that means for 1 Chron 16:8 specifically
– Context: 1 Chron 16 reports David placing the Ark in the tent in Jerusalem and appointing worship (Levites, singers, ministers). Verse 8 (“Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples”) is part of a liturgical thanksgiving-psalm inserted by the Chronicler to promote public praise and proclamation.
– Function: The verse reflects the Chronicler’s pastoral and liturgical aims—encouraging thanksgiving, invocation of God’s name, and proclamation of God’s works among the nations—fitting the post‑exilic mission to rebuild faithful worship and identity.

Evangelical theological perspective and application
– Inspiration and authority: Evangelicals affirm the divine inspiration and authority of Chronicles; whether the human author is Ezra or another Levite scribe, the book is Scripture and instructive for faith and practice.
– Emphases drawn from the passage: worship, public thanksgiving, evangelistic proclamation of God’s deeds, and faithfulness to covenant worship are highlighted. Practically, 1 Chron 16:8 is used to encourage corporate praise and mission in the local church.

Brief note on alternative views
– Some critical scholars prefer to call the author simply “the Chronicler” and refrain from naming Ezra explicitly; evangelicals often accept that designation while still seeing Ezra as the most likely human author or representative of the Chronicler’s circle.

If you’d like, I can:
– Summarize the immediate literary context of 1 Chron 16 (the whole psalm),
– Compare 1 Chron 16:8 with parallel passages in Psalms (e.g., Psalm 105, 96), or
– Give a short devotional reflection or sermon outline based on this verse.