I Chronicles 29: A Heart of Generosity and Gratitude
Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:
The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,
And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.
And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:
And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.
Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.
And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.
And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.
I Chronicles 29 unveils a powerful demonstration of generosity and worship, centered around the preparation for the temple's construction and the transition of leadership to Solomon. This chapter provides profound insights into the nature of giving, the importance of a right heart before God, and the ultimate source of all blessings. It serves as a powerful reminder that our willingness to give generously reflects the condition of our hearts and our recognition of God as the ultimate provider.
Preparing for God's House (I Chronicles 29:1-5)
David, nearing the end of his reign, addresses the Israelites, emphasizing the magnitude of the task before them: building a temple not for human glory, but for the LORD (I Chronicles 29:1). He underscores that this endeavor is not about erecting a monument to human achievement but about creating a place of worship for the living God. This understanding is crucial, as it frames the entire undertaking with a spirit of reverence and dedication.
David, having diligently amassed vast treasures for the temple's construction (I Chronicles 29:2), goes above and beyond by contributing from his personal wealth, demonstrating his deep delight in the house of God (I Chronicles 29:3). This act of sacrificial giving sets a powerful example for the leaders and the people. True leadership involves not just directing others but also leading by example, especially in matters of generosity and devotion to God.
A Willing Offering (I Chronicles 29:6-9)
Inspired by David's example, the leaders of Israel respond with willing and generous contributions (I Chronicles 29:6-8). The people rejoice at this display of generosity, and King David himself is filled with joy (I Chronicles 29:9). This spontaneous and open-handed offering provides the necessary funds for God's work without coercion or pressure. It highlights the power of a unified vision and a shared commitment to God's purposes.
David's Prayer: Recognizing God's Sovereignty (I Chronicles 29:10-19)
What motivates such sacrificial giving? The answer lies in David's prayer, which articulates key truths about giving and gratitude. David acknowledges that everything in heaven and earth belongs to the Lord (I Chronicles 29:11). Riches and honor come from Him (I Chronicles 29:12). Therefore, when we give to God, we are merely returning a portion of what He has already given us. David rightly offers praise to God as the first and most abundant giver.
This understanding of stewardship is fundamental to Christian giving. We are not owners but stewards of God's resources. Acknowledging God as the source of all blessings cultivates a heart of generosity and gratitude. David understood this, stating, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand" (I Chronicles 29:14). He recognizes that even the land of Israel ultimately belongs to God (I Chronicles 29:15).
David also acknowledges that God tests the heart (I Chronicles 29:17). Giving is not merely a financial transaction but a reflection of our inner attitude. God looks at the size of our hearts, not just the size of our donations. Jesus illustrated this principle in the story of the widow who gave two small coins, saying she gave more than all the others because she gave all she had (Mark 12:43-44). Our willingness to give generously reveals the true condition of our hearts.
Worship and Anointing (I Chronicles 29:20-25)
The people's heartfelt generosity in I Chronicles 29 is evident in their reaction to David's prayer, which results in spontaneous and joyous worship. The entire assembly engages in a worship celebration, offering praise and sacrifices in abundance (I Chronicles 29:20-22). This sets the stage for David to present Solomon to the nation once again and anoint him as God's chosen ruler (I Chronicles 29:22-25).
The Chronicler notes that Solomon sat on the LORD'S throne as king (I Chronicles 29:23), signifying that Solomon, though king, was God's king, ruling on God's throne in God's kingdom. His reign was a stewardship of immense proportions.
Solomon's reign is characterized by unparalleled blessing from God: "The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been bestowed on any king over Israel before him" (I Chronicles 29:25). This makes Solomon's later departure from God all the more tragic (see 1 Kings 11:1-13).
David's Legacy and a Greater King (I Chronicles 29:26-30)
The closing verses of I Chronicles summarize David's reign. Like many great historical figures, David's influence extended beyond his lifetime. However, unlike other kings and leaders, one of David's descendants would have an eternal influence: his greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Isaiah prophesied, "He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever" (Isaiah 9:7). David looked forward to that day, and so do we.
I Chronicles 29 serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves a heart of generosity and gratitude, recognizing God as the source of all blessings and eagerly participating in His purposes. It also points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will reign forever on David's throne.
Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:
The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,
And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.
And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:
And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest.
Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.
And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.
And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.
I Chronicles 29 unveils a powerful demonstration of generosity and worship, centered around the preparation for the temple's construction and the transition of leadership to Solomon. This chapter provides profound insights into the nature of giving, the importance of a right heart before God, and the ultimate source of all blessings. It serves as a powerful reminder that our willingness to give generously reflects the condition of our hearts and our recognition of God as the ultimate provider.
Preparing for God's House (I Chronicles 29:1-5)
David, nearing the end of his reign, addresses the Israelites, emphasizing the magnitude of the task before them: building a temple not for human glory, but for the LORD (I Chronicles 29:1). He underscores that this endeavor is not about erecting a monument to human achievement but about creating a place of worship for the living God. This understanding is crucial, as it frames the entire undertaking with a spirit of reverence and dedication.
David, having diligently amassed vast treasures for the temple's construction (I Chronicles 29:2), goes above and beyond by contributing from his personal wealth, demonstrating his deep delight in the house of God (I Chronicles 29:3). This act of sacrificial giving sets a powerful example for the leaders and the people. True leadership involves not just directing others but also leading by example, especially in matters of generosity and devotion to God.
A Willing Offering (I Chronicles 29:6-9)
Inspired by David's example, the leaders of Israel respond with willing and generous contributions (I Chronicles 29:6-8). The people rejoice at this display of generosity, and King David himself is filled with joy (I Chronicles 29:9). This spontaneous and open-handed offering provides the necessary funds for God's work without coercion or pressure. It highlights the power of a unified vision and a shared commitment to God's purposes.
David's Prayer: Recognizing God's Sovereignty (I Chronicles 29:10-19)
What motivates such sacrificial giving? The answer lies in David's prayer, which articulates key truths about giving and gratitude. David acknowledges that everything in heaven and earth belongs to the Lord (I Chronicles 29:11). Riches and honor come from Him (I Chronicles 29:12). Therefore, when we give to God, we are merely returning a portion of what He has already given us. David rightly offers praise to God as the first and most abundant giver.
This understanding of stewardship is fundamental to Christian giving. We are not owners but stewards of God's resources. Acknowledging God as the source of all blessings cultivates a heart of generosity and gratitude. David understood this, stating, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand" (I Chronicles 29:14). He recognizes that even the land of Israel ultimately belongs to God (I Chronicles 29:15).
David also acknowledges that God tests the heart (I Chronicles 29:17). Giving is not merely a financial transaction but a reflection of our inner attitude. God looks at the size of our hearts, not just the size of our donations. Jesus illustrated this principle in the story of the widow who gave two small coins, saying she gave more than all the others because she gave all she had (Mark 12:43-44). Our willingness to give generously reveals the true condition of our hearts.
Worship and Anointing (I Chronicles 29:20-25)
The people's heartfelt generosity in I Chronicles 29 is evident in their reaction to David's prayer, which results in spontaneous and joyous worship. The entire assembly engages in a worship celebration, offering praise and sacrifices in abundance (I Chronicles 29:20-22). This sets the stage for David to present Solomon to the nation once again and anoint him as God's chosen ruler (I Chronicles 29:22-25).
The Chronicler notes that Solomon sat on the LORD'S throne as king (I Chronicles 29:23), signifying that Solomon, though king, was God's king, ruling on God's throne in God's kingdom. His reign was a stewardship of immense proportions.
Solomon's reign is characterized by unparalleled blessing from God: "The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been bestowed on any king over Israel before him" (I Chronicles 29:25). This makes Solomon's later departure from God all the more tragic (see 1 Kings 11:1-13).
David's Legacy and a Greater King (I Chronicles 29:26-30)
The closing verses of I Chronicles summarize David's reign. Like many great historical figures, David's influence extended beyond his lifetime. However, unlike other kings and leaders, one of David's descendants would have an eternal influence: his greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Isaiah prophesied, "He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever" (Isaiah 9:7). David looked forward to that day, and so do we.
I Chronicles 29 serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves a heart of generosity and gratitude, recognizing God as the source of all blessings and eagerly participating in His purposes. It also points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will reign forever on David's throne.