1 Chronicles 26:20 - Meaning and Application

Observe, first, that there were treasures in the house of God. A large house cannot be kept in good order without supplies of every kind. Much was used each day for the altar, flour, wine, oil, salt, fuel, and also the lamps, so these things had to be stored ahead of time, along with the sacred clothing and utensils. These were the treasures of God’s house. And since money can buy what is needed, they no doubt kept a good amount of that too, received from the people’s offerings, to purchase whatever was required. It is also likely that some was set aside for any emergency. These treasures pointed to the fullness in our heavenly Father’s house, where there is enough and more than enough. In Christ, the true temple, are hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and riches beyond measure.

Second, there were treasures of dedicated things, mostly gifts taken from the spoils of war (1 Chronicles 26:27), given as a thankful acknowledgment of God’s protection. Abraham gave Melchizedek, the priest and king, a tenth of the spoils (Hebrews 7:4). In Moses’s time, when the army returned victorious, its officers brought some of the spoils as an offering to the Lord (Numbers 31:50). More recently, this godly practice had been renewed, and not only Samuel and David, but also Saul, Abner, and Joab had given part of their spoils for the honor and support of God’s house (1 Chronicles 26:28). The lesson is clear: the more God gives us, the more he expects from us in worship and in acts of mercy. Great victories should lead to fitting gifts in return. When we look over our property, we should ask, “What here is set apart for God, rich things and fine things maybe, but where are the dedicated things?” Men of war should honor God with the spoils they gain.

Third, these treasures had treasurers, men put in charge of them (1 Chronicles 26:20, 1 Chronicles 26:26). Their duty was to guard them so that neither moth nor rust would ruin them, and thieves would not steal them. They were to give them out when needed and make sure nothing was wasted, stolen, or used for ordinary purposes. It is likely they also kept careful records of what came in and how it was spent.