1 Chronicles 29:1 - Meaning and Application

We may first notice how wisely David spoke to the leading men of Israel to move them to give toward building the temple. It is our duty to stir one another up to love and good works. We should not only do good ourselves, but also encourage others to do good as far as we can. There were many very rich men in Israel. They all shared in the blessing of the temple and in the peaceful days that made its building possible, so David did not demand a tax from them. Instead, he offered them a fitting chance to give a freewill offering, because work done for worship and charity should be done gladly, not under pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

David asked them to remember that Solomon was young and inexperienced, and needed help. Yet Solomon was the one God had chosen for this work, so he was well worth supporting. It is good service to encourage people who are still young and new in God’s work. David also pointed out that the task was very large, and all hands were needed. The palace was not for man, but for the Lord God. The more they gave, the more splendid it would be, and the better it would serve its purpose.

David also told them what he himself had already prepared. He did not mean to place the whole burden on them, or say that the temple must be built only by gifts, but he wanted them to show their good will by adding to what had already been done (1 Chronicles 29:2). He said, “I have prepared with all my might,” meaning, “I have made this my business.” Work for God must be done with all our strength, or nothing will come of it.

He then set them a strong example. Besides what had been set aside from the spoils and gifts of nearby nations for building the house, which had been mentioned earlier (1 Chronicles 22:14), David had also given from his own share a great amount for making the temple beautiful and rich, 3,000 talents of gold and 7,000 talents of silver (1 Chronicles 29:4, 1 Chronicles 29:5). He did this because he had set his affection on the house of his God. He did not give this way to make up for sin, as if money could pay for guilt, nor to be seen by others. He gave simply because he loved God’s house, as he had said before (Psalm 26:8), and here he proved it. Those who truly love God’s service will think no labor or cost too great for it. Our gifts are pleasing to God when they come from love. Those who set their hearts on things above will also care about the house of God, since that is part of the way to heaven.

David gave this account so he could move others to do the same. Those who want to lead others into what is good must go first themselves. This is especially true of those who are higher in rank and honor. Their example has more weight and reaches farther than other people’s.

He then urged them to do as he had done (1 Chronicles 29:5): “Who is willing to consecrate his service today to the Lord?” Each of us must serve the Lord in our own place and dedicate that service to him. We must set it apart from everything that does not belong to it, and aim it toward God’s honor and glory. We must also make God’s service our main work, for the Hebrew phrase means “to fill one’s hands to the Lord.” Those who enter God’s service will have full hands, because there is enough work there for the whole person. This also means we must serve him only, serve him generously, and serve him in the strength he gives.

We must also be willing and quick to do it. David says, in effect, “Do it today, while you are in a willing frame of mind.” Who is ready? Let him show it now.

Next we see how freely they gave when they were stirred up to it. Even though David urged them, the text says they offered willingly (1 Chronicles 29:6). God, who knows the heart, could say this. They also gave with a whole heart, from a sincere motive and with true concern for God’s glory (1 Chronicles 29:9). Their generosity is shown in the full amount of their gifts (1 Chronicles 29:7, 1 Chronicles 29:8). They gave like princes, as princes of Israel should.

It was a joyful day. The people rejoiced, which may mean the givers themselves were glad to have the honor of giving to God from their wealth. They were also glad to see such a good work moving toward completion. Or it may mean the common people rejoiced at the generosity of their leaders, because they had rulers so ready to support God’s house. Every Israelite should be glad to see the temple work go forward strongly.

David also rejoiced with great joy. He saw the good effect of the psalms and other helps for worship that he had given them. He was glad that his son and successor would have people around him who were so devoted to God’s house. He was also glad that the work on which his heart was set was likely to continue. It is a great comfort to good people, as they are leaving this world, to see those they leave behind zealous for religion and likely to keep it alive. Then they can say, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.”