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1 Chronicles 29:10-16 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, O LORD,God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the majesty, and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head overall.Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
1 Chronicles 29 tells of King David’s efforts to raise money for the construction of what would become Solomon’s Temple. David expresses his heartfelt commitment for the project, pledges his own financial commitment, and challenges the leaders of Israel to consecrate themselves too.This chapter documents how the leaders willfully and joyfully made their financial commitments and how the people of Israel joined their leaders with joy and great enthusiasm.
Overcome with emotion by the people’s overwhelmingly positive response, David seems to struggle in an effort to understand and explain the magnitude and meaning of what has occurred.
Consider the following paraphrase of David’s reaction:
Lord, everything is yours! You have all the greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. Everything that is in heaven and earth is Yours. You are above all. All riches, honor, and power come from You.
But, Lord God, I just don’t understand it. Who am I and who are these people that we are able to give so willingly to You? Everything comes from You. Everything we have has come from You. The only things we have given to You are those things that were Yours in the first place.
God, we are just sojourners in this world. We don’t own anything.We are just passing through. Not one of us will last long in this world. And now, God, somehow we have given all these resources to build a house for You. And everything we have given has come from you and belongs to you.
David was overcome with the realization that he and his people were given a high honor and rare privilege. God provided a way for them to participate with Him even though God didn’t need David or his people. God created a world with a word; He could build the Temple with a thought. Yet, God invited David and the Israelites to join Him in this work.
David saw this experience for what it was. God had given them a wonderful gift, the Gift of Giving. Likewise, God has favored us by giving us the opportunity and ability to give to His work. His invitation to join in His work is, in itself, a gift.
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