1 Chronicles 29:14

14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.[a]

1 Chronicles 29:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who am I
Originally dust and ashes, a sinful creature, unworthy to receive anything from God, and of having the honour of doing anything for him:

and what is my people:
subject to him, the least of all people, separated from the nations round about them, and despised by them:

that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?
that they, who were a poor people, some years ago brought out of Egyptian bondage, should now be possessed of such an affluence, and have such a generous heart and liberal spirit given them, as to contribute in so large and liberal a manner as they had done; all was owing to the goodness of God to them, and the efficacy of his grace upon them:

for all things come of thee;
all good things, temporal and spiritual; the Lord is the fountain of goodness, and Father of mercies:

and of thine own have we given thee;
for there is nothing a man has but he has received from the Lord, and therefore can give nothing to him but his own, see ( Romans 11:35 Romans 11:36 ) .

1 Chronicles 29:14 In-Context

12 Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. In Your hand are power and might, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.
13 Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.
15 For we are foreigners and sojourners in Your presence as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.
16 Lord our God, all this wealth that we've provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand; everything belongs to You.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit and from Your hand we have given to You
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