1 Chronicles 29:8-18

8 People who had valuable gems gave them to the treasury of the Temple of the Lord, and Jehiel, from the Gershon family, took care of the valuable gems.

9 The leaders gave willingly and completely to the Lord. The people rejoiced to see their leaders give so gladly, and King David was also very happy.

10 David praised the Lord in front of all the people who were gathered. He said: "We praise you, Lord, God of our father Israel. We praise you forever and ever.

11 Lord, you are great and powerful. You have glory, victory, and honor. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you, Lord; you are the ruler over everything.

12 Riches and honor come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong.

13 Now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.

14 "These things did not really come from me and my people. Everything comes from you; we have given you back what you gave us.

15 We are like foreigners and strangers, as our ancestors were. Our time on earth is like a shadow. There is no hope.

16 Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build your Temple for worship to you. But everything has come from you; everything belongs to you.

17 I know, my God, that you test people's hearts. You are happy when people do what is right. I was happy to give all these things, and I gave with an honest heart. Your people gathered here are happy to give to you, and I rejoice to see their giving.

18 Lord, you are the God of our ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Make your people want to serve you always, and make them want to obey you.

1 Chronicles 29:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 29

This chapter relates how largely and liberally David, besides what he had before done, and his princes, offered towards defraying the expenses of building the temple, 1Ch 29:1-8 and the joy and thankfulness that he and his people expressed on that account, attended with prayers for Solomon, and offering sacrifices unto the Lord, 1Ch 29:9-21 and the chapter is closed, and so the book, with an account of the second unction of Solomon, the placing him on the throne, and the submission of all ranks of men unto him, and of the death of David, 1Ch 29:22-30.