Introduction
1 Chronicles 29:1–9: In yesterday’s reading, King David gave instructions to Solomon and Israel’s officials for building the Temple after David’s death. Now he asks them for generous offerings to make the Temple splendid and worthy of God’s honor. He lists what he has already contributed from his own property and urges the officials to follow his example. They respond joyfully, giving large amounts of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones.
Today’s Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:9 GNT
The people had given willingly to the LORD, and they were happy that so much had been given.
Read
1 King David announced to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon is the one whom God has chosen, but he is still young and lacks experience. The work to be done is tremendous, because this is not a palace for people but a temple for the LORD God. 2 I have made every effort to prepare materials for the Temple—gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, precious stones and gems, stones for mosaics, and quantities of marble. 3 Over and above all this that I have provided, I have given silver and gold from my personal property because of my love for God’s Temple. 4 I have given 115 tons of the finest gold and 265 tons of pure silver for decorating the walls of the Temple 5 and for all the objects which the skilled workers are to make. Now who else is willing to give a generous offering to the LORD?”
6 Then the heads of the clans, the officials of the tribes, the commanders of the army, and the administrators of the royal property volunteered to give 7 the following for the work on the Temple: 190 tons of gold, 380 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron. 8 Those who had precious stones gave them to the Temple treasury, which was administered by Jehiel of the Levite clan of Gershon. 9 The people had given willingly to the LORD, and they were happy that so much had been given. King David also was extremely happy.
Reflect
Why does David say the work of building the Temple will be “tremendous” (verse 1)? David notes that in addition to overseeing the preparation of materials, he has also contributed from his own property (verse 3). What reason does he give? When the others give offerings also, what attitude do they have (verse 9)? What gifts can you give to serve God’s kingdom today?
Pray
Generous God, you give abundantly, showering us with your mercies. Give us also grateful hearts and make us ready to offer our own gifts in service of your kingdom. Let us trust in the riches of your goodness, that we may praise and honor you by our obedience today. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
1 Chronicles 29:10–30: King David praises God and passes the crown to Solomon.
