29 And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God.
2 So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble.
3 Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God.
4 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house,
5 the gold for the things of gold and the silver for the things of silver, for all the work to be done by craftsmen. Now who will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?”
6 Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work.
7 They gave for the service of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron.
8 And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.
9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.
10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever.
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.
16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.
17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.
18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.
19 Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.”
20 Then David said to all the assembly, “Bless the Lord your God.” And all the assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and paid homage to the Lord and to the king.
21 And they offered sacrifices to the Lord, and on the next day offered burnt offerings to the Lord, 1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.
22 And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great gladness.
23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king in place of David his father. And he prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
24 All the leaders and mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon.
25 And the Lord made Solomon very great in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.
27 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
28 Then he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place.
29 Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written in the Chronicles of Samuel the seer, and in the Chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and in the Chronicles of Gad the seer,
30 with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him and over Israel and over all the kingdoms of the countries.
The True Meaning of 1 Chronicles 29
This chapter of 1 Chronicles was written by the prophet Ezra, who compiled the historical accounts of the Israelites after their return from exile in Babylon. We witness the final days of King David’s reign and the preparations for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem in this passage. David rallies the people to contribute generously towards the building of the temple that his son, Solomon, will oversee as his life draws to a close. David’s own devotion to God and his desire to honor the Lord are evident throughout this chapter. We see the king’s humility before the Almighty, as well as his joy in the people’s willingness to give sacrificially.
The chapter also foreshadows the transition of power to Solomon, who will be anointed as the next king of Israel. This event is a fulfillment of God’s promise to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, where the Lord declares that one of David’s descendants will reign on the throne forever.
1 Chronicles 29:1-5
David’s preparation for the building of the temple is seen in 1 Chronicles 29:1-5. King David, near the end of his reign, gathers the leaders of Israel together to announce his desire to build a temple for the Lord. David’s commitment to honoring God and providing a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant reflects his deep faith and reverence for God. He acknowledges that while he has made preparations for the temple, it is ultimately for the Lord, signifying his understanding that all things come from God and belong to Him.
David’s plea to the people to contribute generously towards the construction of the temple highlights the importance of giving back to God from the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The leaders of Israel respond wholeheartedly by giving precious stones, gold, silver, and other resources for the building of the temple. Their willingness to give demonstrates their commitment to the worship of God and their support for David’s vision.
This passage emphasizes the concept of stewardship and sacrificial giving in the service of the Lord. The leaders’ offering exemplifies the principle of tithing and giving with a cheerful heart, a theme echoed in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Just as David and the leaders of Israel gave willingly and generously for the temple, Christians are encouraged to give with joy and gratitude, recognizing that all we have comes from God.
Furthermore, David’s actions in preparing for the temple illustrate his desire to honor God and leave a legacy of worship for future generations. Despite not being the one to build the temple himself due to being a man of war, David’s commitment to laying the groundwork for its construction reveals his devotion to God’s commands and his determination to see God’s presence established among His people. This dedication to God’s house sets an example for us today to prioritize the things of God in our lives and invest in spiritual treasures that have eternal significance, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21. David’s obedience and reverence towards God are highlighted in 1 Chronicles 29:1-5, underscoring the importance of sacrificial giving, stewardship, and honoring God with our resources. It serves as a reminder for us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting in His provision and faithfully contributing to His work here on earth.
1 Chronicles 29:6-9
King David made preparations for the construction of the temple of the Lord, as found in 1 Chronicles 29:6-9. Let’s break down this verse into sections to uncover the deeper meanings and insights it offers.
First, in verse 6, David addresses the leaders of Israel, the princes of the tribes, the commanders of the army, and the overseers of the work. He acknowledges that the work ahead is not for man but for the Lord. This shows David’s humility and recognition that the task of building the temple was a sacred one, reserved for the worship of God. It sets the tone that the construction of the temple is not simply a grand project for human glory but a spiritual endeavor to honor God.
Moving on to verse 7, David continues his address by highlighting his personal contribution to the temple project. He mentions that he has provided from his own resources gold for the things of gold, silver for the things of silver, and bronze for the things of bronze, along with iron and wood. David’s dedication to the temple demonstrates his commitment to worshipping God and his willingness to offer his best to the Lord. This act of generosity reflects the principle of giving sacrificially for the work of God, a timeless lesson for believers to give with a cheerful heart and a spirit of generosity.
Verse 8 emphasizes the magnitude of the offerings made by the people for the construction of the temple. The response of the leaders of Israel, the officers, and the commanders of the army in contributing willingly to the Lord’s work showcases a spirit of unity and cooperation among the people. This unity in giving reflects the importance of collective participation in God’s work, emphasizing the principle of unity in diversity within the body of believers. Each person, regardless of their status or role, had a part to play in the building of the temple, illustrating that everyone has a valuable role to fulfill in the kingdom of God.
Lastly, in verse 9, the people rejoiced over the willingness of their leaders to give towards the construction of the temple. Their response was one of praise and acknowledgment of the Lord’s sovereignty and greatness. The act of worship and thanksgiving in response to the generosity of their leaders highlights the importance of gratitude and recognizing God as the ultimate provider of all blessings. It underscores the significance of celebrating God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives and how our actions of giving and worship are interconnected. This passage in 1 Chronicles 29:6-9 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sacrificial giving, unity in serving the Lord, and expressing gratitude for His provision. It showcases David’s humility, the people’s willingness to contribute, and the overarching theme of honoring God with our resources and praises. These principles resonate throughout the Bible, emphasizing the values of generosity, unity, and worship in the context of serving God and His kingdom.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13
King David is offering a prayer known as his “prayer of thanksgiving” in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13. Let’s break down this beautiful passage into important sections and delve into its profound meaning in the context of the events leading up to this prayer.
Section 1: “David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, ‘Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. King David leads the people in praising and acknowledging the Lord as the God of their ancestors in this section, highlighting the continuity of faith and covenant that has been passed down through generations. David’s emphasis on the eternal nature of God underscores the timeless and unchanging character of the Lord, a theme reiterated throughout the Bible. From the creation of the world to the present moment, God’s sovereignty and faithfulness endure, providing a solid foundation for David’s gratitude and reverence.
Section 2: “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.”
Here, David acknowledges the greatness, power, and majesty of the Lord, recognizing that everything in heaven and earth belongs to Him. This declaration reflects a deep understanding of God’s sovereignty and ownership over all creation. It’s a humbling reminder that we are merely stewards of the blessings and resources God has entrusted to us. This notion of stewardship and recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, humility, and faithfulness in our relationship with Him.
Section 3: “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. You have the strength and power in your hands to exalt and give strength to all. David attributes wealth, honor, and rulership to God in this section, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all good things. This acknowledgment of God’s role as the giver of strength and exaltation is a powerful reminder of the importance of relying on Him for our provisions and successes. It echoes the sentiment expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. David’s prayer serves as a model for aligning our hearts with God’s will and recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of our lives.
Section 4: “Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name. David concludes his prayer in this final section with an expression of gratitude and praise to God for His goodness and glory. This simple yet profound act of thanksgiving sets an example for us to follow in our own lives. Gratitude is a powerful spiritual discipline that helps us cultivate a heart of contentment, humility, and joy, regardless of our circumstances. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness and provision reminds us of His grace and mercy, sustaining us through every season of life. King David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 encapsulates themes of gratitude, humility, sovereignty, and faithfulness that resonate throughout the Bible. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of acknowledging God’s greatness, praising His name, and giving thanks for His blessings. Reflecting on David’s prayer may inspire us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God’s unchanging character, knowing that He is worthy of all honor and praise.
1 Chronicles 29:14-19
- “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.”
-
King David humbly acknowledges that everything they possess is ultimately a gift from God. This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites and to us today that everything we have, including our wealth and possessions, belongs to God. It’s a lesson in gratitude and recognizing that our ability to give generously stems from God’s provision. This humility is a key characteristic that should be reflected in our own acts of giving and service to others.
-
“We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as we’re all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”
-
This verse highlights the temporary nature of human life on earth. Just as the Israelites saw themselves as temporary residents in the land God had given them, we too are reminded that our time on earth is fleeting. This should motivate us to prioritize our relationship with God and to use our resources wisely for His kingdom. The notion of being strangers on earth is a recurring theme in the Bible, reminding us that our true home is with God in eternity.
-
“Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
-
King David emphasizes that the abundance they have gathered is ultimately from God and it is to be used for His glory. This fundraising effort was for the construction of the temple, a place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The act of building the temple was a significant step in solidifying the relationship between God and Israel. It shows the importance of dedicating our resources and efforts to serving God and advancing His kingdom on earth.
-
**”I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. David expresses his assurance that God tests the heart and values integrity in giving in these verses. The joy that David and the people experienced through their generous giving is a testament to the blessings that come from obedient and wholehearted devotion to God. It’s a reminder to us all that God values not just the act of giving, but the attitude and sincerity behind it. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Luke 21:1-4, where He praises the widow for giving out of her poverty with a sincere heart. 1 Chronicles 29:14-19 encapsulates the spirit of gratitude, humility, the temporary nature of life, and the importance of wholehearted giving for the work of God’s kingdom. It underscores the principle that all we have comes from God and should be used for His glory. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards giving, our perception of our possessions, and our priorities in life, urging us to emulate the example set by King David and the Israelites in their generosity and devotion to God.
1 Chronicles 29:20-25
Certainly! Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down 1 Chronicles 29:20-25 into important sections and delve into their meanings. “Then David said to the whole assembly, ‘Praise the Lord your God.’ So they all praised the Lord, the God of their ancestors; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king.” – This section depicts David’s leadership and spiritual guidance over the people. David, as the king, led the assembly in praising and worshiping the Lord. It shows his humility before God, as he bows down alongside the people. This act emphasizes the importance of worship and giving praise to God as a community, uniting under His name. It also highlights the role of a godly leader in leading others in worship and honor to God.
-
“The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.” – This section describes the offerings and sacrifices made to the Lord, a significant act of worship in the Old Testament. The immense number of animals sacrificed demonstrates the magnitude of their devotion and thanksgiving to God. It symbolizes their desire to honor and seek forgiveness from God through these offerings. The burnt offerings were a way for the people to show their dedication and commitment to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in their lives.
-
“They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day… And the Lord exalted Solomon before all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before.” – This part reveals the celebratory atmosphere among the people after the sacrifices. The act of eating and drinking with joy in the presence of the Lord signifies the unity and blessing that comes from honoring God together. The mention of Solomon being exalted and receiving royal splendor foreshadows his future kingship, indicating God’s favor upon him. This aligns with God’s promise to David to establish his lineage forever, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, showing the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David through Solomon’s anointing as king.
-
“Thus David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. He reigned over Israel forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.” – This closing section reflects on the reign of David, highlighting his longevity as king and his journey from Hebron to Jerusalem. David’s reign symbolizes the establishment of God’s chosen ruler over His people. The mention of the specific years in Hebron and Jerusalem serves as a historical record of David’s leadership and the unification of Israel under his rule. David’s legacy as a king after God’s own heart, as described in 1 Samuel 13:14, is evident through his obedience, faithfulness, and devotion to God throughout his reign. These verses in 1 Chronicles 29 depict the importance of worship, sacrificial offerings, leadership, celebrations, and the fulfillment of God’s promises through the reign of David and the anointing of Solomon. They emphasize the significance of honoring God, uniting in worship, and acknowledging His sovereignty in all aspects of life. Through these actions and events, timeless messages of faith, obedience, and the blessings of serving the Lord are communicated, inspiring readers to seek God wholeheartedly and trust in His faithfulness.
1 Chronicles 29:26-30
King David’s reign concludes in 1 Chronicles 29:26-30 as recorded in the Chronicles. This passage serves as a summary of David’s rule over Israel. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a deeper exploration.
-
“And David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.”
This opening statement reaffirms David’s position as the ruler of Israel. Despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, David was chosen by God to lead His people. This highlights the biblical theme of God choosing unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, as seen throughout the Bible in characters like Moses, Gideon, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. -
“And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.”
This section provides a timeline of David’s reign. It mentions the period of his reign in Hebron and later in Jerusalem. David’s reign was significant because he unified the nation of Israel and established Jerusalem as its capital. This consolidation of power under David’s leadership set the stage for his son Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling God’s promise to David. -
“And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.”
The passage concludes with the death of King David. It describes his passing as occurring in a good old age, filled with riches and honor—a fitting end to the life of a man after God’s own heart. David’s legacy was passed down to his son Solomon, who succeeded him as king. This transition of power from father to son is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing continuity and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. David’s reign culminates in 1 Chronicles 29:26-30, and he smoothly transitions power to Solomon. This passage underscores the importance of leadership, legacy, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes through chosen individuals. The life of King David serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty in raising up leaders and establishing His kingdom on earth. This narrative also foreshadows the coming of the ultimate King and Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be a descendant of David and reign forever on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33).
After 1 Chronicles 29
The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders and the people to give generously for the building of the temple. David’s prayer of praise to God for His greatness and the people’s willingness to give so freely was a fitting conclusion to the preparations for the temple. With the materials and resources gathered, the stage was now set for the next chapter – the actual construction of the temple that would be the dwelling place of the Lord among His people.

Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.