1 Chronicles 29
1 Chronicles 29 concludes the reign of King David and sets the stage for Solomon's succession. David organizes a grand assembly to ensure a smooth transition, encourages the people to support Solomon, and offers a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God for His provision and sovereignty. David's focus is on ensuring the future construction of the temple, acknowledging God's hand in the nation's prosperity, and offering a final public act of devotion. This chapter emphasizes the themes of generosity, leadership, and reliance on God.
1 Chronicles 29:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Furthermore King David said to all the assembly: “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced; and the work is great, because the temple is not for man but for the Lord God.
2 Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance.
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver:
4 three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses;
5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?”
David publicly acknowledges that Solomon, although chosen by God, is young and lacks experience for the monumental task of building the temple. He emphasizes that the temple is for the Lord, not man, underscoring its sacred purpose. David lists the materials he has gathered—gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones—displaying his commitment and the importance of the temple. Additionally, David gives from his personal treasures, showing his deep devotion to God’s house. He invites the people to join him in this act of dedication, calling for willing hearts to consecrate themselves to God’s service.
1 Chronicles 29:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly.
7 They gave for the work 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 one hundred thousand talents of iron.
8 And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, into the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
9 Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.
The leaders and people of Israel follow David’s example, willingly offering substantial resources for the construction of the temple. Their contributions include large amounts of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones, showing their collective enthusiasm for the project. The people rejoice because their giving is voluntary and heartfelt, a reflection of their loyalty to God. This communal act of generosity brings joy not only to the people but also to David, who is pleased to see their united devotion.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NKJV)
10 Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all.
12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.
David’s prayer expresses deep reverence and praise for God’s sovereignty and majesty. He acknowledges that everything belongs to God, both in heaven and on earth, emphasizing God’s ultimate authority over all creation. David recognizes that wealth, honor, and power come from God alone, and it is by His strength that people are made great. This prayer reflects David’s humility and gratitude, as he leads the assembly in giving thanks and praising God's glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:14-19 (NKJV)
14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.
15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers; our days on earth are as a shadow, and without hope.
16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.
17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.
18 O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.
19 And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision.”
David reflects on the people’s ability to give, recognizing that everything comes from God in the first place. He likens their existence to that of pilgrims, acknowledging life’s transitory nature. David’s humility is clear as he sees the contributions as gifts from God. He prays that the people's devotion to God remains firm and that Solomon receives the wisdom and loyalty needed to build the temple. David’s prayer also focuses on sincerity and integrity of heart, recognizing God’s pleasure in uprightness.
1 Chronicles 29:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the Lord your God.” So all the assembly blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the Lord and the king.
21 And they made sacrifices to the Lord and offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the next day: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.
22 So they ate and drank before the Lord with great gladness on that day. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him before the Lord to be the leader, and Zadok to be priest.
David calls the people to bless God, and the assembly responds by worshiping God and showing reverence to David. The next day, they offer large sacrifices, which reflect their devotion and thankfulness. The people celebrate with feasting and joy in the presence of the Lord. Solomon is publicly anointed as king once again, establishing his leadership, with Zadok as priest, confirming the transition of power and the unity of the people under God’s chosen leader.
1 Chronicles 29:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father; and prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
24 All the leaders and the mighty men, and also all the sons of King David, submitted themselves to King Solomon.
25 So the Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
Solomon ascends the throne, and the nation of Israel fully submits to his reign. The transition of power from David to Solomon is seamless, with even David’s sons and military leaders acknowledging Solomon’s authority. God blesses Solomon with unmatched honor and majesty, elevating him above all previous kings in Israel. This demonstrates God’s favor on Solomon and sets the stage for the prosperity and wisdom that would mark his reign.
1 Chronicles 29:26-30 (NKJV)
26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel.
27 And the period that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem.
28 So he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his place.
29 Now the acts of King David, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
30 with all his reign and his might, and the events that happened to him, to Israel, and to all the kingdoms of the lands.
David’s reign is summarized as one of prosperity and honor, marked by forty years of leadership. He dies at an advanced age, blessed with wealth and respect. Solomon assumes the throne, continuing the royal lineage. David’s legacy is chronicled by multiple prophets—Samuel, Nathan, and Gad—highlighting his importance in Israel’s history. His reign is depicted as significant not only for Israel but for the surrounding nations, demonstrating the broad impact of his leadership.