1 Chronicles 29:10-22

David’s blessing 29:10-22

"The climax of David’s reign, as portrayed by the Chronicler, has now been reached. All the preparations for building the temple have been completed, and Solomon, chosen by God as the one who shall bring the plans to fruition, is about to be proclaimed as king over all Israel. And at this point the Chronicler reveals his true heart: the proper response to such a situation is a prayer which breathes joyful faith and simple humility." [Note: Williamson, 1 and 2 . . ., p. 185.]

These were some of David’s last official words to his nation and his son Solomon. Ancient Near Easterners regarded such statements as extremely important, as indeed they were. In this address David reviewed the major lessons he had learned in life.

First, he said that everything belonged to Israel’s great God (1 Chronicles 29:11-13).

"The truth that ’everything’ we have ’comes from’ God is the foundation for the doctrine of stewardship. Its basis is this: since our property is his (Psalms 24:1), and since we hold it only temporarily and in trust (1 Chronicles 29:15-16), it should therefore be used for him (Luke 17:10 . . .)." [Note: Payne, "1, 2 Chronicles," p. 438. See also idem, The Theology of the Older Testament, pp. 434-35.]

God had made it possible for His people to build an unusually magnificent temple. He had also caused Israel to grow from a small family of insignificant shepherds to become a mighty nation (1 Chronicles 29:14-16).

Second, David saw a parallel between Israel’s growth and Yahweh’s elevation of him (1 Chronicles 29:17). God had graciously blessed both David and Israel. Their prosperity was not a result of their own merits. David also spoke of the importance of a heart devoted to God (1 Chronicles 29:17-19; cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). The people’s lavish donation revealed hearts God had touched. David prayed that that heart attitude might remain in God’s people forever.

"Three important attitudes were expected in Israel-not merely obedience but obedience with a perfect heart (1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17); not merely contributions to the temple for its repair and upkeep and the support of its personnel but willing contributions (1 Chronicles 29:1-9; 1 Chronicles 29:14; 1 Chronicles 29:17); and not merely temple rituals but ritual participation with joy (1 Chronicles 29:9; 1 Chronicles 29:17; 1 Chronicles 29:22)." [Note: Thompson, p. 39. On the significance of "heart" in Chronicles, see Howard, pp. 264-66.]

These emphases are even more prominent in 2 Chronicles than they are in 1 Chronicles.