1 Chronicles 29 Study Notes: Israel Gives Gladly and David Dies
David and Israel’s leaders give generously and joyfully for the temple. David then praises God as owner and ruler of all, confesses that every gift came from Him, and prays for loyal hearts. Solomon is made king a second time, and David dies in old age after reigning forty years.
General
True or False: After David’s prayer, the assembly praised the LORD, offered great numbers of sacrifices the next day, and feasted joyfully in the LORD’s presence.
Answer: True
This is true. At David’s call the entire gathering praised the LORD and bowed low before the LORD and the king (29:20). On the following day they presented many burnt offerings, sacrifices completely burned on the altar, along with other sacrifices for all Israel (29:21), and that day they feasted with great gladness before the LORD (29:22). This matched the Law’s call to feast and be glad in God’s presence (Deuteronomy 12:7), with joy made complete by His blessing (Deuteronomy 16:15). A psalm calls God’s people to serve Him gladly (Psalm 100:2).
- 1 Chronicles 29:20-22 (BSB)“Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” So the whole assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and to the king. The next day they offered sacrifices and presented burnt offerings to the LORD: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, along with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest.”The assembly blesses the LORD, offers sacrifices, and feasts with joy.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”God commanded Israel to eat and rejoice in His presence.
- Deuteronomy 16:15 (BSB)“For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.”Israel’s feasts before the LORD were to bring complete joy.
- Psalm 100:2 (BSB)“Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.”God’s people are called to serve Him with gladness.
Theological
True or False: In 29:20-22 the assembly responds to David’s prayer with praise, abundant sacrifices, and a joyful feast before the LORD.
Answer: True
This is true. The gathered people praised the LORD and bowed before the LORD and the king (29:20), offered abundant burnt offerings and sacrifices the following day (29:21), and celebrated with deep gladness in the LORD’s presence (29:22). Their worship echoed the Law’s call to feast and be glad before the LORD (Deuteronomy 12:7; Deuteronomy 16:15), and answers the call to serve God gladly (Psalm 100:2).
- 1 Chronicles 29:20-22 (BSB)“Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” So the whole assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and to the king. The next day they offered sacrifices and presented burnt offerings to the LORD: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, along with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest.”The assembly blesses the LORD, offers sacrifices, and feasts with joy.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”God commanded Israel to eat and rejoice in His presence.
- Deuteronomy 16:15 (BSB)“For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.”Israel’s feasts before the LORD were to bring complete joy.
- Psalm 100:2 (BSB)“Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.”God’s people are called to serve Him with gladness.
General
How does the chapter describe the end of David’s life (29:28)?
Answer: He died in old age, satisfied, wealthy, and honored
Jesse’s son David ruled the whole nation for forty years, the first seven at Hebron and the remaining thirty-three at Jerusalem (29:26-27). He died very old, satisfied with long life, wealth, and honor, and Solomon reigned after him (29:28). The text says his acts are written in the records named for Samuel and Gad, both called seers, and the prophet Nathan (29:29-30). Abraham’s death is described in similar words (Genesis 25:8), and the parallel account gives the same length of reign (1 Kings 2:10-11). Paul summed up David’s life by saying he carried out what God intended for his own time and then died (Acts 13:36).
- 1 Chronicles 29:26-28 (BSB)“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.”David’s reign is summarized and his death described.
- Genesis 25:8 (BSB)“And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.”Abraham’s death is described in similar terms of a full old age.
- 1 Kings 2:10-11 (BSB)“Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.”The parallel account records David’s death and forty-year reign.
- Acts 13:36 (BSB)“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay.”Paul says David served God’s purpose in his generation.
Theological
How does 29:26-28 summarize David’s reign and death?
Answer: He died in old age, satisfied, wealthy, and honored
The book closes David’s life with a summary: forty years ruling the whole nation, the first seven at Hebron and the rest at Jerusalem (29:26-27); death in great old age, satisfied with days, riches, and honor, with Solomon succeeding him (29:28); and his acts written in the records named for the seers Samuel and Gad and the prophet Nathan (29:29-30). The language recalls Abraham’s death (Genesis 25:8), the reign’s length matches 1 Kings 2:10-11, and Paul’s verdict is that David carried out God’s will for his own time before he fell asleep (Acts 13:36).
- 1 Chronicles 29:26-28 (BSB)“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.”David’s reign is summarized and his death described.
- Genesis 25:8 (BSB)“And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.”Abraham’s death is described in similar terms of a full old age.
- 1 Kings 2:10-11 (BSB)“Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.”The parallel account records David’s death and forty-year reign.
- Acts 13:36 (BSB)“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay.”Paul says David served God’s purpose in his generation.
General
Why did David add his own private wealth to the temple supplies (29:3)?
Answer: God’s dwelling place was his great joy and love
Beyond everything he had already gathered, David gave his own private wealth because God’s house was his delight (29:3). The text lists large amounts of gold from Ophir and refined silver for overlaying the walls and for the craftsmen’s work (29:4-5). His gift flowed from love, not obligation. Psalms written by David show the same love for God’s house (Psalm 26:8, 27:4). Earlier David had refused to offer God anything that cost him nothing (1 Chronicles 21:24).
- 1 Chronicles 29:3 (BSB)“Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple:”David gives his personal treasure because he delights in God’s house.
- Psalm 26:8 (BSB)“O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.”David expresses love for the place where God dwells.
- Psalm 27:4 (BSB)“One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.”David desires above all to dwell in the LORD’s house and seek Him there.
- 1 Chronicles 21:24 (BSB)““No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.””David refused to offer God what cost him nothing.
Theological
What motive does David give in 29:3 for adding his personal treasure to the temple provisions?
Answer: God’s dwelling place was his great joy and love
David’s personal gift, given beyond everything he had already provided, sprang from the joy he took in God’s house (29:3), and it was lavish: Ophir gold and refined silver for overlaying the walls and for the craftsmen (29:4-5). The motive is affection for God’s dwelling, the same longing voiced in David’s psalms (Psalm 26:8, 27:4), and the same conviction that led him to refuse costless offerings at Ornan’s threshing floor (1 Chronicles 21:24).
- 1 Chronicles 29:3 (BSB)“Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple:”David gives his personal treasure because he delights in God’s house.
- Psalm 26:8 (BSB)“O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.”David expresses love for the place where God dwells.
- Psalm 27:4 (BSB)“One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.”David desires above all to dwell in the LORD’s house and seek Him there.
- 1 Chronicles 21:24 (BSB)““No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.””David refused to offer God what cost him nothing.
General
Why did David humbly ask who he and his people were, that they could give so generously (29:14)?
Answer: All they offered had first come to them from God
David asked who he and his people were, that they could give so freely, because everything comes from God, and they had only given back what His own hand had supplied (29:14). He said it again: all the abundance gathered for the temple came from God’s hand and every bit of it was His (29:16). Even the ability to give is a gift. Paul asks what anyone has that they did not receive (1 Corinthians 4:7), and no one has ever given to God first so that God owes them (Romans 11:35-36). Every good gift has its source in the Father above (James 1:17).
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that all they gave first came from God.
- 1 Chronicles 29:16 (BSB)“O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You.”David repeats that the whole abundance came from God and belongs to Him.
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 (BSB)“For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”Everything a person has was received, leaving no room for boasting.
- Romans 11:35-36 (BSB)““Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”No one can give to God first, for all things are from Him.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Every good gift comes from the Father above.
Theological
What reason does David give in 29:14 for his humble question about himself and his people?
Answer: All they offered had first come to them from God
David’s question about himself and his people is answered by his confession: all things come from God, and they have only returned to Him what came from His own hand (29:14), for the whole store gathered for the temple came from Him and belongs to Him (29:16). The giving itself is grace. No one has anything he did not receive (1 Corinthians 4:7); no one can put God in his debt, since He is the source, means, and goal of all things (Romans 11:35-36); and every good gift descends from the Father (James 1:17). Giving to God leaves no room for boasting.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that all they gave first came from God.
- 1 Chronicles 29:16 (BSB)“O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You.”David repeats that the whole abundance came from God and belongs to Him.
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 (BSB)“For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”Everything a person has was received, leaving no room for boasting.
- Romans 11:35-36 (BSB)““Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”No one can give to God first, for all things are from Him.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Every good gift comes from the Father above.
General
What did David say he knew about God as he spoke of the gifts (29:17)?
Answer: God examines hearts and takes pleasure in integrity
David said he knew that God tests the heart and is pleased with uprightness, meaning honesty and integrity. He had given everything willingly and with a sincere heart, and he had now seen God’s people giving gladly and freely (29:17). What mattered to God was not the size of the gift but the heart behind it. Proverbs says gold is tested in a furnace, but the LORD tests hearts (Proverbs 17:3). God examines the inner thoughts of people (Psalm 7:9), and those whose way is blameless are His delight (Proverbs 11:20).
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David affirms that God tests hearts and delights in uprightness.
- Proverbs 17:3 (BSB)“A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.”The LORD is the one who tests hearts.
- Psalm 7:9 (BSB)“Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.”God searches hearts and minds.
- Proverbs 11:20 (BSB)“The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.”God delights in those whose way is blameless.
Theological
What truth about God does David affirm in 29:17 regarding the offerings?
Answer: God examines hearts and takes pleasure in integrity
David affirms that God tests the heart and delights in uprightness, and he presents his own gift as given willingly and sincerely, observing that the people too were now giving gladly and freely (29:17). God weighs motive, not merely amount. The LORD tries hearts as fire tries metal (Proverbs 17:3); the righteous God examines inner thoughts (Psalm 7:9), whose delight is in the blameless (Proverbs 11:20).
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David affirms that God tests hearts and delights in uprightness.
- Proverbs 17:3 (BSB)“A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.”The LORD is the one who tests hearts.
- Psalm 7:9 (BSB)“Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.”God searches hearts and minds.
- Proverbs 11:20 (BSB)“The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.”God delights in those whose way is blameless.
General
True or False: The people were saddened by how much their leaders gave away, though King David himself was glad.
Answer: False
This is false. The people rejoiced because their leaders had given to God freely and with their whole hearts, and David the king was full of joy as well (29:9). Generous, willing giving brought joy to the whole nation, not sorrow. The New Testament says the same: God loves someone who gives cheerfully, and giving should come from the heart, not under pressure (2 Corinthians 9:7). Paul described believers whose overflowing joy spilled out into rich generosity even in hard times (2 Corinthians 8:2). When the tabernacle was built, the people gave so freely that they had to be told to stop (Exodus 36:5-6).
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 (BSB)“And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.”The people and David rejoice at the leaders’ willing gifts.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”God loves a giver who gives cheerfully and from the heart.
- 2 Corinthians 8:2 (BSB)“In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.”Joy overflowed into generosity among the Macedonian believers.
- Exodus 36:5-6 (BSB)“and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more,”Israel gave so willingly for the tabernacle that they had to be stopped.
Theological
True or False: According to 29:9, the people grieved at the size of their leaders’ gifts while David alone rejoiced.
Answer: False
This is false. Both the people and David rejoiced, the people because their leaders had offered their gifts to God freely and with undivided hearts, and David exceedingly (29:9). Joy and willingness belong together in giving that pleases God: He loves the one who gives cheerfully from the heart rather than under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), and the Macedonians’ joy overflowed into generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2). Israel’s giving for the tabernacle was so eager that it had to be restrained (Exodus 36:5-6).
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 (BSB)“And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.”The people and David rejoice at the leaders’ willing gifts.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”God loves a giver who gives cheerfully and from the heart.
- 2 Corinthians 8:2 (BSB)“In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.”Joy overflowed into generosity among the Macedonian believers.
- Exodus 36:5-6 (BSB)“and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more,”Israel gave so willingly for the tabernacle that they had to be stopped.
General
As his prayer closed, what did David ask God to do for the people and for Solomon (29:18-19)?
Answer: Keep the people’s hearts set on Him and make Solomon fully devoted
David prayed that God would keep this eager desire in His people’s hearts forever and turn their hearts toward Him (29:18). For Solomon he asked for an undivided heart to obey all God’s commands and to build the temple (29:19). David knew that the willingness he had just seen must be kept alive by God Himself. Scripture teaches that God changes and directs hearts: He promised to replace His people’s hard hearts and cause them to walk in His ways (Ezekiel 36:26-27), and He is the one who works in believers both the desire and the ability to do His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Even a king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand (Proverbs 21:1).
- 1 Chronicles 29:18-19 (BSB)“O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire forever in the intentions of the hearts of Your people, and direct their hearts toward You. And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.””David prays that God will keep His people’s hearts and give Solomon a whole heart.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (BSB)“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.”God promises to give a new heart and cause His people to obey.
- Philippians 2:13 (BSB)“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”God works in believers both to will and to act.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”The LORD directs the king’s heart wherever He pleases.
Theological
What petitions close David’s prayer in 29:18-19?
Answer: Keep the people’s hearts set on Him and make Solomon fully devoted
David asks God to preserve this willing desire in His people’s hearts for all time and to direct their hearts to Himself (29:18), and to grant Solomon undivided devotion for obeying Him and building the temple (29:19). The petitions assume that devotion God has produced must be sustained by God: grace both creates and keeps a willing heart. The LORD promises to renew the heart and to put His Spirit within, causing His people to walk in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:26-27); He works in believers both the desire and the doing (Philippians 2:13); and He directs even the king’s heart as He pleases (Proverbs 21:1).
- 1 Chronicles 29:18-19 (BSB)“O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire forever in the intentions of the hearts of Your people, and direct their hearts toward You. And give my son Solomon a whole heart to keep and carry out all Your commandments, decrees, and statutes, and to build Your palace for which I have made provision.””David prays that God will keep His people’s hearts and give Solomon a whole heart.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (BSB)“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.”God promises to give a new heart and cause His people to obey.
- Philippians 2:13 (BSB)“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”God works in believers both to will and to act.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”The LORD directs the king’s heart wherever He pleases.
General
What did David confess about wealth, honor, and strength in 29:12?
Answer: They come from God, who reigns over all things
David confessed that wealth and honor are God’s to give, that He rules over everything, and that power to raise up and strengthen anyone is in His hands (29:12). Then, speaking for himself and the people, David gave thanks and praised God’s glorious name (29:13). David’s point is that every good thing a person has is God’s gift, received rather than earned. Hannah had prayed the same: the LORD gives poverty and wealth, humbles and lifts up (1 Samuel 2:7). Exaltation does not come from any direction on earth but from God, who humbles one person and lifts up another (Psalm 75:6-7), and He deposes rulers and installs others (Daniel 2:21).
- 1 Chronicles 29:12-13 (BSB)“Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name.”David confesses that riches, honor, and strength come from God, and gives thanks.
- 1 Samuel 2:7 (BSB)“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.”Hannah confesses that the LORD sends both poverty and wealth.
- Psalm 75:6-7 (BSB)“For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”Exaltation comes from God, who brings down and lifts up.
- Daniel 2:21 (BSB)“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”God removes and establishes kings.
Theological
How does David’s prayer in 29:12 account for wealth, honor, and strength?
Answer: They come from God, who reigns over all things
David attributes riches and honor to God, confesses Him as ruler over all, and locates in His hand the power to exalt and strengthen anyone (29:12), which leads to thanksgiving and praise (29:13). This is a confession of God’s sovereign providence over every measure of wealth and standing, not a formula for obtaining them: God gives both want and plenty (1 Samuel 2:7), exaltation comes from God alone (Psalm 75:6-7), and He deposes and installs kings (Daniel 2:21).
- 1 Chronicles 29:12-13 (BSB)“Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name.”David confesses that riches, honor, and strength come from God, and gives thanks.
- 1 Samuel 2:7 (BSB)“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.”Hannah confesses that the LORD sends both poverty and wealth.
- Psalm 75:6-7 (BSB)“For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”Exaltation comes from God, who brings down and lifts up.
- Daniel 2:21 (BSB)“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”God removes and establishes kings.
General
How did David describe himself and his people before God in 29:15?
Answer: As outsiders passing through, with fleeting lives
David said that he and his people were like foreigners and temporary residents in God’s presence, just as their ancestors had been, and that their days on earth pass like a shadow, with nothing lasting to hold on to (29:15). Even at the height of Israel’s strength, David knew that life is short and that nothing truly belongs to people. A psalm of David uses the same words about being a stranger like his fathers (Psalm 39:12), and another compares a human life to a breath and a passing shadow (Psalm 144:4). Hebrews says Abraham and the other faithful of old openly admitted they were outsiders and temporary residents in this world (Hebrews 11:13).
- 1 Chronicles 29:15 (BSB)“For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”David confesses that his people are foreigners whose days pass like a shadow.
- Psalm 39:12 (BSB)“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.”David calls himself a foreigner and stranger like his fathers.
- Psalm 144:4 (BSB)“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.”Human days are like a passing shadow.
- Hebrews 11:13 (BSB)“All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”The faithful of old acknowledged they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Theological
How does David characterize Israel’s standing before God in 29:15?
Answer: As outsiders passing through, with fleeting lives
At Israel’s zenith David confesses that he and his people are foreigners and sojourners before God like all their fathers, their days on earth fleeting as a shadow and offering no lasting security in themselves (29:15). This humility explains why they can only give back what is God’s. The same confession appears in Psalm 39:12 and Psalm 144:4, and Hebrews 11:13 records that Abraham and the faithful of old acknowledged themselves outsiders and temporary residents in this world, looking ahead to what God had promised.
- 1 Chronicles 29:15 (BSB)“For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”David confesses that his people are foreigners whose days pass like a shadow.
- Psalm 39:12 (BSB)“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.”David calls himself a foreigner and stranger like his fathers.
- Psalm 144:4 (BSB)“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.”Human days are like a passing shadow.
- Hebrews 11:13 (BSB)“All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”The faithful of old acknowledged they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
General
What happened after Solomon was made king a second time and took the throne in his father’s place (29:22-25)?
Answer: He prospered, Israel followed him, and God raised him high
Once more the people made Solomon king, anointing him in the LORD’s presence to rule, with Zadok named in the same verse to serve as priest (29:22). To anoint was to pour oil on someone to set them apart for God’s service. Solomon had first been installed as king in David’s old age (1 Chronicles 23:1). He took the LORD’s throne in place of David, prospered, and the whole nation obeyed him; the officials, the mighty men, and all of David’s sons pledged loyalty to him (29:23-24). The LORD lifted Solomon high before the whole nation and gave him royal majesty beyond any earlier king in Israel (29:25). Chronicles repeats that God was with Solomon and greatly exalted him (2 Chronicles 1:1), and God had promised him riches and honor unequaled among kings (1 Kings 3:12-13).
- 1 Chronicles 29:22-25 (BSB)“That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.”Solomon is made king a second time, is obeyed by all, and is exalted by the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 23:1 (BSB)“When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.”Solomon had first been made king when David was old.
- 2 Chronicles 1:1 (BSB)“Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.”The LORD was with Solomon and greatly exalted him.
- 1 Kings 3:12-13 (BSB)“behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.”God promised Solomon riches and honor beyond any other king.
Theological
How does 29:22-25 describe the outcome of Solomon’s second installation as king?
Answer: He prospered, Israel followed him, and God raised him high
Solomon was made king once more, anointed in the LORD’s presence to rule, with Zadok named in the same verse to serve as priest (29:22), his earlier installation having taken place in David’s old age (1 Chronicles 23:1). He sat on the LORD’s throne in David’s place, prospered, and received the obedience of Israel and the allegiance of the officials, the mighty men, and every son of David (29:23-24). Above all, the LORD exalted him and conferred royal majesty beyond any earlier king in Israel (29:25). His establishment is God’s doing, as 2 Chronicles 1:1 and the promise of 1 Kings 3:12-13 confirm.
- 1 Chronicles 29:22-25 (BSB)“That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. All the officials and mighty men, as well as all of King David’s sons, pledged their allegiance to King Solomon. The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.”Solomon is made king a second time, is obeyed by all, and is exalted by the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 23:1 (BSB)“When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.”Solomon had first been made king when David was old.
- 2 Chronicles 1:1 (BSB)“Now Solomon son of David established himself securely over his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and highly exalted him.”The LORD was with Solomon and greatly exalted him.
- 1 Kings 3:12-13 (BSB)“behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.”God promised Solomon riches and honor beyond any other king.
General
Besides Solomon’s youth, why did David tell the assembly that the work ahead was so great (29:1)?
Answer: The building was a dwelling for God, not for people
David told the whole gathering that Solomon, the son God had chosen, was young and untested, and that the work was great because this building was meant for God Himself rather than for any human being (29:1). With all his strength David had already stockpiled gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones in abundance (29:2). Earlier, when he began preparing, he had likewise spoken of Solomon’s youth and of how magnificent the LORD’s house must be (1 Chronicles 22:5). Solomon himself later marveled that not even the heavens above the heavens could hold God, much less a house built by human hands (1 Kings 8:27).
- 1 Chronicles 29:1 (BSB)“Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.”David tells the assembly why the task before Solomon is great.
- 1 Chronicles 22:5 (BSB)“And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death.”David had earlier spoken of Solomon’s youth and the house’s required splendor.
- 1 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.”Solomon confesses that no house can contain God.
Theological
Apart from Solomon’s inexperience, what reason did David give in 29:1 for the greatness of the task?
Answer: The building was a dwelling for God, not for people
David presented Solomon to the assembly as God’s chosen son, though young and untried, and called the task great because the palace was meant for God rather than for man (29:1); hence his lavish provision of metals, wood, and stones (29:2). He had earlier joined Solomon’s youth to the magnificence the LORD’s house required (1 Chronicles 22:5). Yet Solomon’s own dedication prayer confessed that no earthly house can contain the God whom the heavens cannot contain (1 Kings 8:27); the temple’s glory lay in the One it honored.
- 1 Chronicles 29:1 (BSB)“Then King David said to the whole assembly, “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great because this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.”David tells the assembly why the task before Solomon is great.
- 1 Chronicles 22:5 (BSB)“And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent—famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death.”David had earlier spoken of Solomon’s youth and the house’s required splendor.
- 1 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.”Solomon confesses that no house can contain God.
General
After describing his own gift, what question did David put to the assembly (29:5)?
Answer: Who would freely give himself to God’s service that day
Having given his own treasure, David invited the people to respond, asking who would freely set himself apart for the LORD that very day (29:5). The family heads, tribal officers, army commanders, and royal officials answered by giving willingly, bringing gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for God’s house (29:6-8). Their giving was a free response, not a tax. In the same way, when Israel built the tabernacle, God asked for offerings from everyone whose heart moved him (Exodus 25:2), and the people came as their hearts stirred them (Exodus 35:21).
- 1 Chronicles 29:5-6 (BSB)“for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD today?” Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.”David asks who will consecrate himself, and the leaders give willingly.
- Exodus 25:2 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”God asked for tabernacle offerings from those whose hearts moved them.
- Exodus 35:21 (BSB)“And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.”The people gave for the tabernacle as their hearts stirred them.
Theological
What appeal did David make to the assembly at the end of 29:5?
Answer: Who would freely give himself to God’s service that day
David’s question, who would freely set himself apart for God that day (29:5), framed giving as an act of self-dedication. The family heads, the tribal officers, the commanders, and the royal officials responded with voluntary gifts of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and stones (29:6-8). The pattern follows the freewill offerings for the tabernacle, received from each person moved by his own heart (Exodus 25:2) and brought by all whose hearts were stirred (Exodus 35:21).
- 1 Chronicles 29:5-6 (BSB)“for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the LORD today?” Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.”David asks who will consecrate himself, and the leaders give willingly.
- Exodus 25:2 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”God asked for tabernacle offerings from those whose hearts moved them.
- Exodus 35:21 (BSB)“And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.”The people gave for the tabernacle as their hearts stirred them.
General
In his prayer, on what basis did David say greatness, power, and glory belong to the LORD (29:11)?
Answer: All things in the heavens and the earth are His own
Before all the assembly, David blessed Israel’s God, the LORD, for all ages past and to come (29:10). He gave Him greatness, power, glory, splendor, and majesty, because all things in the heavens and on the earth are His; the kingdom is His and He is lifted up as ruler of everything (29:11). David is praising God as the true owner and ruler of everything. The Psalms say the same: God has set up His royal seat in heaven and reigns over everything (Psalm 103:19), and the heavens and the earth are His (Psalm 89:11). In heaven, God is praised as worthy of glory and power because He created all things (Revelation 4:11).
- 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 (BSB)“Then David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly and said: “May You be blessed, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.”David blesses the LORD and ascribes all greatness and kingship to Him.
- Psalm 103:19 (BSB)“The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”God’s kingdom rules over all.
- Psalm 89:11 (BSB)“The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.”The heavens and the earth belong to God, who founded them.
- Revelation 4:11 (BSB)““Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.””God is worthy of glory and power because He created all things.
Theological
What ground does David give in 29:11 for ascribing greatness, power, glory, splendor, and majesty to the LORD?
Answer: All things in the heavens and the earth are His own
David blesses the LORD, God of Israel, for all ages past and to come (29:10) and ascribes to Him greatness, power, glory, splendor, and majesty on the ground of His universal ownership and kingship: all in heaven and earth is His, and He is lifted up as ruler of everything (29:11). God’s sovereignty here is total, as Psalm 103:19 and Psalm 89:11 also confess, and the heavenly worship of Revelation 4:11 grounds His worthiness of glory and power in His work as Creator.
- 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 (BSB)“Then David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly and said: “May You be blessed, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.”David blesses the LORD and ascribes all greatness and kingship to Him.
- Psalm 103:19 (BSB)“The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”God’s kingdom rules over all.
- Psalm 89:11 (BSB)“The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.”The heavens and the earth belong to God, who founded them.
- Revelation 4:11 (BSB)““Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.””God is worthy of glory and power because He created all things.