1 Chronicles 29:5
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse doesn't just mention materials; it highlights that David asked for offerings of gold and silver for specific craftsmanship, subtly shifting the focus from mere possession to the purpose and dedication of those resources in God's service. His question then isn't just about giving, but about the willingness and personal commitment behind each offering.
and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is passionately rallying the people to give generously towards building the magnificent Temple for God, an endeavor he himself cannot complete but has painstakingly prepared for. Immediately before this, he declared his personal immense wealth dedicated to the project, and the surrounding verses show the people responding with joyful and extravagant giving after his example and heartfelt prayer. This verse specifically highlights the practical call for skilled artisans to contribute materials, setting the stage for the overwhelming response of willing hearts and hands.
David is about to launch an ambitious building project. But before the materials are even gathered, he poses a crucial question. What does he reveal about how God's kingdom work gets done?
Partnership in Purpose
David is rallying the people to contribute to building the Temple. Notice his specific instructions: "gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver." This isn't just about collecting raw materials; it's about dedicating specific resources for specific purposes.
But the real heart of the matter comes in the question that follows. David isn't demanding a tax or levying a contribution. He's asking:
This reveals a fundamental truth: God's grand plans aren't accomplished through obligation or coercion, but through the willing hearts of His people who partner with Him.
David's appeal isn't just about funding a building. He's looking for something deeper, something that touches the very core of worship. What is it?
Beyond the Material
The verse climaxes with David asking, 'Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?' The offering isn't merely the gold and silver; it's the behind the offering.
Ask a follow-up
David understood that the ultimate offering God desires is not just our stuff, but our surrendered selves. The tangible gifts are expressions of an already-given heart.
Understand the original words
mala yad · Hebrew Verb phrase
The act of setting someone or something apart for sacred use, dedicated solely to God. It involves a movement from common use to divine service and purity.
This moment captures the heart of worship and service – not just the grand vision of a king, but the vital, willing participation of every person, where giving is an act of consecration.
c. 970 BC
David's Reign Ends
King David, after a long and eventful reign, prepares to pass the kingdom to his son Solomon. He had gathered vast resources for the temple.
c. 970 BC
David's Charge to Solomon
David delivers a final charge to his son Solomon, emphasizing the task of building the Temple and the importance of serving God with a whole heart.
c. 970 BC
David's Final Address to Israel
David addresses the assembled leaders and people of Israel, recounting God's faithfulness and his own desire to build a house for God's name.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Generous Gifts for the Temple
David and the princes of Israel make enormous voluntary contributions of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for the construction of the Temple.
c. 970 BC
Call for Willing Offerings
David then challenges the rest of the people, including other leaders and families, to contribute willingly to the holy work, highlighting the joy of giving.
c. 970 BC
The People Rejoice and Offer
Inspired by David's words and the leaders' example, the people offer their gifts joyfully and with complete sincerity to the LORD.
c. 969 BC
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
Following David's death and Solomon's ascension, the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem begins, fulfilling David's vision.
This passage describes the Israelites bringing their offerings 'everyone whose heart stirred him' and 'everyone whose spirit made him willing' for the tabernacle, mirroring the voluntary and heartfelt giving mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
2 Corinthians 9:7Paul writes about giving 'each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' This echoes David's appeal for willing and cheerful hearts in dedicating resources to God's work.
Philippians 2:3This verse urges believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.' It highlights the spirit of selfless devotion and willingness that David was looking for in his people.
Acts 4:32It describes the early believers having 'all things in common.' This shows a community that was willing to share resources and dedicate themselves to God's purposes, reflecting the spirit David invoked for the temple.
This verse doesn't just mention materials; it highlights that David asked for offerings of gold and silver for specific craftsmanship, subtly shifting the focus from mere possession to the purpose and dedication of those resources in God's service. His question then isn't just about giving, but about the willingness and personal commitment behind each offering.
David is passionately rallying the people to give generously towards building the magnificent Temple for God, an endeavor he himself cannot complete but has painstakingly prepared for. Immediately before this, he declared his personal immense wealth dedicated to the project, and the surrounding verses show the people responding with joyful and extravagant giving after his example and heartfelt prayer. This verse specifically highlights the practical call for skilled artisans to contribute materials, setting the stage for the overwhelming response of willing hearts and hands.
David is passionately rallying the people to give generously towards building the magnificent Temple for God, an endeavor he himself cannot complete but has painstakingly prepared for. Immediately before this, he declared his personal immense wealth dedicated to the project, and the surrounding verses show the people responding with joyful and extravagant giving after his example and heartfelt prayer. This verse specifically highlights the practical call for skilled artisans to contribute materials, setting the stage for the overwhelming response of willing hearts and hands.
"and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”" — This verse doesn't just mention materials; it highlights that David asked for offerings of gold and silver for specific craftsmanship, subtly shifting the focus from mere possession to the purpos…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
