Verses 1–9
Giving Willingly, 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
First Chronicles, chapter 29, might be entitled "The Joy of Willing Giving." That is surely the greatest lesson contained in it. David began this part of his discourse by emphasizing two things about Solomon, and another about his task. First, Solomon was God’s choice to be Israel’s next king. Perhaps David already suspected there was an "Adonijah party," who preferred an older, more experienced one of the princes to be king. That such suspicions might have been well-founded is apparent from the sequel, recorded in the first chapter of First Kings.
Second, Solomon was indeed yet young and tender. The language of the original, as implied also in the English, indicates that he was perhaps no more than twenty years of age. Still, his being the choice of God made age of no consequence, and those who wished God’s will to be done should acknowledge that (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12).
Third, the task awaiting Solomon was no light one. The house of God was to be no ordinary structure. It was a palace for the Lord, not for man. It was to be lavish and spectacular. David knew it was not the work of one man, but would require much preparation, and wholehearted cooperation. It was not in the power of Solomon, though he had not been a youth, to have accomplished it alone.
But David had set the example for all the great men of Israel. Herein appears another purpose of the king in calling the great assembly, to challenge the wealthy to contribute of their riches to the building of the temple. David said he had prepared with all his personal means available to provide things for the work. His contributions consisted of gold, silver, brass, iron exotic woods, onyx stones, jewels for settings and beauty, and marble for building stones. Lest some should think that David had not personally sacrificed of his own wealth he proceeded to tell them that in addition to all that had come from the spoils of war he had given from his own, because he loved the Lord and longed to build Him a house. The gold of Ophir he provided was of the very finest to be had in that ancient time. A recent evaluation of the gold, according to present day values, is set at $3,280,000,000, and the silver at $152,880,000.
So David challenged the assembled princes, elders, captains and all the great men to follow his example and give out of willing hearts for the temple requirements. They responded willingly and pledged thousands of talents of gold and silver (about $218,400,000), beside much brass (or bronze, more accurately) and iron. Some also gave precious stones. It was put into the charge of Jehiel the Gershonite, whom David had made overseer of such (see 1 Chronicles 26:22).
The spirit of the Lord surged in the hearts of the people, and they rejoiced to be able to contribute to the construction of His house. No one gave out of coercion, and the heart of each. was of perfect willingness, and all were happy. Their aged king was very happy and rejoiced with great joy. The greatest joy of the Lord’s people should be in willing service to Him (Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4).