1 Chronicles 26:27

KJV

Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Out of the spoils {H7998} won in battles {H4421} did they dedicate {H6942} to maintain {H2388} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the spoil won in wars they had dedicated these things to repair the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Out of the spoil won in battles did they dedicate to repair the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 26:27 highlights a crucial aspect of King David's meticulous preparations for the future Temple in Jerusalem, specifically detailing how resources acquired through military victories were consecrated and set apart to fund its ongoing maintenance and operation. This verse underscores the deep commitment of the Israelite leadership to ensure the financial and material sustainability of the central place of worship, recognizing God as the ultimate source of their triumphs and blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 23-27) that meticulously details King David's extensive organization and allocation of duties among the Levites, priests, singers, gatekeepers, and treasurers before his death. Chapter 26 specifically focuses on the divisions of the gatekeepers and, more pertinently for this verse, the officers appointed over the treasures of the house of God and the dedicated things. Verse 27 directly follows the mention of Shelomith and his brethren (1 Chronicles 26:26), who were entrusted with these dedicated treasures. It serves as a specific example of the types of consecrated resources that were to be managed, emphasizing David's foresight and comprehensive provision for the Temple that his son Solomon would ultimately build, as recorded in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple"). The Chronicler's emphasis here is on the orderly and intentional preparation for divine worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the spoils of war were a common and significant source of wealth for victorious nations. However, for Israel, these spoils were not merely for personal enrichment or nationalistic pride. Under the Mosaic Law, specific portions of plunder were to be dedicated to the Lord (e.g., [Numbers 31:25-54](/numbers/31-25 "Numbers 31:25-54 - Division of Spoils")). David himself set a precedent for dedicating vast amounts of silver and gold from conquered nations to the Lord, specifically for the future Temple ([2 Samuel 8:11-12](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11-12 - David Dedicates Spoils to the LORD")). This practice reflected the theological understanding that all victories came from Yahweh, and therefore, the fruits of those victories were to be returned to Him in worship and for the advancement of His kingdom. The dedication of "spoils won in battles" for the Temple's maintenance underscored the nation's gratitude and their commitment to supporting the sacred space where God's presence dwelt among them.

* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Consecration and Dedication**, the act of setting apart resources, even those gained from warfare, as holy and devoted exclusively to God's service. This demonstrates a profound recognition that all blessings, including military victories, originate from the Lord. Secondly, it exemplifies **Stewardship**, emphasizing the careful and responsible management of resources for God's glory. The leaders and the people understood their responsibility to steward the spoils of battle for the maintenance of the sanctuary, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your Wealth"). Thirdly, it underscores the vital theme of **Support for God's House**, illustrating the practical means by which the Temple, the central place of worship and national identity, was to be sustained. This principle of contributing to the upkeep of spiritual institutions remains vital for believers today. Finally, it speaks to **Divine Provision and Gratitude**, as the spoils were "won in battles," implying God's active hand in granting victory. Dedicating these spoils was an act of profound gratitude and worship, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of their success and prosperity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoils (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** This term refers to plunder, booty, or valuable possessions taken from a defeated enemy in warfare. In the ancient world, acquiring spoils was a primary objective of military campaigns, signifying victory and often contributing significantly to a nation's wealth. However, in the Israelite context, these spoils were often viewed as divinely granted and, therefore, subject to specific regulations concerning their dedication to the Lord, as seen in this verse.
* **Dedicate (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** The root meaning of _qadash_ is "to be holy," "to consecrate," or "to set apart for sacred use." When applied to objects or resources, it implies a formal act of devotion, transforming something common into something sacred, exclusively reserved for God's purposes. This is not merely an act of giving, but of making something holy, emphasizing its special status and purpose in relation to the "house of the LORD."
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _beit Yahweh'_):** This phrase specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell and where the prescribed worship and sacrifices were offered. The maintenance of this sacred structure was paramount for the spiritual life of the nation, requiring substantial resources for its upkeep, sacrificial system, and the support of its personnel (priests and Levites).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Out of the spoils won in battles":** This clause specifies the origin of the resources. They were not from regular taxation or tithes, but from the extraordinary gains of military conquest. This highlights God's role in granting victory and providing for His house through unusual means, demonstrating His sovereignty over all aspects of national life, including warfare.
* **"did they dedicate":** This phrase emphasizes the intentional and consecrated act of setting apart these resources. It was a deliberate decision by the leadership (specifically Shelomith and his brethren, as implied by the preceding verses) to sanctify these war gains for a holy purpose. The act of dedication transformed common plunder into sacred offerings, acknowledging God's ownership and provision.
* **"to maintain the house of the LORD":** This final clause clarifies the specific purpose of the dedication. The consecrated spoils were not for personal enrichment or general national expenditure, but specifically for the upkeep, repair, and operational needs of the Temple. This underscores the practical commitment required to sustain the central place of worship and ensure its continued function for the spiritual benefit of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Emphasis** is placed on the source of the funds ("spoils won in battles") and their ultimate destination ("to maintain the house of the LORD"), highlighting the profound connection between divine victory and sacred provision. There is also an element of **Metonymy**, where "spoils" implicitly represent not just material wealth but also the divine favor and power that enabled their acquisition. The act of "dedicating" these spoils for the Temple functions as a **Symbolism** of the nation's gratitude, their recognition of God's sovereignty, and their commitment to His worship. The Chronicler's inclusion of such specific details about the Temple's treasury also serves as **Didacticism**, instructing future generations on the importance of supporting God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dedication of war spoils for the maintenance of the Temple in 1 Chronicles 26:27 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that all resources, regardless of their origin, ultimately belong to God and are to be used for His glory. This act was a tangible expression of Israel's gratitude for divine victory and their commitment to the worship of Yahweh. It underscores the theological truth that God is the ultimate provider, and humanity's role is one of faithful stewardship, returning a portion of His blessings to Him for the advancement of His purposes. This principle extends beyond material wealth to encompass all aspects of life, reminding believers that every talent, opportunity, and success is a gift from God, to be consecrated for His kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 8:11-12](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11-12 - David's Dedication of Spoils")
* [Exodus 35:21-29](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21-29 - Contributions for the Tabernacle")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 26:27 offers a profound lesson for believers today concerning stewardship and generosity. Just as the Israelites consecrated their material gains, even those from the chaos of battle, to the sacred purpose of maintaining God's dwelling place, we are called to dedicate our resources—our time, talents, and finances—to the work of God's kingdom. This includes actively supporting the local church, contributing to global missions, and engaging in ministries that spread the Gospel and care for the vulnerable. This verse challenges us to view all our successes and possessions as gifts from God, to be managed wisely and joyfully returned to Him for the advancement of His purposes on earth. It's a reminder that true worship involves not only our lips but also our lives, our labor, and our livelihoods, all offered back to the One who provides all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently view my material possessions and financial resources in light of God's ownership?**
* **In what practical ways can I dedicate my "spoils" (my income, talents, time, and influence) to the "house of the LORD" today, which is the Church and its mission?**
* **What does it mean for me to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all my successes and blessings, and how does that acknowledgment shape my generosity?**

### FAQ

**What exactly were "spoils won in battles" and why were they dedicated to the Temple?**

Answer: "Spoils won in battles" (Hebrew: _shalal_) refers to the plunder, booty, or valuable possessions taken from a defeated enemy during warfare. In the ancient Near East, this was a common practice and a significant source of wealth. For Israel, however, these spoils were not merely for personal or national gain. According to Mosaic Law and Israelite theology, all victories came from Yahweh. Therefore, dedicating a portion of these spoils to the Temple (the "house of the LORD") was an act of worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. It demonstrated that the nation recognized God as the source of their strength and success, and that even the fruits of war were to be consecrated for sacred purposes, specifically for the maintenance and operation of the central place of worship, as seen in David's earlier dedications in [2 Samuel 8:11-12](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11-12 - David's Dedication of Spoils").

**How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's preparations for the Temple?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 26:27 is part of a larger narrative (1 Chronicles chapters 23-27) detailing King David's meticulous and comprehensive organization of the Levites, priests, and various temple functionaries before his death. David was not permitted to build the Temple himself, but he devoted considerable effort to planning its construction and ensuring its future sustainability. This verse specifically highlights the financial aspect of his preparations, showing how a dedicated treasury was established, managed by individuals like Shelomith and his brethren (1 Chronicles 26:26), to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the Temple. It underscores David's foresight and commitment to ensuring that the house of God would be properly supported for generations to come, even though his son Solomon would ultimately oversee its construction ([1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 26:27 speaks of physical spoils dedicated to a physical temple, its deeper theological currents find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Old Testament Temple, sustained by the dedicated resources of God's people, foreshadowed Jesus Christ as the true and ultimate Temple of God, where God's presence fully dwells among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Furthermore, through His victorious battle over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross, Christ won the greatest "spoils" imaginable – the redemption of humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Now, as believers, we are called to be living stones built into a spiritual house, the Church, which is the body of Christ and the new dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Our "spoils" are no longer material plunder from earthly wars, but rather our spiritual gifts, redeemed lives, and all our resources, which are to be joyfully dedicated to the maintenance and advancement of Christ's kingdom on earth, empowered by His victory and fueled by His grace ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). This dedication is not for a physical structure, but for the living, breathing community of faith that proclaims the Gospel and serves the world in His name, anticipating the new heavens and new earth where God's presence will fully dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place with Man")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 6:19

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

2 Kings 12:14

But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.

Nehemiah 10:32

¶ Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Nehemiah 10:34

And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law: