1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

But who am I, and what is my people {H5971}, that we should be {H6113} able {H3581} to offer so willingly {H5068} after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own {H3027} have we given {H5414} thee.

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to give so willingly in this way? For all things come from you, so that we have given you what is already yours.

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.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:14 captures King David's profound humility and theological insight during a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This verse is part of David's prayer of thanksgiving and blessing after the people of Israel have given incredibly generously towards the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem, a task that would ultimately be completed by his son, Solomon.

Context

Prior to this prayer, David himself had set an extraordinary example by offering immense personal wealth for the Temple's construction (1 Chronicles 29:3). Inspired by his devotion, the leaders and the people responded with overwhelming enthusiasm and willingness, giving materials like gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones with "a perfect heart" (1 Chronicles 29:9). David's prayer, beginning in verse 10, is a beautiful reflection on God's greatness, sovereignty, and the nature of true giving.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Humility: David begins with rhetorical questions, "But who am I, and what is my people?" This highlights his and Israel's awareness of their own unworthiness and dependence on God. Despite their immense contributions, David attributes the ability and desire to give not to themselves, but to God's grace.
  • Divine Ownership and Sovereignty: The core message is encapsulated in the phrase, "for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee." This affirms God as the ultimate source and owner of everything in creation. Human beings are merely stewards of His resources. This truth is foundational to understanding biblical stewardship, recognizing that we return to God what was His to begin with.
  • Willing and Joyful Giving: The phrase "that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort" underscores the miraculous nature of the people's generous response. Their giving was not coerced but flowed from a heart of devotion, enabled by God Himself. This anticipates the New Testament principle of cheerful giving.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "willingly" in this verse is nadab (Χ ΦΈΧ“Φ·Χ‘), which means to be a volunteer, to offer freely, or to be noble. It emphasizes a spontaneous, uncoerced, and generous spirit. This is contrasted with giving out of obligation or compulsion. The phrase "of thine own" translates the Hebrew yad (Χ™ΦΈΧ“), meaning 'hand' or 'power', indicating that what was given back originated from God's own possession and power, not from human effort or ingenuity alone.

Practical Application

This powerful verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize that all abilities, resources, and successes come from God. It keeps us from pride and fosters a spirit of gratitude.
  • Embrace Stewardship: View all possessions, talents, and time as entrusted by God, to be used for His purposes and glory, not just our own.
  • Practice Generous Giving: Giving is not about fulfilling an obligation but is an act of worship, a joyful response to God's immense generosity towards us. When we give, we are simply returning a portion of what He has already provided.

David's prayer reminds us that true giving is not a loss, but a grateful acknowledgment of God's supreme ownership and a joyful participation in His divine plans.

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Cross-References

  • James 1:17 (12 votes)

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:5 (10 votes)

    Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

  • Romans 11:36 (6 votes)

    For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (6 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

  • Psalms 115:1 (5 votes)

    ΒΆ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

  • Psalms 50:10 (4 votes)

    For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.