1 Chronicles 29:15

For we [are] strangers before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers: our days on the earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding.

For we are strangers {H1616} before {H6440} thee, and sojourners {H8453}, as were all our fathers {H1}: our days {H3117} on the earth {H776} are as a shadow {H6738}, and there is none abiding {H4723}.

For in your presence we are temporary residents, just passing through, as all our ancestors were - our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding.

Commentary

In 1 Chronicles 29:15, King David offers a profound reflection on human mortality and God's eternal sovereignty during a pivotal moment of national dedication. This verse is part of David's prayer of thanksgiving and blessing to God, given after the people of Israel have generously contributed materials for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Context

Chapter 29 of 1 Chronicles describes David's final preparations for the Temple, which his son Solomon would ultimately build. David, having gathered immense wealth and resources, encouraged the people to give willingly, and they responded with abundant generosity. In this prayer, David attributes all glory and provision to God, acknowledging that everything they possess comes from Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). Within this context of immense earthly achievement and spiritual fervor, David shifts focus to the brevity of human life, reminding himself and the people that their time on earth is fleeting, even as they undertake eternal projects for God's glory. This perspective underscores humility and dependence on God.

Key Themes

  • Human Transience: David describes humanity as "strangers" and "sojourners," emphasizing that our earthly existence is temporary and impermanent. Like guests in a foreign land, we do not have a lasting dwelling here.
  • Life as a Shadow: The vivid metaphor "our days on the earth are as a shadow" highlights the brevity, insubstantiality, and fleeting nature of human life. A shadow passes quickly and leaves no trace, much like our time on earth in the grand scheme of eternity.
  • Divine Eternity: Implicit in David's prayer is the contrast between human mortality and God's eternal, abiding nature. While humans do not abide, God does. This theme encourages a focus on what is eternal rather than temporal.
  • Pilgrim Status: This verse establishes a foundational biblical concept that believers are not truly "at home" in this world. This idea resonates throughout Scripture, reminding us of our ultimate heavenly citizenship (1 Peter 2:11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "strangers" (ger) and "sojourners" (toshab) refer to resident aliens or temporary inhabitants who live in a land that is not their inherited home. They had no permanent claim or possession. This imagery powerfully conveys the idea of not being permanently settled. The word for "shadow" (tsel) is a common biblical metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, also seen in books like Job 14:2 and Psalm 102:11. The phrase "none abiding" reinforces the idea that there is no permanence or lasting hope in human life itself apart from God.

Practical Application

David's humble acknowledgment in 1 Chronicles 29:15 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Live with an Eternal Perspective: Understanding the temporary nature of earthly life encourages us to invest in what truly lasts – our relationship with God and service to His eternal kingdom, rather than solely pursuing worldly gain.
  • Embrace Humility: Recognizing our fleeting existence fosters humility and dependence on God, reminding us that all our days, resources, and abilities are gifts from Him.
  • Stewardship of Time: The brevity of life ("as a shadow") should motivate us to use our time wisely, purposefully, and for God's glory, making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).
  • Seek a Heavenly Home: This verse directs our ultimate hope beyond this earthly realm, pointing to the eternal dwelling God prepares for His people (John 14:2).
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 25:23 (6 votes)

    ¶ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.

  • Psalms 144:4 (6 votes)

    Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.

  • Psalms 102:11 (6 votes)

    My days [are] like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

  • James 4:14 (5 votes)

    Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • Psalms 39:12 (5 votes)

    Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

  • Job 14:2 (5 votes)

    He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

  • Psalms 90:9 (4 votes)

    For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale [that is told].