I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
I know {H3045} also, my God {H430}, that thou triest {H974} the heart {H3824}, and hast pleasure {H7521} in uprightness {H3476}. As for me, in the uprightness {H4339} of mine heart {H3824} I have willingly offered {H5068} all these things: and now have I seen {H7200} with joy {H8057} thy people {H5971}, which are present {H4672} here, to offer willingly {H5068} unto thee.
I know also, my God, that you test the heart and take pleasure in integrity. As for myself, I have given all these things willingly, in the integrity of my heart; and now, with joy, I have seen your people who are present here give willingly to you.
I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, that are present here, offer willingly unto thee.
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Jeremiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings. -
Proverbs 11:20
¶ They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight. -
1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. -
Psalms 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom. -
2 Corinthians 1:12
¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. -
Philemon 1:7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. -
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 Chronicles 29:17 captures King David's profound understanding of God's character and his joy in the sincere devotion of his people. This verse is part of David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and praise following the immense contributions made by the Israelites for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Context
This verse is found within King David's final public address and prayer, delivered after the people of Israel had generously offered vast resources for the construction of the future Temple, which his son Solomon would oversee. David, having prepared diligently for the Temple project, now rejoices not only in the material offerings but, more importantly, in the spirit with which they were given. He sets an example of wholehearted generosity and praises God for inspiring such willingness in His people.
Key Themes
God's Scrutiny of the Heart
David acknowledges God's omniscience: "thou triest the heart." This highlights a core biblical truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and actions; He examines our deepest motives and intentions. He is not merely interested in what we do, but why we do it. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, reminding us that the Lord looks at the heart, not just the outward appearance. His testing is often for refinement and revelation, to prove genuine faith and devotion.
God's Pleasure in Uprightness and Willingness
The verse states God "hast pleasure in uprightness." The Hebrew word for "uprightness" (yosher) conveys sincerity, integrity, and moral rectitude. God delights in genuine, heartfelt obedience and worship, not coerced or performative acts. David declares that his own offerings stemmed from "the uprightness of mine heart," demonstrating a personal commitment to this principle. This willingness is a direct reflection of a heart aligned with God, a theme also seen in the New Testament's teaching on cheerful giving.
Joy in Collective Devotion
David expresses profound joy in witnessing his people's "willing" offerings. His delight is not just in the success of the fundraising but in seeing the collective spiritual health and devotion of the nation. This shared act of freewill giving, mirroring David's own sincere heart, underscores the beauty of unity in worship and service to God. It's a powerful reminder that true spiritual joy often comes from observing God's work in and through His people.
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "thou triest the heart" comes from a Hebrew word (bachan) that often implies a thorough examination or testing, similar to how a refiner tests metal for purity. This isn't about God being unsure, but about revealing the true nature of one's motives and character, bringing hidden things to light. The "uprightness" (yosher) signifies a straight, uncorrupted, and sincere disposition, contrasting with duplicity or outward show.
Practical Application
1 Chronicles 29:17 challenges us to examine our own hearts in all areas of life, especially in our service and giving to God. Are our actions motivated by genuine love and sincerity, or by external pressures, desire for recognition, or obligation? God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of integrity and willingness, knowing that God sees and delights in true uprightness. It also reminds us to find joy in the collective devotion of fellow believers, celebrating God's work in their lives.