1 Chronicles 29:2

KJV

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now I have prepared {H3559} with all my might {H3581} for the house {H1004} of my God {H430} the gold {H2091} for things to be made of gold {H2091}, and the silver {H3701} for things of silver {H3701}, and the brass {H5178} for things of brass {H5178}, the iron {H1270} for things of iron {H1270}, and wood {H6086} for things of wood {H6086}; onyx {H7718} stones {H68}, and stones to be set {H4394}, glistering {H6320} stones {H68}, and of divers colours {H7553}, and all manner of precious {H3368} stones {H68}, and marble {H7893} stones {H68} in abundance {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now I have used all my strength to prepare for the house of my God the gold needed for the articles of gold, the silver for the articles of silver, the bronze for the articles of bronze, the iron for the articles of iron, the wood for the articles of wood, onyx stones, gemstones to be set, brilliant stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, as well as marble in abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance.

American Standard Version

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the brass for the things of brass, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of divers colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David, in an extraordinary display of personal devotion and foresight, meticulously prepared an immense quantity of the finest materials for the future construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Though forbidden by God to build the sanctuary himself, this verse underscores his unwavering commitment to God's house, demonstrating a leadership by example that would inspire the entire nation to contribute generously to this monumental divine project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within David's final public address to the assembly of Israel, preceding his death and the transfer of kingship to Solomon. The preceding chapters detail David's preparations for the Temple, including the divine command that Solomon would build it ([1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's Desire and God's Command")). Chapter 29 opens with David presenting Solomon to the people as the chosen builder and then recounting his own extensive personal contributions, setting a powerful example before inviting the people to give. This personal testimony of lavish giving precedes his public call for contributions from the people in [1 Chronicles 29:5](/1_chronicles/29-5 "1 Chronicles 29:5 - David's Call for Freewill Offerings"), highlighting his leadership through action and self-sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the construction of a grand temple was often a defining act of a king's reign, symbolizing his piety, power, and the stability of his kingdom. David's intense desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence, stemmed from a deep reverence for Yahweh ([2 Samuel 7:1-3](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-3 - David's Desire to Build a House for God")). Despite being denied the privilege of building due to his history as a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of Blood")), David dedicated his remaining years to gathering an unprecedented treasury of materials. This act also reflects the cultural understanding that the finest resources were fitting for the dwelling of a great deity, signifying the supreme value placed on God in Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates **Exceptional Generosity and Devotion**, as David declares he "prepared with all my might," signifying a total, unwavering personal commitment to God's service. It highlights **Meticulous and Abundant Preparation**, with the detailed list of materials underscoring David's foresight and the immense scale of his efforts to ensure the Temple's splendor, reflecting God's glory rather than human grandeur. Furthermore, David's consistent reference to it as "the house of my God" emphasizes the **Esteem for God's House**, showcasing the sacred significance and central importance of the Temple to Israel's worship and national identity, a theme foundational to the entire book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Book of Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepared with all my might (Hebrew, _b'khol-kochí'_):** This phrase, בְּכָל־כֹּחִ֗י, literally translates to "with all my strength" or "with all my power." It conveys the totality, intensity, and wholeheartedness of David's personal effort and dedication. It's a powerful statement of his complete commitment, echoing the foundational principle of loving God with "all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). David's preparation was not a casual endeavor but an exhaustive, personal investment of his very best.
* **House of my God (Hebrew, _beit Elohai'_):** The possessive "my God" (אֱלֹהַי) emphasizes David's personal relationship and deep reverence for Yahweh. This phrase elevates the Temple project beyond a mere national monument to a deeply personal act of worship and devotion. It underscores the sacred purpose of the building as the dwelling place for the God of Israel, the one true God whom David personally served and adored.
* **In abundance (Hebrew, _larov'_):** The term לָרֹב signifies "great quantity," "much," or "superabundance." It highlights the lavishness and overflowing nature of David's provision. This was not a minimal or merely sufficient offering, but a generous, even extravagant, contribution that reflected the immeasurable greatness of the God for whom the Temple was intended. It speaks to a spirit of generosity that goes beyond obligation, aiming for excellence and glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I have prepared with all my might":** This opening clause establishes David's personal agency and the immense effort he expended. The phrase "with all my might" highlights the depth of his devotion and the exhaustive nature of his preparations, indicating that he held nothing back in this endeavor.
* **"for the house of my God":** This specifies the ultimate purpose and recipient of David's immense labor and resources. It underscores that his motivation was not personal glory but the establishment of a worthy sanctuary for the Lord, reflecting his deep reverence and personal relationship with God.
* **"the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood;":** This detailed enumeration of base materials demonstrates the comprehensive and meticulous nature of David's preparations. He ensured that all necessary foundational metals and wood were gathered, indicating foresight for every aspect of the Temple's construction, from its structure to its intricate furnishings.
* **"onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.":** This second list itemizes the precious and decorative materials, emphasizing the beauty, splendor, and lavishness intended for the Temple. The inclusion of various types of stones, particularly "glistering stones" and "of divers colours," points to an aesthetic vision designed to reflect the glory and majesty of God, ensuring the sanctuary would be a place of unparalleled beauty and reverence, provided in superabundance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** is prominently featured through the detailed listing of various materials—gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and a diverse array of precious stones. This meticulous inventory serves to emphasize the sheer scale, comprehensiveness, and painstaking nature of David's preparations. It conveys not only the quantity but also the quality and diversity of resources amassed, highlighting the monumental scope of the Temple project. Furthermore, the phrase "with all my might" and the concluding "in abundance" function as forms of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extraordinary degree of David's personal commitment and the lavishness of his provision. These emphatic declarations convey a sense of overwhelming generosity and dedication, signifying that David held nothing back in his efforts to honor God. The **Repetition** of the material type (e.g., "gold for things of gold") reinforces the specific purpose and quality intended for each resource, adding to the sense of careful planning and dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's unparalleled dedication in preparing for the Temple underscores a profound theological principle: true worship and service to God demand our very best, given with wholehearted devotion. His actions demonstrate that even when we are not called to complete a task, our diligent preparation and generous provision for God's purposes are acts of faith and obedience. This commitment reflects a heart that values God's presence and glory above all earthly possessions, understanding that all resources ultimately belong to Him. David's example serves as a timeless paradigm for stewardship, illustrating that our giving is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act of honoring God with the first and best of what He has entrusted to us, reflecting the abundance of His own provision and grace.

* [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in 1 Chronicles 29:2 provides a powerful and enduring challenge for believers today. His commitment to prepare "with all my might" for the "house of my God" calls us to examine the depth of our own devotion and the extent of our personal investment in God's kingdom. This isn't merely about financial giving, but about offering our time, talents, and energy with the same wholeheartedness. Are we holding anything back from the Lord? Do we approach our service, our worship, and our contributions with a spirit of abundance, seeking to give our very best for His glory? Just as David meticulously gathered materials for a physical temple, we are called to build up the spiritual house of God—the church, our communities, and our own lives—with diligent effort, generous spirit, and fervent love for His purposes. Our actions should reflect the high value we place on God and His work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I preparing "with all my might" for the "house of my God" today?**
* **What "materials"—whether time, talent, or treasure—am I currently withholding or giving sparingly, that God might be calling me to offer in abundance?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that values God's work and presence with the same profound reverence and generosity that David demonstrated?**

### FAQ
**Why did David prepare so much for the Temple if he was not permitted to build it himself?**

Answer: David's extensive preparation, despite God's directive that his son Solomon would build the Temple ([1 Chronicles 22:7-8](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-8 - God's Prohibition to David")), demonstrates several key aspects of his character and faith. Firstly, it shows his unwavering obedience and submission to God's will; though his personal desire was to build, he accepted the divine decree. Secondly, it highlights his profound devotion to God and His glory, prioritizing the establishment of a worthy dwelling for the Lord above his own personal legacy. Thirdly, it served as a powerful act of leadership by example, inspiring the entire nation to contribute generously to this monumental task ([1 Chronicles 29:5-9](/1_chronicles/29-5 "1 Chronicles 29:5-9 - The People's Freewill Offerings")). David understood that while the builder might change, the divine purpose remained, and he poured his remaining years into ensuring the project's success, reflecting a selfless commitment to God's kingdom.

**What is the significance of the detailed list of materials in this verse?**

Answer: The meticulous enumeration of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and various precious stones signifies several important points. It underscores the immense scale and comprehensive nature of David's preparations, ensuring that nothing would be lacking for the Temple's construction. Culturally, the use of such lavish and diverse materials was intended to reflect the supreme glory, majesty, and worthiness of God, demonstrating that only the finest and most abundant resources were fitting for His dwelling place. The detail also highlights David's foresight and meticulous planning, ensuring that Solomon would inherit a fully provisioned project, minimizing delays and maximizing the quality of the finished sanctuary. It speaks to a commitment to excellence in God's service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's zealous preparation of an earthly temple, though magnificent, ultimately points forward to a greater reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The physical dwelling place for God's presence, meticulously crafted from the finest materials, foreshadows Christ as the true and ultimate Temple. In Him, God's presence dwells fully and bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Just as David poured out his "might" and amassed "abundance" for a house of stone and gold, Christ, with infinite might and immeasurable love, laid down His life as the ultimate sacrifice, building a spiritual house not made with human hands. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the cornerstone of a living temple, the Church, composed of believers as "living stones" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), where God's Spirit now dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). David's provision, abundant and costly, pales in comparison to the boundless riches of grace and glory found in Christ, who, by His perfect work, has prepared an eternal dwelling for us and made us a dwelling for God's Spirit, a reality far surpassing any earthly sanctuary.

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

1 Chronicles 22:3

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

1 Chronicles 22:5

And David said, Solomon my son [is] young and tender, and the house [that is] to be builded for the LORD [must be] exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will [therefore] now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.

2 Chronicles 31:21

And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did [it] with all his heart, and prospered.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Isaiah 54:12

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.