1 Chronicles 29:5

KJV

The gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers. And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?

KJV (with Strong's)

The gold {H2091} for things of gold {H2091}, and the silver {H3701} for things of silver {H3701}, and for all manner of work {H4399} to be made by the hands {H3027} of artificers {H2796}. And who then is willing {H5068} to consecrate {H4390} his service {H3027} this day {H3117} unto the LORD {H3068}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The gold is for whatever is to be made of gold, and the silver is for whatever is to be made of silver; and they may be used for anything to be made by craftsmen. Therefore, who offers willingly to consecrate himself today to ADONAI?"

Berean Standard Bible

for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now who will volunteer to consecrate himself to the LORD today?”

American Standard Version

of gold for the things of gold, and of silver for the things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. Who then offereth willingly to consecrate himself this day unto Jehovah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:5 captures King David's profound appeal to the people of Israel as they prepared for the construction of the Lord's Temple. This verse beautifully intertwines the practical necessity for material resources—specifically gold, silver, and the skilled labor of craftsmen—with a fervent spiritual invitation. It culminates in a direct challenge, asking "who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?", thereby emphasizing that God desires not merely obligated contributions, but a free-will offering of both physical assets and consecrated hearts in devoted service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within King David’s final public address to the leaders and assembly of Israel, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 29. Having been prevented by God from building the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - God's Prohibition to David")), David meticulously gathered immense wealth and materials over many years for the project ([1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Extensive Temple Preparations")). In the preceding verses of [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "1 Chronicles 29 - David's Final Charge and Contributions"), David first presents his own substantial personal contributions for the Temple, setting an unparalleled example of generosity. He then transitions to a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and ownership of all things ([1 Chronicles 29:10-16](/1_chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10-16 - David's Prayer of Praise and Acknowledgment")). Verse 5, therefore, serves as a direct, poignant invitation, following David's personal sacrifice and his theological grounding of all giving in God's ultimate ownership, challenging the leaders and the people to join him in this grand spiritual endeavor with a willing heart.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a national temple was a monumental undertaking in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the presence and power of the nation's deity and serving as the central hub of worship. Such projects often required vast resources and skilled labor. In Israel, the concept of a "house for the Lord" had roots in the Tabernacle, which was built with materials and labor contributed by willing hearts ([Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Willing Contributions for the Tabernacle")). The mention of "artificers" (skilled craftsmen) highlights the crucial role of specialized trades in ancient construction, where expertise in metallurgy, masonry, and carpentry was highly valued. Unlike many ancient empires where grand building projects were often accomplished through forced labor or heavy taxation, David's appeal emphasizes voluntary, consecrated service, aligning with a covenantal relationship where service to God is a joyful response rather than a coerced duty. This voluntary spirit underscores the unique nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - The Book of Chronicles").
* **Willingness and Consecration:** The core of the verse lies in the rhetorical question, "who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?" This emphasizes that God desires not merely obligated giving, but a free-will offering of both resources and personal dedication. It speaks profoundly to the heart's posture in serving God, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament concerning offerings and service, notably in the building of the Tabernacle where materials were brought by those with a "[willing heart](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Heart for the Tabernacle")".
* **Generosity and Stewardship:** While David had already set an extraordinary example of giving, he calls the people to mirror this generosity, reinforcing the understanding that all wealth comes from God and is to be used for His purposes. David's subsequent prayer in [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Prayer Acknowledging God's Ownership") explicitly states, "for all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You."
* **Skilled Labor and Material Provision:** The initial part of the verse details the need for specific materials ("gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver") and the critical role of "artificers" (skilled craftsmen). This highlights that all talents and resources, whether material or human skill, are vital and sanctified for God's work, a principle seen earlier in the divine gifting of craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Craftsmen")).
* **Collective Participation:** The Temple project was a monumental undertaking requiring the collective effort and unified spirit of an entire nation. This verse serves as a call to communal engagement, demonstrating the power of community in fulfilling God's grand plans and fostering shared ownership in sacred endeavors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **consecrate his service (Hebrew, _nadav'_):** The phrase "to consecrate his service" translates from the Hebrew verb נָדַב ( _nadav'_ ), which carries the rich meaning of "to offer willingly," "to volunteer," "to be noble in giving," or "to be prompted by a generous spirit." It signifies an offering made from a free and uncompelled will, stemming from an inner desire to give rather than from external obligation, pressure, or a sense of duty alone. This concept is crucial, as it elevates the act of giving beyond mere transaction to an act of worship and devotion, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes. It implies a spontaneous, noble, and abundant generosity, often associated with a "free-will offering" in the Old Testament sacrificial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver,"**: This opening clause specifies the primary precious metals required for the Temple's construction and ornamentation. It indicates a meticulous inventory and a clear understanding of the types of materials needed for various sacred vessels, fixtures, and decorative elements. The repetition "gold for [things] of gold" emphasizes the purity and specific application of these high-value resources, underscoring the sacredness and grandeur envisioned for God's dwelling place. This was not merely raw material but material designated for specific, holy purposes.
* **"and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers."**: This phrase broadens the scope beyond raw materials to include the critical element of human skill and craftsmanship. "Artificers" refers to skilled artisans, master craftsmen, and engineers who would transform the raw gold and silver, along with other materials, into the intricate and beautiful components of the Temple. This highlights that both material wealth and human talent are indispensable for God's work, and that these skills, when offered to the Lord, are consecrated and used for His glory. It recognizes the divine gifting of abilities and their proper application in service.
* **"And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?"**: This is the climactic rhetorical question that forms the spiritual core of the verse. Following the declaration of material and skilled labor needs, David shifts the focus from "what" is needed to "who" is willing to provide it, and more importantly, with what heart. The phrase "this day" adds urgency and immediacy to the call, inviting an immediate, personal response. The question is not about compulsion but about a voluntary, consecrated offering of oneself and one's resources to God, an act of devotion that springs from a willing and generous spirit. It is an invitation to participate in a sacred, national endeavor with a heart fully devoted to Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 29:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to provoke self-examination, challenge, and inspire a specific action. It creates a dramatic pause, inviting each listener to consider their personal response and commitment. Furthermore, there is a clear use of **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the tangible, material needs (gold, silver, skilled labor) with the intangible, spiritual requirement of a willing and consecrated heart. This highlights that while physical resources are necessary, the attitude and spirit behind the offering are paramount to God. The verse also functions as a powerful **Call to Action**, directly appealing to the assembly to participate in the Temple project, not out of obligation, but out of a consecrated desire to serve the Lord. The repetition of "gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver" can be seen as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the specific and precious nature of the materials required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:5 resonates with a profound theological truth woven throughout Scripture: God's primary desire is for the heart and a willing spirit in service, not merely outward acts or material offerings. While the Temple project clearly required immense resources, David's challenge elevates the act of giving to an expression of worship and devotion. It teaches that true contribution to God's kingdom is characterized by a spirit of consecration—a setting apart of oneself and one's possessions for sacred use, motivated by love and gratitude rather than compulsion or a desire for recognition. This principle underscores God's sovereignty and our role as stewards, recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to Him. Our "willing service" becomes a tangible manifestation of our faith and trust in the One who owns everything.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's challenge in 1 Chronicles 29:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, transcending the specific context of Temple building to address the core of our relationship with God. It compels us to examine the posture of our hearts in all areas of service and giving. Are we merely fulfilling obligations, or are we offering our time, talents, and resources with a truly willing, consecrated spirit? God is not in need of our gifts in an absolute sense, for "all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You" ([1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Prayer of Acknowledgment")). Rather, He invites us to participate in His ongoing work in the world as an act of worship, a demonstration of our love, and an expression of our stewardship. Just as gold, silver, and the hands of artificers were consecrated for the Temple, God still uses diverse gifts—from leadership and teaching to practical skills, hospitality, and humble service—when they are offered with a spirit of consecration. Our service, whether grand or small, should be characterized by a joyful, voluntary, and wholehearted spirit, recognizing that it is all "unto the LORD." This verse calls us to move beyond duty to delight in serving our magnificent God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "consecrate my service" to the Lord in my daily life?**
* **Am I offering my time, talents, and resources out of obligation, or from a genuinely willing and cheerful heart?**
* **In what specific areas of my life can I cultivate a more joyful and consecrated spirit of service to God and others?**

### FAQ
**Why did David ask for more contributions when he had already gathered so much wealth for the Temple?**

Answer: David's appeal was not solely about meeting a material deficit. While immense resources were indeed needed for the Temple, David had already amassed an astonishing amount of gold, silver, and other materials (see [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Extensive Preparations")). His primary motivation in [1 Chronicles 29:5](/1_chronicles/29-5 "1 Chronicles 29:5 - David's Call for Willing Service") was to involve the entire community in this sacred endeavor. By inviting the people to contribute willingly, he fostered a sense of collective ownership, spiritual participation, and shared devotion to God's grand project. It was an opportunity for the nation to express their faith, gratitude, and commitment to the Lord, demonstrating that the Temple was a communal act of worship, not just a king's project.

**What is the significance of "artificers" in this verse, and how does it relate to our service today?**

Answer: The mention of "artificers" (skilled craftsmen) is highly significant because it highlights that God's work requires not only material resources but also human skill, talent, and expertise. These individuals possessed specialized knowledge in working with precious metals and other materials, essential for the intricate construction and ornamentation of the Temple. This demonstrates that all gifts and abilities, whether intellectual, artistic, practical, or administrative, are valuable in God's kingdom. Today, this principle remains true: God uses a diverse range of talents—from teaching and leadership to administration, technology, music, and practical service—when they are offered with a willing and consecrated heart for His purposes. It reminds us that our unique skills are meant to be consecrated for His glory.

**Does this verse imply that God needs our contributions to accomplish His plans?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is dependent on human contributions to fulfill His plans. David himself explicitly clarifies this point in his prayer immediately following the people's generous response: "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 You, and of Your own have we given You" ([1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Prayer of Acknowledgment")). God is sovereign and self-sufficient; He owns everything and needs nothing from us. Instead, His invitation to contribute is an act of grace, providing us with an opportunity to express our worship, devotion, and gratitude. Our willing participation in His work is a privilege that transforms us, aligns our hearts with His, and allows us to partner in His redemptive purposes in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 29:5, with its call for willing and consecrated service for the building of God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. David's challenge to offer "gold for [things] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and for all manner of work [to be made] by the hands of artificers" foreshadows the ultimate offering of the Son of God himself. Christ, the true and perfect "artificer" of salvation, willingly laid down His life, offering His perfect body as the ultimate sacrifice, "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). His entire life and death were a consecrated service, not compelled but freely given, embodying the very essence of the "willing heart" David sought.

Under the New Covenant, believers are no longer called to build a physical temple, for Christ declared that He would rebuild the temple of His body in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Now, the church, comprised of believers, is the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples")) and a "spiritual house" built of "living stones" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Therefore, the call to "consecrate his service this day unto the LORD" transforms into the New Testament imperative for believers to offer their entire lives—their bodies, talents, resources, and time—as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our willing service is a grateful response to Christ's ultimate self-giving, empowered by the indwelling Spirit, and is expressed in acts of worship, love for one another, and mission to the world, building up the spiritual temple of God's church for His glory.

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

Exodus 35:5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:9

And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

Ezra 7:15

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation [is] in Jerusalem,

Ezra 7:16

And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem:

Numbers 7:2

That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who [were] the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:

Numbers 7:3

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

Ezra 2:68

And [some] of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which [is] at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: