1 Chronicles 29:6

KJV

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the chief {H8269} of the fathers {H1} and princes {H8269} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, and the captains {H8269} of thousands {H505} and of hundreds {H3967}, with the rulers {H8269} of the king's {H4428} work {H4399}, offered willingly {H5068},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the clan leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Isra'el, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, along with the supervisors over the king's work offered willingly.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the leaders of the households, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.

American Standard Version

Then the princes of the fathers’houses, and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers over the king’s work, offered willingly;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:6 records the immediate and enthusiastic response of Israel's diverse leadership to King David's challenge for the Temple offering. Following David's own lavish contribution, the chief of the fathers, princes of the tribes, military captains, and royal administrators united in a profound act of willing generosity, demonstrating their deep commitment to the construction of God's house. This verse highlights a pivotal moment of national unity and devotion, setting a powerful precedent for heartfelt giving in service of divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of David's preparations for the Temple, specifically within his final public address and challenge to the nation's leaders and people. Chapter 29 opens with David's declaration of the immense task ahead and his personal, extravagant contribution of gold and silver for the Temple's construction, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 29:3-5](/1_chronicles/29-3 "1 Chronicles 29:3-5 - David's Personal Offering and Challenge"). Having set the ultimate example of devotion and generosity, David then poses a direct question to the assembly in [1 Chronicles 29:5](/1_chronicles/29-5 "1 Chronicles 29:5 - David's Challenge to Give Willingly"), asking, "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" Verse 6 serves as the immediate and overwhelming answer to this challenge, showcasing the leaders' spontaneous and unified commitment. It precedes the general populace's contributions (1 Chronicles 29:7-8) and David's subsequent prayer of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 29:10-19), solidifying the theme of willing generosity as central to the Temple project.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a permanent Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, a transition from the portable Tabernacle. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such grand architectural projects often required immense resources and collective effort, frequently involving forced labor or heavy taxation. However, 1 Chronicles 29:6 emphasizes a distinctively different approach: a voluntary, freewill offering. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where service and giving were ideally motivated by devotion rather than coercion. The involvement of various strata of leadership—patriarchal heads, tribal princes, military commanders, and civil administrators—underscores the national scope and unified commitment to this sacred endeavor, which was seen as a divine mandate passed down from God to David and then to Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **willing and generous giving**, which is highlighted by the Hebrew term for "offered willingly," signifying a spontaneous and uncoerced act of the heart. This contrasts sharply with mandatory contributions and sets a precedent for all future acts of devotion. Secondly, **leadership by example** is a crucial theme; just as David, the king, led with his own significant offering, the nation's most prominent figures followed suit, inspiring a collective spirit of devotion. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, such as in [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherds Leading by Example"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **unity in purpose**, as diverse leaders from various spheres of influence—familial, tribal, military, and royal—converge on a single, sacred goal: the building of God's house. This collective commitment underscores the importance of harmony in accomplishing God's work. Finally, an underlying theme is **divine inspiration**; the overwhelming and immediate response suggests a move of God's Spirit, prompting hearts to give abundantly for His glory, much like the willing offerings for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"offered willingly" (Hebrew, _nadav_):** This verb, stemming from the root נדב (nāḏaḇ), signifies a spontaneous, free-will offering, a voluntary contribution given out of a generous and uncoerced heart. It implies a joyful and unburdened act of giving, distinct from mandatory tithes or sacrifices. The choice of this specific term emphasizes the internal disposition and eager spirit of the givers, highlighting that the quality of the offering is rooted in the giver's heart attitude rather than merely the material value. This concept is foundational to biblical principles of generosity.
* **"chief of the fathers" (Hebrew, _rashei ha'avot_):** This phrase refers to the heads of the ancestral houses or patriarchal clans within Israel. These were foundational leaders, representing the oldest and most established family lines, holding significant influence and authority within their respective kin groups. Their participation signifies the involvement of the most ancient and respected societal structures in the national endeavor.
* **"princes of the tribes" (Hebrew, _nesi'ei hashvatim_):** These were the official leaders or chieftains of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their role was to represent their respective tribes in national assemblies and affairs. Their inclusion alongside the "chief of the fathers" indicates a comprehensive representation of Israel's civil and tribal authority, ensuring that the offering was a truly national and unified effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel":** This clause identifies the highest echelons of Israelite civil and tribal leadership. The "chief of the fathers" represents the patriarchal heads of the extended families or clans, while the "princes of the tribes" are the designated leaders of each of the twelve tribes. Their immediate response signifies that the most influential and foundational elements of Israelite society were fully on board with David's vision for the Temple. This demonstrates a top-down commitment that would inspire the entire nation.
* **"and the captains of thousands and of hundreds":** This refers to the military leadership, specifically those commanding units of a thousand and a hundred soldiers. These individuals held significant administrative and executive power within the military structure. Their participation underscores that the national armed forces, representing strength and order, were also willingly contributing to the sacred project, demonstrating a holistic national commitment that transcended purely civil or religious spheres.
* **"with the rulers of the king's work":** This phrase denotes the administrators and overseers responsible for the king's various projects and public works. These were the civil servants and managers of the royal administration. Their inclusion shows that even those involved in the practical, day-to-day operations of the kingdom were eager to participate in the Temple construction, highlighting a unified effort across all sectors of national governance and administration.
* **"offered willingly":** This climactic phrase describes the nature of the leaders' contribution. It emphasizes that their giving was not coerced, obligatory, or begrudging, but rather spontaneous, voluntary, and from a generous heart. The Hebrew term implies a joyful and eager readiness to give, reflecting a deep spiritual devotion and alignment with David's vision and, more importantly, with God's will for His dwelling place. This willingness is the central theological point of the verse, underscoring God's desire for heartfelt devotion.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 29:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** is prominently used by listing the various categories of leaders: "the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work." This detailed listing serves to emphasize the comprehensive and unified nature of the response, demonstrating that all levels of authority and influence within Israel were involved in this act of generosity. It creates a sense of collective purpose and national solidarity. The phrase "offered willingly" acts as a powerful **climax** to this enumeration, providing the essential character of their collective action. This emphasis on "willingness" also serves as a form of **repetition of theme**, reinforcing the core message of heartfelt, uncoerced generosity that David himself had exemplified and called for. The leaders' actions also function as a **model** or **example**, setting a precedent for the rest of the nation to follow, which is indeed what happens in the subsequent verses (1 Chronicles 29:7-8).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The willing offerings of Israel's leaders in 1 Chronicles 29:6 resonate deeply with core biblical truths about God's desire for a heart-motivated response from His people. This act of spontaneous generosity for the building of God's house reflects a fundamental principle: God values the attitude of the giver more than the gift itself. Their "willingness" signifies devotion, love, and a recognition of God's supreme sovereignty and worthiness. This principle extends beyond material contributions to encompass all forms of service and dedication to God's kingdom. It teaches that true worship involves not just external acts but an internal disposition of joyful obedience and sacrificial love. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that our contributions to God's work, whether in resources, time, or talent, should flow from a heart that is eager to give, mirroring the overflowing generosity of God Himself.

* [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Israel's Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Deuteronomy 16:10](/deuteronomy/16-10 "Deuteronomy 16:10 - Freewill Offering in the Feast of Weeks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 29:6 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, transcending the specific context of Temple building. It challenges us to examine the posture of our hearts in all areas of service and giving to God. The "willingness" of the Israelite leaders reminds us that true generosity is not born out of compulsion, guilt, or a sense of obligation, but from a joyful and eager spirit that delights in contributing to God's purposes. This applies not only to financial contributions but also to the offering of our time, talents, and energy in ministry, community, and personal discipleship. Furthermore, the example of leadership is vital: those in positions of influence, whether in the church, family, or workplace, have a unique opportunity to inspire others through their own demonstrated commitment and generosity. When leaders sacrificially give of themselves, it cultivates a culture of devotion and participation throughout the entire community, fostering unity and collective endeavor for the advancement of God's kingdom. Our willingness to give reflects our love for God and our genuine desire to see His work flourish in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "willingness" of the leaders in 1 Chronicles 29:6 challenge my own attitude towards giving and service in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways can I, regardless of my formal position, lead by example in generosity and devotion within my community or church?**
* **What specific areas of my life (time, talent, treasure) might God be calling me to offer more willingly for His purposes?**
* **How does the unity of diverse leaders in this verse inspire me to seek greater collaboration for God's work in my context?**

### FAQ
**Why is "willingness" so emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: The emphasis on "willingness" (from the Hebrew root _nadav_) is crucial because it highlights God's desire for heart-motivated giving, not mere compliance or obligation. It signifies a spontaneous, uncoerced, and joyful act of generosity that flows from a heart devoted to God. This contrasts with mandatory offerings or forced labor and underscores that the quality of the offering is determined by the giver's internal disposition. God values genuine love and devotion over the sheer amount of the gift, as famously echoed in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver"), "God loveth a cheerful giver."

**What does "chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes" signify?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the highest levels of Israelite civil and tribal authority. The "chief of the fathers" were the patriarchal heads of the extended families or clans, representing the foundational social units. The "princes of the tribes" were the official leaders or chieftains of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their combined presence, along with military captains and royal administrators, signifies that the offering was a truly national effort, involving all significant spheres of leadership and demonstrating a unified commitment across the entire societal structure of Israel.

**How does this passage relate to giving in the New Testament church?**

Answer: This passage provides a foundational Old Testament principle that finds continuity and deeper meaning in the New Testament. The emphasis on "willingness" and cheerful giving directly foreshadows Paul's teachings on generosity in [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8 "Paul's Teaching on Generous Giving"), where he encourages believers to give "not grudgingly or under compulsion" but "as he purposes in his heart." Similarly, the unified effort of Israel's leaders for the Temple parallels the communal giving seen in the early church, where believers shared resources to meet needs and advance the gospel, as described in [Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32 "Community of Believers Sharing Resources"). Both testaments affirm that God delights in offerings that stem from a heart of love and devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The willing offerings of Israel's leaders for the physical Temple in 1 Chronicles 29:6 find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God. The Temple, for which these precious materials were gathered, served as a profound shadow of Christ, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Christ as the Fullness of God")). Just as the leaders "offered willingly" for the construction of God's house, so too did Christ, the ultimate leader, offer Himself willingly as the perfect sacrifice, laying down His life on the cross not under compulsion but out of boundless love for humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly"); [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, the unity of diverse leaders in this verse foreshadows the unity of the Church, the spiritual Temple of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Believers as a Holy Temple")). Our "willing offering" today is not merely material wealth for a physical structure, but our very lives presented as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, in response to Christ's supreme sacrifice ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 29:6 points us to the One who gave the ultimate willing offering, enabling us, through Him, to become part of God's eternal dwelling place.

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

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Isaiah 60:10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

1 Chronicles 27:25

And over the king's treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 27:1

¶ Now the children of Israel after their number, [to wit], the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course [were] twenty and four thousand.

1 Chronicles 27:15

The twelfth [captain] for the twelfth month [was] Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.