1 Chronicles 29:7

KJV

And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

KJV (with Strong's)

And gave {H5414} for the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430} of gold {H2091} five {H2568} thousand {H505} talents {H3603} and ten thousand {H7239} drams {H150}, and of silver {H3701} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} talents {H3603}, and of brass {H5178} eighteen {H8083}{H7239} thousand {H505} talents {H3603}, and one hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} talents {H3603} of iron {H1270}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They gave for the service of the house of God 165 tons of gold, 330 tons of silver, 594 tons of bronze and 3,300 tons of iron.

Berean Standard Bible

Toward the service of God’s house they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron.

American Standard Version

and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand darics, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and of iron a hundred thousand talents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:7 meticulously records the extraordinary and voluntary contributions of the Israelite leaders and heads of families towards the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse, detailing immense quantities of gold, silver, bronze, and iron, stands as a powerful testament to the people's profound devotion, unity, and unparalleled generosity in response to King David's vision for a permanent dwelling place for God. It highlights a moment of national spiritual fervor and collective commitment to a sacred endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final chapters of 1 Chronicles, which focus intensely on King David's preparations for the Temple. Having been divinely prohibited 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 dedicates his remaining years to meticulously gathering materials, organizing the Levites and priests, and instructing his son Solomon. Immediately preceding [1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple"), David himself offers a colossal personal contribution and then issues a fervent challenge to the leaders and people to give willingly ([1 Chronicles 29:5](/1_chronicles/29-5 "1 Chronicles 29:5 - David's Challenge to Give")). Verse 7, therefore, serves as the direct, overwhelming response to that appeal, showcasing the immediate and tangible outcome of David's spiritual leadership and the people's willing hearts. It sets the stage for David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving in [1 Chronicles 29:10-19](/1_chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10-19 - David's Prayer of Thanksgiving").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the zenith of King David's reign, a time of relative peace and prosperity for Israel, following numerous military victories and the consolidation of the kingdom. The concept of a permanent Temple was revolutionary, as God had previously dwelt in the portable Tabernacle. Building such a grand structure required immense resources and skilled labor, reflecting the societal organization and economic capacity of the Davidic kingdom. The voluntary nature of the giving, rather than a forced levy, speaks to the deeply ingrained religious devotion and the cultural understanding of giving as an act of worship and covenant faithfulness. Leaders, as representatives of their tribes and families, were expected to set an example, and their lavish contributions underscored their commitment to the national religious identity centered on Yahweh. The sheer scale of the wealth mentioned also provides insight into the economic power and trade networks established during David's prosperous rule.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogy and David's Reign"). Foremost is the theme of **Extraordinary Generosity and Willingness**, where the colossal quantities of materials underscore an unprecedented level of voluntary giving, far beyond mere obligation. This generosity is intrinsically linked to **Devotion to God's House**, demonstrating the people's deep reverence for Yahweh and their understanding of the Temple's central role in their worship and national identity as the place where God would dwell among them. The collective effort of the leaders in amassing such wealth also highlights the theme of **Unity in Purpose**, showcasing a remarkable solidarity and shared vision in response to David's challenge, resulting in an abundance that ensured the Temple's grandeur. Finally, the availability of such immense wealth implicitly points to **Divine Provision**, suggesting God's blessing upon Israel during David's reign, enabling them to make such lavish contributions, thereby reinforcing the principle that all blessings ultimately originate from God, and it is from His abundance that humanity gives ([1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Acknowledgment of God's Ownership")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talent (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** This term refers to a very large unit of weight, not a coin, typically ranging from 75 to 125 pounds (approx. 34-57 kg) depending on the metal and period. In the context of precious metals like gold and silver, a "talent" represented an immense quantity of wealth. The mention of "five thousand talents" of gold and "ten thousand talents" of silver signifies an astronomical sum, far exceeding any ordinary donation and emphasizing the unparalleled scale of the contributions.
* **Dram (Hebrew, _darkĕmôn'_):** This unit of gold weight, possibly of Persian origin (related to the Persian daric), was considerably smaller than a talent, often weighing around 8.4 grams. While smaller, "ten thousand drams" of gold still represents a substantial quantity, adding precision to the gold contribution and indicating a meticulous accounting of the diverse forms of wealth donated. The inclusion of this smaller unit alongside the massive "talents" suggests a comprehensive collection of all available precious metals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And gave for the service of the house of God":** This initial phrase clearly states the purpose and destination of the offerings. It was not for personal gain, a king's treasury, or military endeavors, but specifically "for the service of the house of God," emphasizing the sacred and devotional nature of the contributions. This highlights the people's understanding that their wealth was being consecrated for divine purposes, for the establishment of God's dwelling place and the facilitation of worship.
* **"of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams":** This specifies the first and most valuable metal contributed. The combination of "talents" and "drams" indicates both large bulk contributions and smaller, yet still significant, quantities of gold. The "five thousand talents" alone represents an almost unfathomable amount of gold, demonstrating extraordinary wealth and generosity.
* **"and of silver ten thousand talents":** Following gold, silver is listed, also in an immense quantity. Silver was a primary medium of exchange and a significant store of wealth in the ancient world. The "ten thousand talents" of silver further underscores the vastness of the resources dedicated to the Temple project, reflecting the collective prosperity and willingness of the contributors.
* **"and of brass eighteen thousand talents":** Bronze (often translated as "brass" in older versions) was crucial for many Temple implements, vessels, and structural components. While less valuable than gold or silver, "eighteen thousand talents" of bronze is an enormous quantity, indicating the extensive material needs for the Temple's construction and furnishings, and the people's commitment to providing even the more common, yet essential, materials in abundance.
* **"and one hundred thousand talents of iron":** Iron, essential for tools, structural reinforcement, and various fixtures, is listed in the largest quantity by weight. "One hundred thousand talents" of iron points to the sheer scale of the construction project, requiring massive amounts of durable material. This final figure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the donations, covering every necessary material from the most precious to the most utilitarian, all in overwhelming abundance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple") to convey the magnitude of the contributions. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a precise list of materials and their exact quantities is provided. This detailed listing serves to impress upon the reader the sheer volume and value of the offerings, leaving no doubt about the extraordinary generosity. The use of such immense figures, particularly for gold, silver, and iron, borders on **Hyperbole** or at least **Exaggeration for Emphasis**, as the numbers are so vast they almost defy immediate comprehension, thereby underscoring the unparalleled nature of the people's devotion. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical abundance of the materials symbolizes the spiritual abundance of the people's hearts and their unified commitment to God's dwelling place. The meticulous accounting reflects the Chronicler's interest in demonstrating the comprehensive and willing participation of all segments of Israelite society in this foundational act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple") profoundly illustrates the theological principle that true worship often manifests in generous, willing, and sacrificial giving, not from compulsion but from a heart overflowed with gratitude and devotion. The immense quantities of precious metals and other materials signify that the people understood the sacredness of the Temple project and desired to honor God with their very best. This act of collective giving also underscores the theme of stewardship, recognizing that all wealth ultimately belongs to God, and humanity is merely entrusted with its management. Their unified response to David's call reflects a communal spiritual revival and a deep-seated desire to participate in God's redemptive plan for Israel, establishing a central place of worship and covenant renewal.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearts for the Tabernacle")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishing generosity recorded in [1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple") serves as a powerful and enduring challenge for believers today. It calls us to examine the depth of our own devotion and the willingness of our hearts to contribute to God's work. The Israelites gave not out of obligation, but from a profound desire to see God's house established, reflecting a spirit of cheerful and sacrificial giving. This passage reminds us that our resources, talents, and time are ultimately gifts from God, and true stewardship involves offering them back to Him for the advancement of His kingdom. Whether supporting local church ministries, global missions, or acts of compassion, our giving should flow from a heart of gratitude and a shared vision for God's purposes in the world, recognizing that our contributions, however great or small, are part of a larger, divine tapestry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the scale of giving in 1 Chronicles 29:7 reveal about the Israelite leaders' understanding of God and His dwelling place?**
* **How does the "willing heart" of the givers in this passage challenge my own approach to generosity and stewardship?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the principle of contributing my "best" to God's service today, beyond just financial resources?**
* **How does collective generosity, as seen here, foster unity and shared purpose within a community of faith?**

### FAQ

**What was the approximate modern value of the contributions listed in 1 Chronicles 29:7?**

Answer: While a precise modern equivalent is difficult to calculate due to fluctuating metal prices, different historical weights for "talent" and "dram," and the incomparable economic contexts, the value was astronomically high. Using conservative estimates (e.g., a gold talent at ~75 lbs, silver talent at ~75 lbs, current metal prices), the gold alone (5,000 talents + 10,000 drams) would be worth billions of U.S. dollars. The silver (10,000 talents) would add hundreds of millions, and the bronze and iron, while less valuable per unit, were in such vast quantities that they would represent significant additional wealth. The total sum represents an unprecedented national offering, demonstrating immense wealth and devotion, far beyond what any single individual or even a modern nation might contribute to a single religious project. It truly underscores the statement in [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - David's Prayer: All Things Come From God") that "all things come from you, and from your own have we given you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish contributions for the earthly Temple in [1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "1 Chronicles 29:7 - Leaders' Contributions to the Temple") find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical edifice, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate Temple of God. While the Old Testament Temple was a shadow and a type, pointing to God's desire to dwell among His people, Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). The immense material wealth offered by Israel's leaders pales in comparison to the infinitely more precious "offering" of Christ Himself, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). The Old Testament giving was for a house made with hands; the New Testament fulfillment is the giving of God's own Son, who, through His sacrifice, built a spiritual temple, the Church, composed of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in the Spiritual House")), where God truly dwells by His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Thus, the generosity of Israel foreshadows the ultimate, incomparable generosity of God in Christ, providing the means for true worship and eternal dwelling with Him.

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

Ezra 2:69

They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

Nehemiah 7:70

And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

Nehemiah 7:71

And [some] of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.