1 Chronicles 29:8

KJV

And they with whom [precious] stones were found gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they with whom precious stones {H68} were found {H4672} gave {H5414} them to the treasure {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, by the hand {H3027} of Jehiel {H3171} the Gershonite {H1649}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who had precious stones gave them to the storehouse of the house of ADONAI, supervised by Yechi'el the Gershuni.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.

American Standard Version

And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of Jehovah, under the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 29:8 vividly portrays the Israelite community's collective and willing generosity, specifically detailing their contribution of valuable precious stones towards the immense treasury designated for the future Temple in Jerusalem. This act of giving follows King David's fervent appeal and his own exemplary sacrificial offering, underscoring the people's unified and heartfelt response. The verse meticulously notes that these costly materials were carefully collected and managed for God's sacred dwelling by the trusted hand of Jehiel the Gershonite, a Levite, thereby highlighting the meticulous stewardship involved in handling consecrated gifts for divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 29:8 is strategically positioned within the climactic final chapter of King David's reign, which is entirely dedicated to the preparations for the construction of the Temple. Having been divinely prohibited from building the Temple himself, David dedicates his later years to amassing vast resources and meticulously planning its design, a task his son Solomon will ultimately complete. The chapter opens with David's poignant public address, where he not only presents his own extravagant personal offering for the Temple ([1 Chronicles 29:3](/1_chronicles/29-3 "David's Personal Offering")) but also issues a profound challenge to the leaders and the entire congregation to follow his example and give willingly ([1 Chronicles 29:5](/1_chronicles/29-5 "David's Challenge to Give Willingly")). Verses 6-7 then record the immediate and overwhelming response of the tribal leaders and officials, who contribute significant quantities of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Verse 8 specifically highlights the contribution of "precious stones," demonstrating the comprehensive and diverse nature of the people's offerings, signifying that no valuable material was withheld. This verse sets the stage for the outpouring of joy and David's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving that immediately follows in [1 Chronicles 29:9-20](/1_chronicles/29-9 "The People's Joyful Giving and David's Prayer"), emphasizing the pure heart behind the collective giving.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a permanent, central sanctuary was a monumental and deeply significant undertaking in ancient Israel, serving as the tangible symbol of God's abiding presence among His chosen people. Prior to the Temple, the portable Tabernacle also required substantial, willing contributions of precious materials from the Israelites ([Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Offerings for the Tabernacle")). In the ancient Near East, precious stones were incredibly valuable, often imported from distant lands, and were primarily used for royal and priestly adornment, sacred objects (such as the High Priest's breastplate, detailed in [Exodus 28:17-21](/exodus/28-17 "Stones for the High Priest's Breastplate")), and as potent symbols of immense wealth and status. Their contribution for the Temple thus signifies the people's profound desire to offer the absolute finest and most beautiful materials to God, reflecting His supreme majesty and worthiness of excellence. The specific mention of Jehiel the Gershonite, a Levite, underscores the established and highly organized system of temple administration, where Levites were divinely appointed to manage sacred treasuries and materials, ensuring order, integrity, and meticulous accountability in the handling of all consecrated gifts.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that resonate throughout 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Generosity and Willingness**, showcasing the Israelite community's enthusiastic and voluntary response to David's call, mirroring David's own passionate heart for God's work. This theme is further amplified in [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "The People Give Willingly"), which explicitly states that the people gave "with a perfect heart." Secondly, the offering of "precious stones" highlights the theme of **Value and Beauty in Worship**, signifying the profound desire to dedicate the most valuable and aesthetically pleasing materials to God's dwelling, a tangible expression of His immense glory and worthiness of the highest honor. Thirdly, the specific mention of Jehiel the Gershonite underscores the critical theme of **Stewardship and Accountability** in handling sacred resources, a foundational aspect of faithful service to God and His kingdom. Finally, the collective act of giving by "they with whom precious stones were found" powerfully demonstrates the **Unity in Purpose** of the entire nation, rallying together under David's inspired leadership for a divinely ordained project, a central emphasis of the Chronicler's narrative on a unified, worshiping Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While commonly meaning a physical dwelling, in this context, _bayith_ refers specifically to the "house of the LORD," which is the Temple. This word carries profound theological weight, indicating not just a structure but the designated place of God's presence among His people. The contributions, including precious stones, were intended to make this divine dwelling magnificent, reflecting the glory and holiness of the One who would reside there. The concept of God's "house" underscores the covenantal relationship and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
* **Treasure (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to store up," _ʼôwtsâr_ denotes a depository, storehouse, or treasury for valuable items, often specifically for royal or sacred purposes. In 1 Chronicles 29:8, it refers to the dedicated repository within the future Temple where consecrated offerings were meticulously kept. The use of "treasure" emphasizes the sacred nature of these contributions and the organized, systematic approach required to manage the vast resources for such a monumental project. It implies careful preservation and purposeful allocation of these holy gifts, ensuring they were safeguarded for their intended divine use.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word, _yâd_, literally means "hand," but in this context, "by the hand of Jehiel" is a **metonymy** for his agency, authority, and administrative oversight. It signifies that Jehiel was the designated official responsible for receiving, recording, and safeguarding these precious contributions. His role underscores the importance of proper administration, accountability, and integrity in handling consecrated gifts for God's house. It demonstrates that while the giving was voluntary and from the heart, the management of these sacred resources was meticulously organized and entrusted to appointed, reliable individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they with whom [precious] stones were found":** This opening clause identifies the givers as individuals who possessed these valuable gems, indicating that the contribution extended beyond the initial offerings of the leaders to the wider populace. The phrase "were found" suggests that these were existing possessions, highlighting a willingness to part with personal wealth and cherished items for a sacred purpose, rather than acquiring new ones specifically for this offering. It emphasizes the breadth of participation and the depth of personal sacrifice.
* **"gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD":** This is the central action of the verse, articulating the direct purpose and recipient of the gifts. The act of "giving" is voluntary and directed specifically towards "the treasure of the house of the LORD," emphasizing that these offerings were consecrated for God's dwelling place, not for human gain or personal glory. This highlights the theological principle that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and giving back to Him is an act of worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and worthiness.
* **"by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite":** This concluding phrase specifies the administrative channel through which the gifts were received. "By the hand of" signifies Jehiel's role as the appointed official responsible for collecting, recording, and safeguarding these precious contributions. His identification as a Gershonite Levite confirms his authority and responsibility within the Temple's financial and material management system, ensuring that the offerings were handled with integrity, order, and accountability, reflecting God's demand for order in worship and administration.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several impactful literary devices in this verse and its surrounding context to underscore the profound significance of the people's giving. **Synecdoche** is evident in the phrase "by the hand of Jehiel," where "hand" represents the entire person and their administrative authority, integrity, and meticulous responsibility in managing the sacred treasury. This highlights the personal oversight and trustworthiness involved. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play with the "precious stones" themselves; they symbolize not only immense material wealth but also the people's deep reverence, their desire to offer their very best, and the inherent value they placed on God's dwelling. The act of giving these costly items becomes a powerful symbolic representation of their devoted and generous hearts. Furthermore, the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "David's Final Charge and Offerings") utilizes **Repetition** of the theme of willing and joyful giving, beginning with David's exemplary offering and extending to the leaders and the people, reinforcing the communal, heartfelt, and widespread nature of their contributions. The Chronicler's careful detailing of the specific materials, including precious stones, serves to underscore the lavishness and completeness of the offerings, a testament to God's supreme worthiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 29:8 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring biblical principles of willing and sacrificial giving, demonstrating that true worship involves offering our most valuable possessions to God. The contribution of "precious stones" signifies a profound desire to give not merely what is sufficient or convenient, but what is excellent, beautiful, and costly, reflecting the infinite worth and majesty of the God being honored. This act of giving is not merely a transactional duty but a deeply spiritual expression of devotion, acknowledging God as the ultimate owner of all things, from whom all blessings flow. The meticulous collection "by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite" also highlights the crucial biblical emphasis on good stewardship and accountability for resources dedicated to God's work, ensuring integrity, transparency, and divine order in the administration of sacred trusts. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that the heart of the giver, characterized by profound generosity and an unwavering desire for God's glory, is paramount in all acts of worship and service.

* [Exodus 35:27](/exodus/35-27 "Leaders' Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 29:8 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers regarding our approach to giving and stewardship in the modern age. It challenges us to move beyond mere obligation and consider the quality, intention, and sacrificial nature of our offerings to God. Just as the Israelites gave their "precious stones"—their most valuable, rare, and beautiful possessions—for the physical dwelling place of God, we are similarly called to offer our "precious" resources today. This includes not only our financial wealth but also our irreplaceable time, unique talents, spiritual gifts, and indeed, our very lives, for the advancement of His kingdom and the building up of His spiritual house, the Church. The emphasis in this verse is not on the sheer quantity of the gift, but profoundly on the heart of the giver—a willing, joyful, and sacrificial spirit that flows from a deep recognition of God's supreme worthiness and His ultimate ownership of all things. This passage powerfully reminds us that giving is a deeply spiritual act of worship, an intimate expression of our love, devotion, and gratitude, rather than merely a duty or a transactional obligation. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Jehiel the Gershonite underscores the timeless importance of integrity, transparency, and meticulous accountability in handling resources dedicated to God's work within our churches, ministries, and personal lives today. We are all stewards of God's abundant blessings, entrusted with the sacred responsibility to manage them faithfully and honorably for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "precious stones" (valuable resources, unique talents, irreplaceable time, deep affections) do I possess that the Lord might be calling me to offer for His kingdom work today?**
* **Am I giving to God's work with a "perfect heart" and a spirit of joyful willingness, or out of a sense of obligation, compulsion, or a desire for recognition?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure greater integrity, transparency, and accountability in my personal stewardship of God's resources and in the ministries I support?**
* **How does my current pattern of giving truly reflect the supreme value I place on God, His presence, and the advancement of His eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of collecting "precious stones" for the Temple?**

Answer: The primary purpose of collecting "precious stones" for the Temple was to adorn and beautify God's dwelling place, making it a magnificent and fitting sanctuary for the presence of the Lord. These stones, being rare and costly, symbolized the immense value, reverence, and honor the Israelites placed on God and His sanctuary. Their inclusion was an act of lavish devotion, intended to reflect God's glory and majesty, ensuring that His house was built with the finest and most beautiful materials available, as outlined in David's divinely inspired plans for the Temple in [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11 "David's Plans for the Temple"). It was an offering of excellence, not merely utility.

**Who was Jehiel the Gershonite, and why is his role specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Jehiel the Gershonite was a Levite, a member of the Gershonite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites who were assigned specific duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple service. His role as the one "by the hand of" whom the precious stones were given signifies his designated position as a treasurer or overseer responsible for collecting, recording, and managing the vast offerings for the Temple. His specific mention highlights the critical importance of proper administration, integrity, and meticulous accountability in handling sacred contributions. It assures the reader that these immensely valuable gifts were not handled haphazardly but were entrusted to a designated, reliable individual, emphasizing the meticulous organization involved in the Temple's construction and financial management, a theme also seen in other Levite roles concerning treasuries in [1 Chronicles 26:20-28](/1_chronicles/26-20 "Levite Treasurers and Officials").

**Does this verse imply that only the wealthy or those with "precious stones" could contribute to the Temple?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that only the wealthy could contribute to the Temple. While it specifically mentions the contribution of "precious stones" by those who possessed them, the broader context of [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "David's Call for Temple Offerings") clearly emphasizes that David's call to give was for all the people, and contributions included a wide array of materials like gold, silver, bronze, and iron ([1 Chronicles 29:7](/1_chronicles/29-7 "Leaders' Offerings")). The key emphasis throughout the entire chapter is on the *willingness* and *heart* of the giver, as powerfully seen in [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "The People Give Willingly"), where it states the people gave "with a perfect heart." This principle aligns perfectly with New Testament teachings that consistently emphasize the spirit and intention of giving over the material value or quantity of the gift, as beautifully illustrated in the account of the widow's mite in [Mark 12:41-44](/mark/12-41 "The Widow's Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 29:8, with its vivid depiction of the Israelite people's willing contribution of "precious stones" for the construction of God's earthly dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The magnificent earthly Temple, for which these costly gifts were so lavishly given, was always a shadow and a powerful symbol of God's ultimate desire to dwell intimately among His people. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the physical structure, but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical edifice adorned with precious stones, but is fully embodied in the very person of Jesus, the true and living Temple, who is Himself infinitely more precious and valuable than any earthly gem or material treasure ([1 Peter 2:4-7](/1_peter/2-4 "Christ, the Living Stone")). Furthermore, through Christ's redemptive work, believers are transformed into the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and are built as "living stones" into a spiritual house for God's dwelling ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones")). Our "precious stones" now are not material offerings for a physical building, but our lives, our spiritual gifts, our transformed hearts, and our worship, offered in joyful and willing response to the ultimate "treasure" given for us: Christ's perfect and complete sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")). The meticulous stewardship and integrity seen in Jehiel's role in the Old Testament are perfectly echoed and surpassed in Christ's flawless management of God's redemptive plan, culminating in His complete and perfect sacrifice, which secures for us an eternal dwelling with God in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells Among His People")).

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 23:8

The sons of Laadan; the chief [was] Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

1 Chronicles 26:21

[As concerning] the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, [even] of Laadan the Gershonite, [were] Jehieli.

1 Chronicles 26:22

The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, [which were] over the treasures of the house of the LORD.