1 Chronicles 29:9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

Then the people {H5971} rejoiced {H8055}, for that they offered willingly {H5068}, because with perfect {H8003} heart {H3820} they offered willingly {H5068} to the LORD {H3068}: and David {H1732} the king {H4428} also rejoiced {H8055} with great {H1419} joy {H8057}.

The people were filled with joy, because they had given willingly - wholeheartedly they had given willingly to ADONAI; and David the king too was completely filled with joy,

And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to Jehovah: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:9 describes a moment of profound joy and unity among the people of Israel and their king, David, as they willingly contributed to the future construction of the Temple. This verse beautifully encapsulates the spiritual satisfaction derived from selfless giving and collective devotion to God's purposes.

Context

This verse is situated at the climax of King David's preparations for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although God had chosen David's son, Solomon, to construct the Temple (due to David being a man of war, as noted in 1 Chronicles 22:8), David dedicated immense personal resources and energy to gather materials and inspire the nation. In the preceding verses of 1 Chronicles 29, David makes a magnificent personal offering and delivers a powerful prayer, challenging the leaders and the people to contribute. Verse 9 records their overwhelming and heartfelt response, leading to widespread rejoicing.

Key Themes

  • Willing and Generous Giving: The phrase "offered willingly" is repeated, emphasizing the voluntary and abundant nature of their contributions. This was not a forced tax but a joyful outpouring of resources, reflecting a deep desire to honor God.
  • Heartfelt Devotion: The crucial phrase "with perfect heart they offered willingly" highlights the sincerity and integrity behind their actions. Their generosity stemmed from an undivided and sincere devotion to the LORD, not from compulsion or obligation.
  • Joy in Giving: Both the people and King David experienced "great joy." This illustrates a profound biblical principle: genuine generosity, especially when directed toward God's work, brings immense spiritual satisfaction and delight. This echoes the sentiment found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, that God loves a cheerful giver.
  • Unified Purpose: The shared joy and collective willingness demonstrate a powerful unity among the nation and their king, all working together towards a common, God-ordained goal – the building of His house.

Linguistic Insight

The term "perfect heart" translates the Hebrew `shalem lev` (שָׁל֡ם ΧœΦ΅Χ‘). The word `shalem` means complete, whole, sound, or undivided. When applied to the heart, it signifies sincerity, integrity, and a complete, unreserved devotion to God. It implies that their offering was not just an external act, but flowed from an inner commitment and a heart fully aligned with God's will.

Practical Application

1 Chronicles 29:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Heart Matters Most: The value of our contributions to God's work, whether financial, time, or talent, is primarily determined by the heart from which it originates. God values a willing and sincere heart above the size of the gift. We are called to guard our hearts, for out of it flow the issues of life.
  • Joy in Service: Serving God and contributing to His kingdom should be a source of joy, not a burden. When done with a "perfect heart," giving becomes an act of worship that brings spiritual fulfillment and delight.
  • Unity in Mission: This verse inspires communities of faith to unite with a shared vision and purpose, willingly contributing their resources and efforts to advance God's kingdom, fostering an environment of collective joy and accomplishment.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 (6 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8 (6 votes)

    And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:3 (4 votes)

    For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

  • 1 Kings 8:61 (4 votes)

    Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 (3 votes)

    I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

  • John 15:11 (3 votes)

    These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

  • Philippians 4:10 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.