1 Chronicles 29:5

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?

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}?

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?"

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?”

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

1 Chronicles 29:5 records King David's powerful appeal to the people of Israel as they prepared to build the Lord's Temple. This verse encapsulates both the practical need for resources and the spiritual call for willing hearts in service to God.

Context

This verse is part of King David's final public address and preparations for the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which his son, Solomon, would ultimately build. David, prevented by God from building it himself due to his involvement in warfare (1 Chronicles 22:8), had meticulously gathered immense wealth and materials over many years (1 Chronicles 22:14). In this chapter, David first presents his own substantial personal contributions and then challenges the leaders and the people to join him in this grand spiritual endeavor. Verse 5 is a direct invitation, following David's personal example and his declaration of God's sovereignty and ownership of all things.

Key Themes

  • Willingness and Consecration: The core of the verse lies in the 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 to the heart's posture in serving God.
  • Generosity and Stewardship: While David had already set an extraordinary example of giving, he calls the people to mirror this generosity, recognizing that all wealth comes from God and is to be used for His purposes (1 Chronicles 29:14).
  • Skilled Labor and Material Provision: The first 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 for God's work.
  • Collective Participation: The Temple project was a monumental undertaking requiring the collective effort and unified spirit of an entire nation, demonstrating the power of community in fulfilling God's plans.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "consecrate his service" translates from the Hebrew root nadav (נָדַב), which means "to offer willingly," "to volunteer," or "to be noble in giving." It signifies an offering made from a free and generous spirit, not under compulsion or obligation. This concept of a "willing heart" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament regarding offerings to God, notably seen in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

This verse continues to resonate deeply today, challenging believers to examine their own willingness to contribute to God's work. It's not just about financial giving, but also about offering our time, talents, and energy with a willing heart. Just as gold, silver, and the hands of artificers were needed for the Temple, God still uses diverse gifts—from leadership and teaching to practical skills and humble service—when offered with a spirit of consecration. Our service, whether grand or small, should be characterized by a joyful and voluntary spirit, recognizing that it is all unto the Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 35:5 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Ezra 7:15 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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: