1 Chronicles 28 14

1 Chronicles 28:14 kjv

He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:

1 Chronicles 28:14 nkjv

He gave gold by weight for things of gold, for all articles used in every kind of service; also silver for all articles of silver by weight, for all articles used in every kind of service;

1 Chronicles 28:14 niv

He designated the weight of gold for all the gold articles to be used in various kinds of service, and the weight of silver for all the silver articles to be used in various kinds of service:

1 Chronicles 28:14 esv

the weight of gold for all golden vessels for each service, the weight of silver vessels for each service,

1 Chronicles 28:14 nlt

David gave instructions regarding how much gold and silver should be used to make the items needed for service.

1 Chronicles 28 verses

1 Chronicles 28 14 Meaning

1 Chronicles 28:14 outlines King David's precise and comprehensive instructions to his son Solomon for the construction of the Temple, specifically concerning the various gold and silver articles. The verse details that David provided exact specifications, including the specific weight of gold for all articles made of gold intended for every kind of service, and similarly, the precise weight of silver for all articles made of silver for all aspects of the Temple's worship and ministry. This emphasizes the divine precision and the immense value and significance attached to every item used in the service of God's house.

1 Chronicles 28 14 Context

Chapter Context: 1 Chronicles chapter 28 records King David's final public address and instructions concerning the building of the Temple. He designates Solomon as his successor to complete the divine project. David recounts how God chose Solomon for this task (v. 6), gives him the complete architectural plan "by the Spirit" (v. 11-12), and lists the precise amounts of gold and silver for specific items. Verse 14 is part of this detailed handing over of the divinely inspired blueprints and materials. The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, the importance of obedience, and David's deep commitment to the future worship center of Israel.

Historical/Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, temples were central to a nation's identity, a manifestation of their god's power and presence, and a place of offerings and worship. The use of vast quantities of gold and silver, often sourced from spoils of war or tribute, was common in royal and sacred constructions, signifying wealth, honor, and devotion to the deity. However, Israel's Temple distinguished itself by its specific divine origin for the blueprint (not man-made wisdom), its function as a dwelling for Yahweh's glory (not simply a statue's house), and the meticulous instructions provided by God himself. The precision in weighing materials for sacred objects was a practice found in ancient treasuries, ensuring accountability and adherence to standards, but here it has the added layer of fulfilling a divine mandate for a sacred purpose.

1 Chronicles 28 14 Word analysis

• for the gold (zahav - זָהָב): Refers to the precious, incorruptible metal, symbolic of divine glory, purity, holiness, and royalty. Its abundance and precise application emphasize the exalted nature of God and the worship dedicated to Him. In biblical thought, gold often signifies what is highest in value and quality, reserved for objects directly related to God's presence and honor.
• by weight (b'mishqal - בְּמִשְׁקָל): This crucial phrase indicates absolute precision, specific measurement, and adherence to an exact standard. It highlights that the materials were not merely given in general abundance but weighed precisely according to the divine blueprint. This denotes order, accountability, and the seriousness with which God's instructions were to be followed, contrasting with arbitrary or careless preparation. It underlines God's meticulous nature and His desire for intentional, well-ordered worship.
• for the articles of gold (likhley ha'zahav - לִכְלֵי הַזָּהָב): "Articles" (kelim) refers to vessels, implements, or utensils. These were not generic items but specific instruments, each designed and crafted for a particular sacred function within the Temple, such as lampstands, tables, altars, bowls, and other furnishings. Their golden nature elevates their sanctity and symbolic significance.
• for all the articles for every kind of service (ulkol hakelim likhley avodah v'avodah - וּלְכָל־הַכֵּלִים לִכְלֵי עֲבֹדָה וַעֲבֹדָה): This phrase underscores the comprehensiveness and thoroughness of the divine plan. "Every kind of service" (avodah) signifies various types of ministry, worship, and ritual actions carried out in the Temple. It implies that for every conceivable function—from lighting the lamps, preparing the bread, making offerings, to washing and cleansing—there was a specific, divinely ordained article of the prescribed material and weight. No aspect of service was overlooked or left to human improvisation, reinforcing God's demand for specific, reverent obedience in worship.
• also silver for all the articles of silver (v'hakesef likhley hakesef - וְהַכֶּסֶף לִכְלֵי הַכֶּסֶף): "Silver" (kesef) is another precious metal, significant for its value, but often ranked secondary to gold. In biblical contexts, silver is sometimes associated with redemption or atonement. Its specific allocation by weight indicates its own distinct and indispensable role in the Temple's various furnishings, often for components less visible or structurally vital but still sacred and functional.
• by weight (b'mishqal - בְּמִשְׁקָל): Repeated here for silver, emphasizing the same meticulous precision, accountability, and divine standard applies to silver articles as to gold ones. The divine blueprint did not differentiate in terms of exacting standards based on material value; all was to be done precisely.
• for all the articles for every kind of service (ulkol hakelim likhley avodah v'avodah - וּלְכָל־הַכֵּלִים לִכְלֵי עֲבֹדָה וַעֲבֹדָה): The identical phrasing emphasizes that both gold and silver were to be prepared with the same level of divine precision for their specific functions in every facet of the Temple's comprehensive service and worship.

1 Chronicles 28 14 Bonus section

• Continuity of Divine Design: The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 28:14 echoes the exact specifications God gave to Moses for the Tabernacle. This continuity reinforces the idea that God has always desired precise and holy worship according to His revealed will, not human invention (Exod 25:9, 40). It underlines a consistent divine pedagogy, guiding His people in sacred practice.
• The Spiritual Nature of the Gift: While the verse focuses on physical materials, the underlying spiritual principle is one of giving with excellence and according to God's standard. David had received these plans "by the Spirit" (1 Chron 28:12), transforming mere materials into components of a divine endeavor. This suggests that the quality and precision of one's outward service are reflective of the inner posture of reverence and obedience to God.
• Foundation for Later Temple Building: The very precise list of materials and their weight formed the basis for Solomon's work, documented in 2 Chronicles 2-4. This verse thus demonstrates David's critical role not only as a worshipper and warrior but also as the divinely appointed planner and provider for God's earthly dwelling place, even if he wasn't permitted to build it himself.

1 Chronicles 28 14 Commentary

1 Chronicles 28:14 reveals David's role as a faithful steward of God's revealed plan for the Temple. It emphasizes the divine origin and meticulous nature of the Temple's design, extending beyond general architectural layout to the precise specifications for every single item within. The repeated emphasis on "by weight" for both gold and silver underscores God's absolute demand for precision and order in His worship, leaving no room for approximation or human discretion in the execution of the divine blueprint. Each "article for every kind of service" implies that every function within the Temple, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, had its purpose and designated, precisely prepared utensil, highlighting a theology where every detail matters to God in the realm of sacred worship. This attention to detail served to reflect God's perfect character and the holiness required in approaching Him, mirroring the meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle given to Moses (Exod 25-40). For believers, this principles illustrates that our service and offerings to God should not be casual or half-hearted but delivered with intentionality, excellence, and a full understanding that every aspect of our devotion matters in His eyes. This can manifest in diligently using our gifts, carefully managing resources for His glory, and executing ministry tasks with a commitment to excellence.