1 Chronicles 29:2 kjv
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
1 Chronicles 29:2 nkjv
Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance.
1 Chronicles 29:2 niv
With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God?gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble?all of these in large quantities.
1 Chronicles 29:2 esv
So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble.
1 Chronicles 29:2 nlt
Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the Temple of my God. Now there is enough gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble.
1 Chronicles 29 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 35:5 | "Take from among you an offering to the LORD... gold, silver, and bronze..." | Voluntary offerings for the Tabernacle. |
| Exod 35:21 | "Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit was willing came..." | Willingness in giving to God. |
| 1 Chr 22:5 | "David said, 'Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent..." | David's great care for the temple's glory. |
| 1 Chr 28:11 | Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the portico... | David meticulously planned and provided. |
| 1 Kgs 6:7 | "The house was built of stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard..." | Care in preparing building materials. |
| 2 Chr 2:7 | "So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics..." | Temple materials requiring great skill. |
| Hag 1:8 | "Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD. | God's desire for His house to be built. |
| Zech 4:7 | "...'Grace, grace to it!'" | Divine grace enables temple completion. |
| Ezra 7:27 | "Blessed be the LORD... who has put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD..." | God inspiring hearts to adorn His house. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." | Principles of cheerful and willing giving. |
| Phil 4:19 | "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." | God providing resources. |
| Prov 3:9 | "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce..." | Honoring God with resources. |
| John 2:17 | "His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'" | Passion for God's house (David's heart). |
| Ps 27:4 | "One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life..." | Desire to dwell in God's presence. |
| Isa 60:5 | "...the wealth of the nations shall come to you." | Nations bringing glory and resources to Zion. |
| Isa 60:7 | "...I will make my beautiful house more glorious." | God glorifying His house. |
| Rev 21:18 | "The wall of the city was built of jasper, and the city itself was pure gold, like clear glass." | Description of the New Jerusalem's materials. |
| Rev 21:19 | "The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel..." | Heavenly temple with precious stones. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | "...you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house..." | Believers as living stones in God's house. |
| Heb 3:3-4 | "For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses... For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God." | Christ's superiority in building God's house. |
| Rom 12:1 | "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." | Presenting one's all to God. |
| Eph 2:21 | "In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." | The church as a growing, holy temple. |
1 Chronicles 29 verses
1 Chronicles 29 2 Meaning
1 Chronicles 29:2 describes King David's extensive and wholehearted preparation of a vast array of materials for the future temple, "the house of my God." It emphasizes his diligence and dedication in gathering diverse precious and essential resources, including various metals, woods, and a wide assortment of rare and glittering stones, all prepared in great abundance for this sacred purpose. This demonstrates his personal commitment to glorifying God through the finest possible construction for His dwelling place.
1 Chronicles 29 2 Context
Chapter 29 of 1 Chronicles marks the culmination of David's preparations for the Temple. Having been prevented by God from building the Temple himself due to his involvement in warfare (1 Chr 22:8), David instead dedicated a significant portion of his reign to accumulating an enormous treasury of materials. This verse (29:2) follows David's public declaration in 1 Chr 29:1, where he presents Solomon as God's chosen builder and underscores the monumental task ahead. It vividly illustrates the personal effort and vast resources David meticulously gathered, setting an extraordinary example of devotion before he asks the people to contribute as well. Historically, building a grand temple was a significant act for a nation, signifying their power and their devotion to their deity. For Israel, it was uniquely focused on Yahweh, emphasizing His singular glory and His dwelling among His people. David's comprehensive preparations ensured that the house of the Lord would be a structure of unparalleled magnificence, reflecting the glory and majesty of the God it was intended to honor.
1 Chronicles 29 2 Word analysis
- "Now I have prepared":
- Hebrew: ’hakîntiy (הֲכִינוֹתִי) – "I have made ready," "I have established." This perfect tense verb implies a completed action with lasting results, indicating David's persistent and systematic effort over an extended period. It speaks of forethought and diligent arrangement.
- Significance: David's commitment was not a fleeting impulse but a sustained, deliberate undertaking.
- "with all my might":
- Hebrew: beḵol-kōḥî (בְּכָל־כֹּחִי) – Literally, "with all my strength" or "power." This phrase conveys maximal exertion, demonstrating total dedication and unreserved effort, without holding anything back. It aligns with the biblical injunction to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.
- Significance: It highlights the totality of David's commitment and devotion to the Lord’s house.
- "for the house of my God":
- Hebrew: levêt ’ĕlōhay (לְבֵית אֱלֹהַי) – "for the house of my God." The possessive "my God" underscores David's personal, intimate relationship with Yahweh, indicating that his motivation stemmed from deep, personal devotion, not merely kingly obligation. The "house" is God's designated dwelling among His people.
- Significance: The primary purpose and motivation for all this effort was the worship and glory of the living God, not personal aggrandizement.
- "the gold for the things to be made of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood":
- Significance: This specific listing of common construction materials, from most precious to foundational, demonstrates thoroughness. It covers both the ornate and the essential, indicating meticulous planning for every aspect of the Temple's construction, from vessels to structural components.
- "onyx stones, and stones to be set, glittering stones of diverse colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance":
- Hebrew for "onyx": šōham (שֹׁהַם), a valuable gemstone often associated with the priestly ephod.
- Hebrew for "stones to be set": milû’îm (מִלּוּאִים), suggesting stones specifically cut and prepared for inlay or intricate work.
- Hebrew for "glittering stones of diverse colors": The word for "glittering" (pûḵ) can refer to dazzling, shining quality, sometimes associated with antimony or kohl (a dark eye-paint), conveying a deep, vibrant sheen. This, combined with "diverse colors," points to their visual splendor.
- Hebrew for "all manner of precious stones": ’avenî yeqar (אֲבָנֵי יְקָר) – encompassing every kind of costly and highly valued stone.
- Hebrew for "marble stones": šiš (שֵׁשׁ) – referring to white, possibly veined, stone often used for opulent structures.
- Hebrew for "in abundance": lārōḇ (לָרֹב) – emphasizing overwhelming quantity and lavish provision.
- Significance: The inclusion of rare and luxurious stones indicates an intention to make the Temple supremely beautiful and glorious, going beyond mere functionality. The variety and "abundance" highlight the extravagant nature of David's giving, valuing God's dwelling above all earthly treasures.
1 Chronicles 29 2 Bonus section
- David's detailed catalog of materials in this verse sets the stage for the public contributions of the people mentioned later in the chapter, demonstrating leadership by example. His personal sacrifice prefaces his call to the nation.
- The meticulous preparation of the earthly Temple's materials foreshadows the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, built with incredibly precious stones and pure gold, emphasizing the heavenly prototype of God's perfect dwelling place.
- This verse subtly portrays David's theology: the very best of earthly treasures is deemed suitable for the service and worship of the God of Israel, acknowledging His supreme majesty and worth. It also signifies the stability and permanence David desired for the worship of God, in contrast to the Tabernacle's mobile nature.
- The focus on the quantity and quality of the materials highlights that giving to God's work should be both generous in volume and excellent in standard.
1 Chronicles 29 2 Commentary
1 Chronicles 29:2 stands as a profound testament to King David's personal, unparalleled devotion to God. Having received God's design for the Temple, he poured his "all" into gathering resources, not merely delegating, but passionately participating "with all my might." This was a deliberate and protracted effort, reflecting a heart captivated by God's glory and a deep desire to provide a magnificent dwelling for the divine presence. The exhaustive list of materials—from foundational metals to the most exquisite, glittering stones—underscores the meticulousness and boundless generosity. It was not just sufficient material, but material "in abundance," indicative of a Spirit-driven overflow, mirroring the unlimited worth of God Himself. David understood that giving one's absolute best, indeed everything possible, was the appropriate response to the Lord's goodness. His example calls believers to likewise devote their fullest energy, talent, and resources not just adequately but abundantly for the Kingdom of God, seeking to honor Christ who is the true temple and cornerstone. This foundational act of David inspires extravagant, cheerful giving for God’s purposes, not as an obligation, but as an overflow of love and gratitude.