1 Chronicles 29 4

1 Chronicles 29:4 kjv

Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

1 Chronicles 29:4 nkjv

three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses;

1 Chronicles 29:4 niv

three thousand talents of gold (gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, for the overlaying of the walls of the buildings,

1 Chronicles 29:4 esv

3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house,

1 Chronicles 29:4 nlt

I am donating more than 112 tons of gold from Ophir and 262 tons of refined silver to be used for overlaying the walls of the buildings

1 Chronicles 29 verses

1 Chronicles 29 4 Meaning

First Chronicles 29:4 details a portion of King David's immense personal contribution for the building of the Lord's Temple. It specifies the astonishing quantities of precious metals: three thousand talents of pure Ophir gold and seven thousand talents of refined silver. These valuable materials were designated for the purpose of meticulously overlaying and adorning the various walls and structures within the sanctuary complex, signifying the unparalleled honor and glory dedicated to God's dwelling place.

1 Chronicles 29 4 Context

This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 29, which details David's final public act as king before passing the throne to Solomon. David had long desired to build a permanent Temple for the Lord, a task he was forbidden from undertaking due to his participation in warfare. Despite this, he dedicated his later years to diligently preparing the necessary materials and plans for his son, Solomon, who would eventually execute the project.

Chapter 29 opens with David's humble admission that he has prepared extensively for "the house of my God" (1 Chr 29:2), describing the incredible quantities of various materials he amassed. Verse 4 then zeroes in on a staggering personal contribution from David himself. This offering is distinct from the general preparations mentioned earlier, serving as a powerful example of devoted generosity. The verse sets the stage for David's challenge to the leaders and people (1 Chr 29:5) to give willingly, culminating in their joyful and immense response. Historically, this account highlights the immense wealth of the Israelite kingdom under David and their profound reverence for God. Culturally, constructing such a magnificent sanctuary demonstrated the nation's identity as God's people, with a designated sacred space for worship and divine presence, differentiating them from surrounding nations whose temples often glorified human rulers or false deities.

1 Chronicles 29 4 Word analysis

• three thousand talents: A 'talent' (Hebrew: kikkar) was an immense unit of weight, generally estimated to be around 75 to 100 pounds (approximately 34 to 45 kilograms). Three thousand talents would amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold. This staggering quantity underlines the extraordinary scale of David's personal dedication and the unprecedented nature of the Temple project. It goes beyond mere practical needs, signifying deep reverence and adoration for God.
• of gold: This indicates a base precious metal, inherently valuable for its beauty, resistance to corrosion, and rarity. In the ancient world, gold was often associated with divinity and royalty, making it a fitting material for God's house.
• of Ophir gold: This specific qualification denotes gold of the highest purity and most desired quality, known for its fine grade and distinctive luster. Ophir was a distant, exotic land (perhaps in India or East Africa), renowned for its exceptional gold deposits. This specifies that David's gift was not merely any gold, but the absolute best available, reinforcing the idea of offering God the most excellent.
• and seven thousand talents: This signifies an even larger quantity in terms of weight than the gold, indicating the vast reserves and accessibility of silver, which was generally more common than gold but still extremely valuable. The large amount reflects both abundance and an even wider application in the Temple's adornment.
• of refined silver: (Hebrew: keseph məzuqqāq) This emphasizes that the silver had undergone a purification process, removing impurities (dross) to achieve maximum brilliance and purity. Just as pure hearts are required in worship, the materials for God's dwelling were also to be of the highest possible purity, signifying dedication, holiness, and flawlessness. It reflects a standard of excellence that permeates all aspects of devotion.
• for overlaying: (Hebrew: ləṭāḥōwḥa) This verb indicates the purpose: to cover or plate the surfaces. This suggests that the gold and silver were not merely for decorative accents but would form a significant covering, perhaps the interior walls and elements, enhancing the sanctity and visual splendor of the sanctuary, akin to the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. It suggests an inward beautification for God's glory.
• the walls: The term here likely refers to the internal walls of the sacred structures within the Temple complex. This was not about structural integrity but about visual glorification and dedication. The covering with precious metals made the 'house' truly splendid and worthy of the dwelling place of the King of Kings, transforming ordinary surfaces into symbols of divine presence.
• of the houses: This phrase refers collectively to the various parts, chambers, or the inner structure of the single Temple building (the "house of the LORD") itself, rather than multiple separate buildings. In ancient architectural contexts, "houses" could denote various sections or courts within a large complex. Here, it refers to the Temple proper and possibly its immediate precincts where adornment with precious metals would be fitting for sacred purposes. The overall phrase, "overlaying the walls of the houses," points to an extensive and complete covering, making the sanctuary glow with the glory of these precious metals. It visualizes an unprecedented lavishness intended for God's worship, reflective of His unparalleled majesty.

1 Chronicles 29 4 Bonus section

The astronomical value of the materials mentioned in this verse, when converted to modern monetary terms, would easily equate to several billions of dollars. This calculation emphasizes the true extent of David's commitment and the sacredness with which the Temple project was regarded. Such unparalleled generosity serves as a theological statement about God's worth and Israel's prosperity under His blessing. The Chronicler’s meticulous detailing of these quantities also served to demonstrate the continuity and divine backing of the Davidic dynasty and its dedication to the sacred institutions, providing assurance and inspiration for the post-exilic community. Furthermore, the practice of overlaying sacred structures with precious metals was common in the ancient Near East, but in Israel, it was uniquely purposed for the glory of Yahweh, distinct from the deification of kings or idols in pagan cults. This sets a subtle polemic against the materialism or self-glorification seen in surrounding cultures, reaffirming God's ultimate sovereignty and ownership over all wealth.

1 Chronicles 29 4 Commentary

1 Chronicles 29:4 reveals King David's astounding personal contribution towards the construction of God's Temple, a sum that signifies far more than mere material wealth. The "three thousand talents of Ophir gold" and "seven thousand talents of refined silver" represent quantities so vast they stagger the imagination, speaking to an overflowing heart of devotion. Ophir gold, renowned for its exceptional purity, and "refined silver," indicate that David spared no expense and settled for nothing less than the very best for God. This isn't about human glory or opulent display for its own sake, but an act of worship, expressing David's profound understanding that "all things come from You, and from Your own hand we have given You" (1 Chr 29:14). The precious metals were to "overlay the walls of the houses," transforming the very structure into a vessel of magnificent beauty, worthy of the God whom Israel served. This act of sacrificial generosity serves as an enduring testament to the principle of giving one's absolute best to the Lord, an offering that is not just material but reflects a purified heart of worship. For instance, believers today might emulate this principle by giving their best effort in their service to God and others, dedicating their top talents in ministry, or contributing a significant portion of their resources not merely from abundance but from a heart of generous devotion, just as David did.