1 Chronicles 28:14

the weight of all the gold articles for every kind of service; the weight of all the silver articles for every kind of service;

Study Bible

He designated the weight of gold
This phrase highlights the meticulous planning and divine inspiration behind the construction of the temple. The Hebrew root for "designated" is "נתן" (natan), meaning to give or assign. This indicates that the allocation of resources was not arbitrary but divinely ordained. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, was used extensively in the temple, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God. Historically, gold was a precious commodity, signifying wealth and divine favor, and its use in the temple underscored the sacredness of the space dedicated to God.

for all the articles of every kind of service
The phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the temple's design. "Articles" refers to the various implements and furnishings used in temple worship, each with a specific purpose. The Hebrew word "כלי" (kli) can mean vessel or instrument, indicating that every item, no matter how small, was important for the service of God. This reflects the biblical principle that every detail in worship matters to God, and it encourages believers to approach worship with reverence and attention to detail.

and the weight of silver
Silver, while less valuable than gold, was still a significant material in the ancient world. The Hebrew word for silver is "כסף" (kesef), which also means money, indicating its role as a medium of exchange. In the context of the temple, silver was used for items that required durability and beauty but not the same level of sanctity as those made of gold. This allocation of resources teaches a lesson in stewardship, reminding believers to use their resources wisely and according to God's purposes.

for all the silver articles of every kind of service
This phrase mirrors the earlier mention of gold, reinforcing the idea that every aspect of temple service was carefully planned and provided for. The repetition of "every kind of service" underscores the diversity and complexity of temple worship, which required a variety of tools and implements. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of worship and service to God, encouraging believers to recognize and fulfill their unique roles within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is making preparations for the building of the temple. He is providing detailed instructions and resources for his son Solomon to carry out the construction.

2. Solomon
David's son, who is chosen to build the temple. David is ensuring Solomon has all the necessary resources and guidance to fulfill this divine task.

3. Temple of God
The central place of worship for the Israelites, which David is preparing to build through Solomon. It symbolizes God's presence among His people.

4. Gold and Silver Articles
These are the materials designated for use in the temple service, representing the wealth and dedication of resources to God's work.

5. Service
Refers to the various functions and rituals that will be performed in the temple, highlighting the importance of worship and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

Stewardship of Resources
David's careful allocation of gold and silver teaches us the importance of wisely managing the resources God has entrusted to us for His purposes.

Preparation for Future Generations
Just as David prepared for Solomon, we should prepare and equip the next generation to continue God's work.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the temple remind us of the importance of following God's guidance in our lives.

Dedication to Worship
The use of precious materials for the temple service underscores the value of dedicating our best to God in worship.

Legacy of Faith
David's actions demonstrate the impact of leaving a legacy of faith and devotion to God for those who come after us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's preparation for the temple challenge us to think about how we use our resources for God's work today?

2. In what ways can we prepare and equip the next generation to continue the work of God in our communities?

3. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our personal and communal worship practices?

4. What are some practical ways we can dedicate our best to God in our daily lives?

5. How can we leave a legacy of faith for future generations, similar to what David did for Solomon?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which parallels David's preparations for the temple. Both emphasize the importance of following God's detailed instructions for worship.

1 Kings 6-7
These chapters detail the actual construction of the temple by Solomon, showing the fulfillment of David's preparations and God's promise.

2 Chronicles 2-4
These chapters provide additional details on the temple's construction and the materials used, reinforcing the importance of the temple in Israel's worship.