1 Chronicles 29:8
Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.
Whoever had precious stones
This phrase highlights the voluntary nature of the offerings. The Hebrew word for "precious stones" is "אֶבֶן יְקָרָה" (even yeqarah), which signifies stones of great value and beauty. In ancient Israel, precious stones were not only symbols of wealth but also of divine favor and blessing. The willingness to give such valuable items reflects a heart of generosity and devotion to God. It underscores the principle that true worship involves giving our best to God, not out of compulsion but from a willing heart.

gave them to the treasury
The act of giving to the treasury signifies a communal investment in the worship and service of God. The Hebrew root for "treasury" is "אוֹצָר" (otzar), meaning a storehouse or repository. This reflects the organized and purposeful approach to managing resources for the temple. Historically, treasuries were essential for maintaining the temple's operations and supporting the Levites and priests. This act of giving also symbolizes the collective responsibility of the community to support the house of God.

of the house of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the sacred purpose of the offerings. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. In Hebrew, "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit Yahweh) denotes not just a physical structure but a spiritual center where God's presence dwells among His people. The temple was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine encounter, making contributions to it an act of worship and reverence.

under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite
Jehiel, a member of the Gershonite clan, was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing these offerings. The Gershonites were one of the Levitical families tasked with specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. The name "Jehiel" means "God lives" or "may God live," reflecting a life dedicated to serving God. His role signifies the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability in handling the resources dedicated to God's work. This highlights the biblical principle that those who serve in God's house must be trustworthy and diligent in their duties.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehiel the Gershonite
A Levite responsible for overseeing the treasury of the house of the LORD. The Gershonites were one of the Levitical families tasked with specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

2. The Treasury of the House of the LORD
This refers to the storage place within the temple where offerings and valuable items were kept for the service and maintenance of the temple.

3. Precious Stones
These were valuable items donated by the people for the construction and beautification of the temple, reflecting their devotion and willingness to give their best to God.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which King David prepared for and Solomon later built. It was the central place of worship for the Israelites.

5. The Event of Giving
This passage is part of a larger account where King David and the people of Israel contribute generously to the building of the temple, demonstrating their commitment to God.
Teaching Points
Generosity in Giving
The Israelites' willingness to give precious stones reflects a heart of generosity. As believers, we are called to give our best to God, not out of obligation but out of love and devotion.

Stewardship and Responsibility
Jehiel's role in overseeing the treasury highlights the importance of stewardship. We are entrusted with resources and responsibilities, and we must manage them faithfully for God's glory.

The Heart of Worship
The act of giving valuable items for the temple's construction was an act of worship. Our giving should be an expression of our worship and reverence for God.

Community Participation
The collective effort of the Israelites in contributing to the temple's construction shows the power of community in achieving God's purposes. We are encouraged to work together as a body of believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of giving precious stones to the temple treasury reveal about the priorities of the Israelites, and how can we apply this to our own lives today?

2. How does the role of Jehiel the Gershonite in managing the treasury inform our understanding of stewardship in the church?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our giving is an act of worship rather than a mere obligation?

4. How can the example of community participation in 1 Chronicles 29:8 inspire us to engage more actively in our local church or community projects?

5. Reflect on a time when you gave something valuable for God's work. How did it impact your faith and relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 35:22
This passage describes the Israelites bringing offerings for the construction of the tabernacle, similar to the giving for the temple in 1 Chronicles 29:8. It highlights the spirit of generosity and willingness among the people.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This New Testament verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of giving seen in 1 Chronicles 29:8.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which connects to the idea of giving valuable items for God's work as seen in 1 Chronicles 29:8.
The Path of Progress in Christian EnterpriseW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
A Good Example and the Power of ItJ. M. Sherwood, D. D.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
Attachment to the SanctuaryHenry J. VanDyke.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
Christian Experience and Christian InfluenceJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
David's Desire to Build a House for GodJ. Shillito.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
Godly GivingHomiletic Magazine1 Chronicles 29:1-10
Interest in God's WorkDr. Egbert.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
Power of ExampleH. T. Robjohns.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
The House of the LordJohn Corbin.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
The Importance of Church ExtensionH. Clissold, M. A.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
The Palace for GodDean Bradley.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
The Principles of Christian WorkJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 29:1-10
People
David, Gad, Isaac, Jehiel, Jesse, Nathan, Ophir, Samuel, Solomon, Zadok
Places
Hebron, Jerusalem, Ophir
Topics
Care, Custody, Gershonite, Jehiel, Jehi'el, Possessed, Precious, Price, Stones, Store, Temple, Treasure, Treasury
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 29:1-9

     7912   collections
     8811   riches, attitudes to

1 Chronicles 29:6-9

     5932   response
     8149   revival, nature of

Library
The Waves of Time
'The times that went over him.'--1 CHRON. xxix. 30. This is a fragment from the chronicler's close of his life of King David. He is referring in it to other written authorities in which there are fuller particulars concerning his hero; and he says, 'the acts of David the King, first and last, behold they are written in the book of Samuel the seer ... with all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over all Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.' Now I have ventured
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

That we Ought to Offer Ourselves and all that is Ours to God, and to Pray for All
The Voice of the Disciple Lord, all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.(1) I desire to offer myself up unto thee as a freewill offering, and to continue Thine for ever. Lord, in the uprightness of mine heart I willingly offer(2) myself to Thee to-day to be Thy servant for ever, in humble submission and for a sacrifice of perpetual praise. Receive me with this holy Communion of Thy precious Body, which I celebrate before Thee this day in the presence of the Angels invisibly surrounding,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Enoch, the Deathless
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. Enoch was the bright particular star of the patriarchal epoch. His record is short, but eloquent. It is crowded into a few words, but every word, when placed under examination, expands indefinitely. Every virtue may be read into them; every eulogium possible to a human character shines from them. He was a devout man, a fearless preacher of righteousness, an intimate friend of God, and the only man of his dispensation who did not see death. He sheds a lustre on the
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Exile --Continued.
We have one psalm which the title connects with the beginning of David's stay at Adullam,--the thirty-fourth. The supposition that it dates from that period throws great force into many parts of it, and gives a unity to what is else apparently fragmentary and disconnected. Unlike those already considered, which were pure soliloquies, this is full of exhortation and counsel, as would naturally be the case if it were written when friends and followers began to gather to his standard. It reads like
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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