Topical Bible: the First Temple: David: Free Will offering of the People for the Building

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The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The vision for this sacred edifice was conceived by King David, although it was his son Solomon who ultimately constructed it. A pivotal moment in the preparation for the Temple's construction was the free will offering of the people, an event that demonstrated the collective devotion and generosity of the Israelites.

David's Preparation for the Temple

King David, a man after God's own heart, desired to build a house for the Lord to house the Ark of the Covenant. However, God revealed to David through the prophet Nathan that he would not be the one to build the Temple due to his history as a warrior and the bloodshed associated with his reign (1 Chronicles 22:8). Instead, this task would fall to his son Solomon, a man of peace.

Despite not being permitted to build the Temple himself, David took extensive measures to prepare for its construction. He gathered materials, drew up plans, and organized the Levites and priests for their future roles in Temple service. David's dedication to this divine project is evident in his meticulous preparations and his desire to ensure that his son Solomon would have all the resources necessary to complete the task.

The Free Will Offering

One of the most remarkable aspects of the preparation for the Temple was the free will offering made by the people of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 29, David called upon the leaders and the people to contribute to the building of the Temple. He set the example by giving generously from his own wealth, offering gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for the construction (1 Chronicles 29:3-5).

Moved by David's example and the significance of the project, the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work also gave willingly. The Scripture records, "Then the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. And King David also rejoiced greatly" (1 Chronicles 29:9).

This collective act of giving was not merely a financial contribution but a spiritual offering, reflecting the hearts of the people who desired to honor God. David's prayer of thanksgiving following the offering highlights the recognition that all wealth and resources ultimately belong to God: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

Significance

The free will offering for the Temple's construction is a profound example of communal faith and dedication. It underscores the principle that worship and service to God involve the whole community, each member contributing according to their ability and willingness. This event also illustrates the biblical theme of stewardship, acknowledging that all resources are gifts from God to be used for His glory.

The generosity of the Israelites in this instance set a precedent for future acts of giving and service within the community of faith. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collective effort in fulfilling God's purposes, as well as the joy and blessing that come from giving freely and wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Altar and Temple
... In verse 2 the ecclesiastical dignitary comes first, but in ... do everything 'according
to the order of David king of ... for the foundations of the temple which they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION The First Chapter: The ... spent seven years building
a magnificent temple in praise ... The most devout King David danced before the ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... would let the Judean captives go free; he would ... Sheshbazzar), a descendant of King
David, Cyrus placed ... The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... He was a great conqueror, and was the first to win ... offered to build and adorn the
Temple, Solomon's great ... was the threshing-floor bought by David from Araunah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat.
... Blessed Apostle thus said:"Ye are the temple of God ... And the shining lamp is Christ,
as David said;"Thy ... the blessed Apostle wrote in the first Epistle to ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/the demonstrations of aphrahat.htm

Scriptural Types.
... of the Lord: even he shall build the temple of the ... Next in the order of sacrifices,
though first in dignity ... In the case of monarchs, like David and Solomon, the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... 'Look,' said God to Moses, their first great legislator ... For so God had before told
David, namely, that such a one the builder of the temple should be. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... In the first mode, the capture of Jerusalem attempted by Sennacherib, was prevented
by the ... Thus David was prevented from building the temple of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... Was not David an anointed king ... to make you all working priests, and this the temple
for sacrifice ... Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... have been annexed by King David, and termed ... Travelling southwards, the first district
which one would ... most conspicuous ornaments was another temple to Augustus ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm