1 Chronicles 29:16

O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You.

Study Bible

O LORD our God
This phrase acknowledges the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. "Our God" signifies a collective belonging and devotion, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and identity among the Israelites. This phrase sets the tone for a prayerful acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

from Your hand
The imagery of God's "hand" is a powerful biblical metaphor for His power, provision, and authority. In Hebrew, "hand" (yad) often signifies strength and capability. This phrase underscores the belief that all blessings and resources originate from God, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to supply all needs, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

comes all this abundance
The word "abundance" in Hebrew is "hamon," which can mean a multitude or great quantity. This phrase acknowledges the vastness of God's provision. Historically, this abundance refers to the wealth and resources gathered for the construction of the Temple, a monumental project in Israel's history. It serves as a reminder of God's generosity and the overflowing nature of His blessings when His people are aligned with His purposes.

that we have provided
This phrase highlights human participation in God's work. The Hebrew root "kun" implies preparation or establishment. It suggests that while the resources are from God, there is a human responsibility to steward and prepare them for His purposes. This partnership between divine provision and human action is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to actively engage in God's work.

to build You a house
The "house" refers to the Temple, a central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. In Hebrew, "house" (bayit) can also mean household or family, symbolizing a place of belonging and community. The construction of the Temple was a significant event, representing a physical and spiritual center for Israel. It underscores the importance of creating spaces dedicated to worship and the presence of God.

for Your Holy Name
God's "Holy Name" signifies His character, reputation, and the reverence due to Him. In Hebrew, "name" (shem) often represents one's essence or identity. The holiness of God's name reflects His purity, otherness, and the call for His people to honor Him in all they do. This phrase emphasizes that the Temple was not just a building but a testament to God's glory and a place where His name would be revered.

and all of it belongs to You
This concluding phrase reaffirms the theme of divine ownership. Everything provided and prepared for the Temple is ultimately God's. The Hebrew concept of ownership here is profound, reminding believers that all they possess is entrusted to them by God. It calls for humility and recognition of God's ultimate authority over all creation, encouraging a life of stewardship and gratitude.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who is speaking in this verse. He is acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over the resources gathered for the temple.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, to whom David is praying and giving credit for the abundance provided.

3. The Temple
The house for God's Holy Name that David is preparing to build, though it will ultimately be constructed by his son Solomon.

4. Israel
The nation that David leads, which is collectively involved in the preparation and provision for the temple.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is to be built, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.

Teaching Points

Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty
Recognize that all resources and blessings come from God. Our role is to steward them wisely and for His glory.

Generosity and Giving
Understand that giving to God's work is a response to His generosity. We are merely returning what is already His.

Humility in Service
Approach service and giving with humility, acknowledging that our contributions are possible only through God's provision.

Purposeful Living
Live with the purpose of honoring God's name, using the resources He provides to build His kingdom.

Community Involvement
Engage the community in collective efforts to serve God, as seen in the communal preparation for the temple.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing that all we have comes from God change our perspective on giving and generosity?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our resources are used to honor God's name in our daily lives?

3. How can we cultivate a heart of humility like David's when it comes to acknowledging God's provision?

4. What are some practical ways we can involve our community in efforts to serve and honor God?

5. How do the themes in 1 Chronicles 29:16 connect with the teachings of Jesus on stewardship and generosity in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 29:14
This verse precedes 29:16 and emphasizes the humility of David, acknowledging that everything comes from God and that they are merely giving back what is already His.

Psalm 24:1
This psalm echoes the theme that the earth and everything in it belongs to the LORD, reinforcing the idea of God's ownership over all creation.

James 1:17
This New Testament verse highlights that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father, aligning with the acknowledgment of God's provision in 1 Chronicles 29:16.