I Chronicles 29 (NIV)

Summary:

Gifts for Building the Temple
Verses 1-9

King David told the assembly that his son, Solomon, whom God had chosen, was young and inexperienced.  He had been given the great task of building a palatial structure for God.  David had provided, in great quantity, the following supplies: gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, onyx, turquoise, various colored stones, various fine stones, and marble.  David now offered above what was needed: 3,000 talents (~110 tons) of gold of Ophir; and 7,000 talents (~260 tons) of refined silver for the overlayings of the walls, for the gold and silver work, and for the craftsmen's work. 

David asked if anyone was willing to dedicate themself to God that day.  The leaders of the families, tribe officers, commanders of thousands and hundreds, and officials in charge of the king's work willingly gave: 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics (~190 tons and 185 lbs) of gold; 10,000 talents (~375 tons) of silver; 18,000 talents (~675 tons) of bronze; and 100,000 (~3,750 tons) of iron.  They also gave precious stones for the temple treasury, in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite.

King David and the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, because they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.

David's Prayer
Verses 10-20

David praised God in the assembly's presence.  He acknowledged Him as their God, attributing to Him greatness, power, glory, majesty, and splendor.  He acknowledged Him as the owner of everything in heaven and earth.  The kingdom belonged to God for He is above all.  He provides wealth and honor.  He is the ruler of all things.  In His hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  David thanked and praised his glorious name, on behalf of himself and his people.

David claimed that all the gifts given had come from God.  God's people were returning some of what He had provided.  They were strangers in God's sight, for their days were like shadows without hope.  (I think David is saying that we are nothing compared to God.)  God tests our hearts and is pleased with integrity.  He has seen with joy how willingly His people had given that day.  David asked for God to keep that desire and loyalty to God in the people's hearts forever.  He asked for God to give Solomon wholehearted devotion, obedience to God's commands, and the ability to build the palatial structure.  David told the assembly to praise God.  They bowed low and fell prostrate (on their faces) before the Lord and the king.

Solomon Acknowledged as King
Verses 21-25

The next day, the people sacrificed to God:  1,000 bulls; 1,000 rams; 1,000 male lambs; drink offerings; and other sacrifices in abundance.  They ate and drank, with great joy, in God's presence.  They acknowledged Solomons as king, for a second time.  They anointed him as king and Zadok as priest before the Lord.  Solomon took the throne and prospered.  The Israelites obeyed him.  All the officers, mighty men, and David's sons pledged submission to Solomon.  The Lord exalted and gave Solomon splendor over any king before him.

The Death of David
Verses 26-30

David ruled for 40 years: 7 years in Hebron, 33 in Jerusalem.  He died at a good old age and had enjoyed a long life, wealth, and honor.  His other events are written in the records of Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, and Gad the seer.  This includes the circumstances that surrounded him, Israel, and the kingdoms of the other lands.

Lori's Thoughts:

Without God, things become tainted.  King David was wealthier than anything I have ever experienced or witnessed.  But, he was not arrogant or greedy, as most wealthy people tend to become, when they do not have God as their Lord.  David was right when he said that their gift already belonged to God.  God is the Creator and our Provider.  What He desires is a willing heart and mind, more than things. 

We should imitate David in his generosity, as well as in his praise for God.  We need to tell God what He means to us.  Not that He doesn't already know who He is, but we need to be reminded of who He is.  God also enjoys being loved and praised as well as loving and praising us.  He loved Solomon by call Himself his Father, and He exalted Solomon by making him the greatest king to date.

We should also pray for each other, that we will not lose our desire for God or our willingness to give Him everything - our possessions and our devotion.  What will God give us in return?  He gave David a long life, wealth, and honor.  He wants us to prosper as well.  I'm only 26, barely making ends meet, and without a lofty position.  But, I have never been destitute and I overflow with peace and joy.  I am rich.  I am blessed.

Don't compare what you have to what others have.  Stop looking around.  Look up.  Trust that He will give you everything you need.  If He sees fit, He will give you more.  If not, He is still good, holy, and perfect.