1 Crônicas 29
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
1 Crônicas 29
NJB (LXX versing) Offering for the Temple Offering for Building the Temple The Investiture of Solomon Gifts for Building the Temple The Voluntary Offerings 29:1-5 29:1-5 29:1-5 29:1-5 29:1-5 29:6-9 29:6-9 29:6-9 29:6-9 29:6-9 David's Prayer David's Praise to God David Praises God David's Thanksgiving 29:10-13 29:10-15 (10b-25) 29:10-13 29:10-13 29:10a 29:10b-16 29:14-19 29:14-19 29:14-19 29:16-20 29:17-19 29:20 29:20 29:20 29:20-22a Sacrifices Solomon Anointed King Accession of Solomon and the End of the Reign of David 29:21-22a 29:21-25 29:21-22a 29:21-25 Solomon Again Made King 29:22b-25 29:22b-25 29:22b-25 The Close of David's Reign Summary of David's Reign 29:26-27 29:26-30 29:26-30 29:26-30 29:26-30 Death of David 29:28-30 Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS This chapter records David's prayer to YHWH at the time of the succession of Solomon. There are several terms used to refer to Israel's Deity. Elohim, 1 Chr. 29:1,16,18 Eloah, 1 Chr. 29:2,3 (twice), 10,13,17,20 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C.) YHWH, 1 Chr. 29:5,8,9,10,11 (twice), 20 (thrice), 21,22,23,25 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.) Father, 1 Chr. 29:10 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD) There are several repeated theological themes. YHWH chose Solomon, 1 Chr. 20:1; 1 Chr. 28:4-6 Solomon must keep the covenant commandments (i.e., conditional covenant, cf. 1 Chr. 29:19; 22:12-13; 28:7-8; see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT and SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP) David's assembling materials for the new temple, 1 Chr. 29:2-5; 22:3-5,14-16 the focus on proper whole-hearted commitment to YHWH, 1 Chr. 29:17,19; 28:9; Deut. 18:13; 1 Kgs. 8:61; 15:14; 2 Kgs. 20:3; Isa. 38:3; attitude in worship and spiritual matters is preeminent (cf. Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 9:25-26; Ezek. 44:9); God looks at the heart before the hand! Notice the description of God in David's prayer (1 Chr. 29:10-19). He is Israel's Father forever, 1 Chr. 20:10 He has the greatness (BDB 153) the power (BDB 150) the glory (BDB 802) the victory (BDB 664 I) the majesty (BDB 217 I) all in heaven and on earth (1 Chr. 29:11,16) dominion (lit. kingdom), 1 Chr. 29:11 He is head over all, 1 Chr. 29:11 riches and honor come from Him, 1 Chr. 29:12 He rules over all power (BDB 470) might (BDB 150) He can make great (BDB 152, INFINITIVE) give strength (BDB 304, INFINITIVE), 1 Chr. 29:12 He tests the heart (BDB 103, PARTICIPLE), 1 Chr. 29:17 He delights in uprightness (BDB 449) integrity of heart (BDB 449), 1 Chr. 29:17 He is actively involved in people's motives gives a perfect heart keeps the human heart perfect, 1 Chr. 29:18-19 Wow! What a God! SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (NT)
1 Crônicas 29:1-5
29:1 "the entire assembly" The groups of leaders are mentioned in 1 Chr. 23:2; 28:1. Here, it refers to "all Israel" (cf. 1 Chr. 29:23,25,26), which is a common theme in Chronicles. The post-exilic period was a reunification of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. ▣ "whom alone God has chosen" See note at 1 Chr. 28:4-6. Solomon's choice to be king is surprising. He was not the oldest male child. He was a son of Bathsheba, which reminded everyone of David's sin, weakness, and abuse of power. This surely does show God's sovereignty in His choices! Another example of God's sovereignty is that as wives of the Patriarchs were often barren; He had to specifically give them children (i.e., Sarah, Rachel). Also how no other firstborn son of the Patriarchs succeeded his father as leader of the family. Isaac ‒ not Esau Jacob ‒ not Reuben Jesse ‒ not the oldest child SPECIAL TOPIC: HE CHOSE US ▣ "is still young and inexperienced" David gives this as the reason he did all the preparations for building the temple (cf. 1 Chr. 22:5). The Bible does not give us Solomon's age when he became king. Jewish tradition says he was between 12-14 years old. ▣ "temple" NKJV footnote, NJB "palace" NRSV, JPSOA footnote "fortress" LXX, REB, Peshitta - omitted - This term (BDB 108, KB 123, cf. 1 Chr. 29:19) is not the usual term for "temple," but for "fortress" or "citadel" (cf. 2 Chr. 17:12; 27:4; Esther; Neh. 2:8; 7:2; Dan. 8:2). Only here in the OT is it translated "temple." 29:2 Many of the gems mentioned are uncertain. onyx stone ‒ BDB 995 I, possibly carnelian (NEB) or lapis lazuli (cf. Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was one of the stones on the breastplate of Aaron (cf. Exod. 28:20) and on his shoulders (cf. Exod. 39:27). inlaid stones ‒ BDB 571 used of the stones of the breastplate of the High Priest, cf. Exod. 25:7; 35:9,27 stones of antimony ‒ BDB 806, KB 918, possibly dark mortar to set and highlight a colored stone/gem, cf. Isa. 54:11 a particular dark gem stone stones of various colors ‒ This phrase may refer to geometric patterns of mosaic floors or panels (not pictures); uncut colored stones were often arranged into shapes in the ANE (see IVP, Bible Background Commentary (OT), p. 419). all kinds of precious stones ‒ these are not specified but are apparently different from the stones in #2 alabaster ‒ BDB 1010, KB 1483; this Egyptian loan word was possibly the "alabaster" of Song of Songs 5:15 or "marble," cf. Esther 1:6. In the NT perfumed oils were kept in stone containers made of this rock (cf. Matt. 26:7; Mark 18:3; Luke 7:37). calcium carbonate calcium sulphate (i.e., gypsum) 29:3-5 Another list is found in 1 Chr. 22:3-5,14. This material came from things taken in war personal gifts (cf. 1 Chr. 29:6-7) foreign taxation The amounts here are different from 1 Chr. 22:14, both of which are unusually high; whether literal or literary hyperbole is uncertain. See Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 242-243 or Gleason Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, pp. 222-223. 29:4 "talents" Some parts of Solomon's temple were overlaid (BDB 376, KB 372, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) with gold and silver, but which buildings or parts of building is not specified. 2 Chronicles 3:8-9 says the inside of the Holy of Holies was covered with gold. SPECIAL TOPIC: ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES 29:5 There is a recurrent use of "hand" as an idiom for action. done, 1 Chr. 29:5 ‒ lit. "by the hand of" consecrate, 1 Chr. 29:5 ‒ lit. "to fill the hand" (idiom for priests, cf. Exod. 28:41; Lev. 8:33) in care of, 1 Chr. 29:8 ‒ lit. "under the hand of" pledged, 1 Chr. 29:24 ‒ lit. "put a hand under Solomon" This imagery is used of God in 1 Chr. 29:12,14,16 "in Your hand," 1 Chr. 29:12 "from Your hand," 1 Chr. 29:14,16 SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN LANGUAGE ▣ "the craftsmen" This word (BDB 360) can refer to metal workers wood workers stone workers Also note 1 Chr. 22:15, where specific craftsmen are mentioned. ▣ "willing" This VERB (BDB 621, KB 671) occurs often in this chapter (cf. 1 Chr. 29:5,6,9 [twice], 14,17 [twice]), more than any other context in the OT; only here in 1 Chronicles, and only once in 2 Chronicles (cf. 2 Chr. 17:16). It focuses on human choice and willingness to give to God. God's sovereignty is magnified in 1 Chr. 29:11-13, but 29:14-17 focuses on human free will. In some ways this parallels the generosity related to the tabernacle ‒ Exod. 35:5,21,22,29 the second temple ‒ Ezra 1:6; 2:68; 3:5 SPECIAL TOPIC: PREDESTINATION (CALVINISM) VS. HUMAN FREE WILL (ARMINIANISM)
1 Crônicas 29:6-9
29:7 "darics" This (BDB 204, KB 232) is a rare word (here and Ezra 2:69; 8:27; Neh. 7:70-72). It could mean a Persian gold coin from Cyrus' days Darius' days an Assyrian word for a fraction of a mina another term for "drachma" There were no coins in David's days, so, if it does refer to a later coin, it is an anachronism. SPECIAL TOPIC: COINS IN USE IN PALESTINE IN JESUS' DAY 29:8 "Jehiel the Gershonite" This Levite is mentioned in 1 Chr. 23:8; 26:21 as son of Ladan, son of Gershon. Ladan may be the same as "Libni of 1 Chr. 6:17. He was in charge of the treasury. There are eleven people in the OT with this name, which means "God is living" (BDB 313).
1 Crônicas 29:10-13
29:10-22a This paragraph records David's blessing of YHWH admonition to Solomon (by implication, 1 Chr. 29:19) corporate worship, 1 Chr. 29:20-22 blessing sacrifices feast This prayer has similarities with two other Davidic prayers in 1 Chr. 16:8-36 and 17:16-27. Chronicles gives us the theology of King David! Notice the inclusive theological affirmation of YHWH's greatness in this prayer. There are eleven "alls," BDB 481, cf. 1 Chr. 29:10,11 (twice), 12 (twice), 14,15,16,20 (twice), 21. The Father ‒ 1 Cor. 15:24,27 The Son ‒ Matt. 11:27; 28:18; 1 Cor. 15:25,27; Eph. 1:22; Heb. 2:8-9 29:10 "David blessed the Lord" The VERB (BDB 138, KB 159) is used several times in this chapter. David blesses YHWH, 1 Chr. 29:10 (twice) the assembly is called on to bless YHWH, 1 Chr. 29:20 (twice) YHWH is worthy of blessing (see Contextual Insights, D.). SPECIAL TOPIC: BLESSING (OT) ▣ "O Lord God of Israel our father, forever" See several Special Topics. SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. and D. SPECIAL TOPIC: ISRAEL (THE NAME) SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) 29:11 This verse reminds me of several prayers. This verse may be the OT source to Matt. 6:13b ("For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen"), which was a later scribal addition to Jesus' prayer, probably as it began to be used in a liturgical manner. Paul's prayer or quoted hymn/liturgy of 1 Tim. 1:17 Jude's closing prayer (i.e., Jude, vv. 24-25) The prayer of praise to the Lamb in Rev. 5:13 (also note Rev. 4:11; 5:12) SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (NT) ▣ "glory" This (BDB 802) can also mean "beauty" (cf. Isa. 3:18). It refers to "YHWH's "glorious name" in 1 Chr. 29:12 (cf. Isa. 63:14). ▣ NASB, NKJV, NRSV, LXX "the victory" TEV, REB "length of days" "splendor" "the beauty" This NOUN (BDB 664 I, KB 716 I) has several major meanings. victory in battle strength in battle ‒ Ps. 18:1; Lam. 3:18 glory, splendor ‒ 1 Sam. 15:29 duration ‒ Job 23:7; Ps. 74:3; Pro. 21:28; Isa. 34:10; Jer. 15:18; Dan. 7:18; Amos 1:11 All of these usages could fit this list of God's kingly attributes. ▣ "head over all" See SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM. 29:12 "honor" This is the use of kabod (BDB 458, KB 455) in referring to humans. It denotes a position, civil/religious, of high standing in the community and/or wealth (cf. 1 Chr. 29:28; Gen. 31:1). SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (kabod, OT) 29:13 "we thank You" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THANKSGIVING. ▣ "Your glorious Name" See SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (kabod, OT) and SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH (OT).
1 Crônicas 29:14-19
29:14 "all things come from You" This is the biblical worldview (cf 1 Chr. 29:12; Ps. 50:9-12; 1 Cor. 4:7; James 1:17). He owns everything and we are stewards (1 Chr. 29:16, "all is Yours"). 29:15 Our earthly experience since the fall of Genesis 3 has been one of pain, suffering, unfairness, evil, and exploitation. This is not the world God intended it to be (see John Wenham, The Goodness of God). The Israelites saw themselves as sojourners (BDB 59) and tenants (BDB 444), which may come from Lev. 25:23 or possibly Ps. 39:12; 119:19,54. Abraham (cf. Gen. 23:4) and Jacob (cf. Gen. 47:9) were sojourners and strangers in a foreign land. The Bible views God's people as pilgrims (cf. 1 Chr. 16:19-20). We are on the way to His eternal city (cf. Heb. 11:8-10; 12:22; 13:14). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL ▣ "our days on the earth are like a shadow" This imagery speaks of the temporary and transitory nature of human existence (cf. Job 14:1-2; Ps. 90:5-6; 102:11; 103:15-16; Isa. 40:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:24-25). ▣ "there is no hope" This is true if there is no God (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13). Usually this term (BDB 876 I) has God as the explicit object). It is not true for God's people (cf. Isa. 40:86; 55:6-12). He Himself is their hope. It is possible (because it has no object here) that "no hope" refers to "no homeland," which is a continuation of the imagery of Israel as "strangers and sojourners." The Peshitta has "For we are like the proverb of vapor and of the potter, and we are sojourners before You and a small people in the world, but You ruled over our fathers of old, and You commanded them the way they should walk and live." 29:16 "Your Holy Name" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOLY ONE and SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH (OT). ▣ "all is Yours" See note at 1 Chr. 29:11. 29:17 "You try the heart" God tests humans' motives (cf. Job 7:18; 23:10; Ps. 7:9; 11:5; 17:31; 26:2; 66:10; 139:1,23. God knows the motives and intents of the human heart. Reward and judgment are possible because God knows the intent (cf. 1 Sam. 2:3; 16:7; 1 Kgs. 8:39; 1 Chr. 28:9; 2 Chr. 6:30; Job 13:9; Ps. 7:9; 33:15; 44:21; 139:1-4; Pro. 15:11; 21:2; 24:12; Jer. 11:20; 17:9-10; 20:12; Luke 16:15; Acts 1:24; 15:8; Rom. 8:27). The Tyndale OT Commentary Series, vol. 10, p. 270, makes the point that the word "heart" appears five times in 1 Chr. 29:17-19. SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD TESTS HIS PEOPLE (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART ▣ "uprightness. . .integrity" Both of these English words translate the Hebrew root BDB 449, which is common in all ANE languages for God as a standard of ethical behavior. This same concept is expressed by "righteousness". David was not "sinless" or even always ethical but he was in relationship with YHWH. David had a wholly devoted heart (cf. Deut. 18:13; 1 Kgs. 8:61; 15:14; 2 Kgs. 28:3; 1 Chr. 20:9-10; 29:9,17-19; Isa. 38:3). This is theologically related to the NT concept of justification by grace through faith (i.e., Abraham, Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6; and Israel, Exod. 4:5,31; 2 Chr. 20:20; Isa. 43:10). Notice the word "reckoned" in Gen. 15:6 is used in 1 Chr. 29:18, translated by NASB as "intentions of the heart." These verses (i.e., 1 Chr. 29:17-19) integrate YHWH's sovereign grace and His people's obedience to His covenant. We need a perfect heart which leads to obedience (cf. 1 Chr. 28:8-9). SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH, AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH, BELIEVE, TRUST (NT) 29:18-19 David asks YHWH these prayer requests. preserve this forever ‒ BDB 1036, KB 1581, Qal IMPERATIVE; the "this" could refer to the devotion of the Patriarchs (TEV, NET) God's purpose in calling the Patriarchs (NRSV, NJB, REB) God's promises to the Patriarchs (LXX, Peshitta, JPSOA) the Israelites remembering the Patriarchs direct their heart to You ‒ BDB 465, KB 464, Hiphil IMPERATIVE (possibly repeat of d. above) give Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments ‒ BDB 678, KB 733, Qal IMPERATIVE; this was crucial, cf. 1 Chr. 28:8-9) 29:18 "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. . ."This verse surely expresses the heart of the Chronicler for the people of God of his day! SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS
1 Crônicas 29:20
29:20 "all the assembly blessed the Lord" This involved inward devotion and trust as well as outward acts. speaking liturgy, prayers, or songs ‒ Jer. 33:3; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:9-13 bowing ‒ Gen. 24:26,48; Exod. 4:31; 12:27; 34:8; Num. 22:31; 2 Chr. 20:18; 29:30; Neh. 8:6 Notice they "worshiped" YHWH but "honored" the king (cf. Gen. 43:28; 1 Sam. 24:8; 1 Kgs. 1:14,31). They are the same word (BDB 1005, KB 295) but with different connotations.
1 Crônicas 29:21-22
29:21 "they made sacrifices" 1 Kings 8:62-63 records the sacrifices at the dedication of Solomon's temple. ▣ "all Israel" This is the recurrent theme of Chronicles (cf. 1 Chr. 29:21,23,25,26). It reflects the historical reality and theological hope of the post-exilic period. 29:22a This describes a covenant meal which sealed the agreement or possibly better, "an ordination offering" (BDB 1023, KB 1536; cf. Exod. 29:19-34; Lev. 7:37; 8:22-33). Part of the "peace offering" was given to YHWH on the altar, part to the priests, and the rest was consumed by the community of faith. SPECIAL TOPIC: SACRIFICIAL SYSTEMS OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST
1 Crônicas 29:22-25
29:22b "a second time" 1 Kings 1:33-39 and 1 Chr. 23:1 record a previous hurried inauguration but this text records the official one. This phrase is missing in the Septuagint, Peshitta, and Vulgate. This may imply a copyist error it was an addition different Hebrew manuscript was used ▣ NASB, TEV, JPSOA "ruler" NKJV, NJB "leader" NRSV, REB "prince" LXX, Peshitta "King" This title (BDB 617) is used of Judah ‒ 1 Chr. 5:2 Saul ‒ 1 Sam. 9:16; 10:1; 1 Chr. 11:2 David ‒ 1 Sam. 13:14; 25:30; 2 Sam. 13:14; 25:30; 2 Sam. 6:21; 1 Chr. 17:7 Solomon ‒ here; 1 Kgs. 1:35 ▣ "Zadok" This faithful priest in David's day is now anointed as the only High Priest in Solomon's day. The other High Priest, Abiathar, who supported Solomon's rival, Adonijah, for the throne, was exiled by Solomon to his hometown of Anathoth (cf. 1 Kgs. 2:26-27). For a good brief summary, see NIDOTTE, vol. 4, pp. 1300-1306. SPECIAL TOPIC: "ANOINTING" IN THE BIBLE 29:23 "the throne of the Lord" The throne of Israel belonged to YHWH (cf. 1 Sam. 8:7; 1 Chr. 28:5). Solomon and all Judean kings were His earthly representatives. 29:24 Notice the people who recognize and affirm Solomon's succession. the officials (civic, religious, military) the mighty men (David's private mercenaries, cf. 1 Kgs. 1:8,10,38,44) the other royal sons of David (royal princes) ▣ "pledged" This is literally, "put a hand under Solomon." Similar idioms of loyalty using "hand" are found in Ezra 10:19; Lam. 5:6; Ezek. 17:18. See notes at 1 Chr. 29:5. 29:25 Keep in mind all the glory of Solomon is eclipsed by Jesus the ultimate son of David (cf. Luke 11:31)!
1 Crônicas 29:26-27
29:27 The Chronicler does not mention that David reigned over Judah for only seven years and then over all Israel for thirty three (cf. 2 Sam. 5:4,5; 1 Kgs. 2:11; 1 Chr. 3:4). Here again the focus is on "all Israel."
1 Crônicas 29:28-30
29:28 David's death was not viewed as a tragedy, but a quiet close to a blessed life of service and devotion to God. long reign over united Israel long life (idiom implying "grey" hair, cf. Gen. 15:15 Jdgs. 8:32) full of days (cf. Gen. 25:8; 35:29; 1 Chr. 23:1; Job 42:17) prosperous life honorable life a son succeeded him he affected Israel and the surrounding nations (1 Chr. 29:30) See several Special Topics. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE OLD TESTAMENT AS HISTORY SPECIAL TOPIC: OLD TESTAMENT HISTORIOGRAPHY COMPARED WITH NEAR EASTERN CULTURES SPECIAL TOPIC: OLD TESTAMENT NARRATIVE For "seer" see SPECIAL TOPIC: PROPHETS (OT). 29:30 "and on all the kingdoms of the lands" This phrase occurs only in Chronicles (cf. 2 Chr. 12:8; 17:10; 20:29) and refers to the surrounding nations. YHWH's actions have always had "the nations" on His heart. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN