1 Chronicles 22:14
Now beholde, in my trouble I haue prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of siluer, and of brasse and yron without weight: (for it is in abundance) timber also and stone haue I prepared, and thou mayest adde thereto. 1 Chronicles 22:14 (KJV)
This verse is part of a passage in 1 Chronicles 29 where King David speaks to the assembled leaders and people, mentioning his son Solomon, and encouraging them regarding the construction of the temple that Solomon would later build for the Lord. David, who was not permitted to construct the temple himself because of his role as a warrior king, dedicated his efforts and resources to preparing for its construction. In the surrounding verses, David acknowledges the considerable amount of wealth and materials he has gathered for the temple.
Preparation for the House of the Lord: David expresses his dedication to the Lord’s temple by stating that he has prepared a substantial amount of valuable resources. These resources include gold, silver, brass, iron, timber, and stone. The preparation of the temple was an important endeavour for David, and he took it upon himself to gather these materials.
Wealth and Abundance: David emphasizes the magnitude of his preparations by noting the large quantities of gold and silver, each measured in thousands of talents. In ancient times, talents were units of weight used for measuring precious metals. The mention of abundant brass, iron, timber, and stone further highlights the resources at David’s disposal.
Timber and Stone: In addition to precious metals, David also mentions having prepared timber and stone. These materials were crucial for constructing the physical structure of the temple. David’s preparations were not limited to wealth alone but extended to all the necessary elements required for the grandeur and stability of the temple.
Continued Provision: The phrase “and thou mayes add thereto” indicates that David’s preparations are not limited to what he has already amassed. He encourages the people, including Solomon, to add to what has been prepared, suggesting that David has laid a foundation and made substantial progress, but there is still room for further development and enhancement.
This verse showcases David’s commitment to the Lord and his desire to establish a magnificent temple. His preparations were meticulous, encompassing significant amounts of wealth and resources. Through his actions, David sets an example of devotion and stewardship, as he dedicated his personal resources to God’s house.
