Question 1

What is David praising God for in this passage?

Accepted Answer

David is praising God for who God is and for what He has done. He calls God the Lord God of Israel and says that greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty all belong to Him. David says that everything in heaven and on earth is God’s, that the kingdom belongs to God, and that God is exalted as head over all. He also thanks God for giving riches, honour, strength, and the willingness to give. David’s prayer lifts the people’s eyes from their gifts to the God who gave those gifts.

Question 2

What does “of thine own have we given thee” mean?

Accepted Answer

When David says, “of thine own have we given thee,” he is admitting that everything they have first came from God. The gold, silver, and other materials for the temple were not really theirs by right. God had given them wealth, land, and strength. So when they give back to Him, they are simply returning what already belongs to Him. This keeps them humble. It reminds them that giving to God is not about impressing Him, but about thanking Him and recognising His kindness and ownership.

Question 3

Why does David call the people strangers and sojourners?

Accepted Answer

David calls himself and the people “strangers” and “sojourners” to show how short and fragile life is. Even though they are in the promised land, they hold it only because God lets them. Their true home is with God, and their time on earth is brief, like a passing shadow. By speaking this way, David helps the people see that they should not cling tightly to their possessions. Since life is short and everything belongs to God, they can let go freely and use what they have for His honour.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about God’s ownership and our giving?

Accepted Answer

This passage teaches that God owns everything in heaven and on earth. Riches, honour, power, and might all come from Him. When David and the people give for the building of God’s house, he makes it clear that they are only giving what God has already placed in their hands. This keeps their hearts from pride. It shows that generous giving is a response to God’s generosity, not a reason to boast. True worship in giving comes from knowing that God is the true source of all we have.

Question 5

What does it mean that God tests the heart and delights in uprightness?

Accepted Answer

David says that God tests the heart and takes pleasure in uprightness, meaning God looks past outward actions to the motives inside. It is not enough to give large amounts or to do impressive things if the heart is proud or selfish. God is pleased when people give and serve with honest, sincere hearts that want His honour, not their own. David can say he has offered willingly in the uprightness of his heart, and he rejoices to see the people doing the same. God values this inner truth more than the size of the gift.

Question 6

Why does David pray for the people’s hearts and for Solomon’s heart?

Accepted Answer

David knows that a moment of generous giving is not enough. He asks God to keep this willing spirit in the thoughts and hearts of the people forever and to prepare their hearts toward Him. He also prays that Solomon will have a “perfect heart,” meaning a whole, loyal heart, to keep God’s commandments and to carry out the work of building the temple. David understands that lasting faithfulness comes from God working in the heart, not just from strong words or good plans.

Question 7

What was happening when David prayed this prayer of blessing?

Accepted Answer

This prayer comes after David and the leaders of Israel have given large amounts of gold, silver, and other materials for the future temple. David will not build the house himself, but he has gathered what is needed for his son Solomon to build it. In front of the whole assembly, David turns the people’s focus from the size of their gifts to the greatness of God. He blesses God, confesses that all they have comes from Him, and then calls the entire congregation to bless and worship the Lord together.

Question 8

How can this passage shape the way I view my life and possessions?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to see your life and possessions the way David did. Your days on earth are like a shadow, short and passing. Everything you own, your abilities and opportunities, all come from God’s hand. When you give time, money, or energy for God’s work, you are really returning what already belongs to Him. That can free you from anxiety and pride. Instead of clinging tightly to things, you can hold them loosely, thank God for them, and use them gladly for His honour and the good of others.

Question 9

Why did David ask the whole congregation to bless the Lord?

Accepted Answer

After pouring out his own prayer, David turns to the people and tells them to bless the Lord their God. He does this because worship is not only private but also shared. God had moved both David and the people to give so generously, so it was fitting that everyone together should thank and honour Him. The people respond by blessing God, bowing their heads, and worshipping the Lord. This shows a picture of a community united in praise, not just following a leader, but joining with him in heartfelt worship.

1 Chronicles 29:10

¶ Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

David’s Prayer of Blessing

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1 Chronicles 29:10

¶ Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

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David’s Prayer of Blessing

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