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By Dr. Gene Wilkes President, B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Plano, Texas

Studies in : No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom (1 & 2 Chronicles)

Lesson Three Where Your Treasure Is

Focal Text 1 Chronicles 29:1-19

Background 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Main Idea Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Question to Explore Is my main focus in life to seek first His Kingdom?

Quick Read If your treasure and heart are in God’s Kingdom, you will be grateful for everything you receive from God and you will be generous with everything you have.

Introduction Mary Kay Ash, the founder of the Dallas-based global company, Mary Kay Cosmetics, wrote in her book, On People Management, “The speed of the leader is the speed of the gang.” [Mary Kay Ash, 65] That axiom has proven true throughout my ministry and leadership career. Groups move at the speed of their leaders. Loyal followers—there are followers of all kinds—usually seek to keep up with the pace of their leaders. Those Page 1 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Three. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in Premium Commentary are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

who take their cues from those who lead mimic hesitancy as well as boldness in their actions. In today’s focal passage, set the pace for giving that funded the “palatial structure” (NIV) of the Temple by exhibiting for the people his personal investment in the project. His call of support was not a hollow one without personal cost.

How could David be so generous? It was not because he wanted to build an extravagant structure for himself. He had already done that in building his palace. (:1) He was able to be so generous because his gift would be for “the house of my God” (v. 1) and because “all that is in heaven and earth is [God’s].” (v. 11) The king humbly invested his wealth into the building of the Temple because it was for his God and all that he had to give was ultimately from God. David’s treasure lay in the kingdom of God, not his own. He was free to give because he trusted what he had was not his own but a gift from God to invest in God’s purposes. His main focus in life was to seek first God’s kingdom. We will observe David’s example, or, “speed,” as the leader in both giving and his ask of those who led with him. It is no surprise that giving campaigns today emulate this biblical model that asks for commitments from the leader(s) first so that the people may be inspired to join them in giving to the project or cause. The speed of the leader(s) continues to be the speed of the group.

David’s psalm of praise to God as the source and provider of all things reveals the foundation of generosity. (vv. 10-13) David’s complete confidence that God was the owner of all things and that he simply had the privilege to invest them in the mission of God freed him to give abundantly. Paul, the Apostle, who was a servant leader collecting for the poor in , wrote his friends in Corinth and reminded them that “God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) When we trust God we have “all sufficiency in all things at all times” we can be generous.

Commentary

The King’s Example of Generosity (29:1-5)

This chapter continues King David’s address to the assembly begun in chapter 28, verse 1. He has told the royal officials and commanders of his army the story of God’s will for his son, Solomon, to be the next king and to build a temple for the worship of God. He encouraged the leaders to remain faithful to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to keep His commands. (28:2-7) The king turned to Solomon before the assembly and encouraged him to be strong and complete the work of building. (28:8-10) He then gave the plans God had given him for the Temple to his son. (28:11-19) He concluded his message to Solomon before the assembly by that God, David’s God, would be with him and that there were others to aid him in the huge task of building, furnishing and serving in the Temple. (28:20-21)

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1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

David then turned back to “all the assembly” after addressing his son before the gathered leaders. (29:1) The king reminded those gathered that Solomon was the one whom God had chosen to be king and to complete the building of the Temple. The next king, however, was “young and inexperienced,” or, “tender” (KJV) This was not a negative statement to signal the father’s superiority over his son but a statement of reality that Solomon was young in age and lacking in experience in governing. Solomon would make this same confession when God came to him after he became king. (1 Kings 3:7) Solomon’s task was great because the “palatial structure” (NIV) was not for people but for Yahweh, the God of Israel. The word for “palace,” or, “temple” (NASB), is a rare word for the temple. The Hebrew word, biyrah, can mean palace, citadel or fort [Kohlenberger-Mounce, Hebrew] The word is used only here and v. 19 for the Temple but used fourteen times throughout Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel with the meaning of a royal fortress or “palace.” [Thompson, 194, n. 102] One reason for the use of the word may be to emphasize the grandeur and extravagance of the structure in relation to Solomon’s experience.

Just as King David had provided the plans and people to aid Solomon in the task handed him, he provided the financial resources for the project. (v. 2) The list of resources echoes those he said he would give earlier when telling Solomon about the project. (:14-16) What is different in this passage is that the king gave witness to his personal investment in the project. (v. 3) He would not only give from the national treasury but from his own wealth, or, “personal treasures.” (NIV) He showed his “devotion” (NIV) and “delight” (NASB) in “my God” by giving out of his own wealth, not just that of the nation. Personal sacrifice is the best evidence of true devotion. The “gold of Ophir” is mentioned as part of Solomon’s treasury. (v. 4; 1 Kings 9:28) It is futile to try and find equivalent amounts to the numbers listed in this passage. “Great quantities” is sufficient to tell of David’s devotion to the project.

After telling the assembly of his personal commitment to the project he asked, “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?” (v. 5) The verb translated “willingly” is used for making freewill offerings for the . (Exodus 25:2; 35:21) The people would have recognized the king’s call in this way. To consecrate means “to fill the hand” [ESV footnote] and is used for ordination to the priesthood. (Exodus 28:41) David understood that their willing gift was a sign of consecration of themselves to the building of the temple. Leadership always calls on others to join him or her on mission. David told of his sacrificial gift not to impress but to inspire others to give. His main focus was to honor God with his treasures.

The Leaders Followed the Leader (29:6-9)

Following the king’s example, the leaders “offered willingly” (NIV) their riches to the Temple treasury. (v. 6) The word can also be translated “freewill offering” (ESV) that Page 3 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Three. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

represented “gifts that were not required but prompted by one’s heart or spirit. (Leviticus 7:16; Exodus 25:2) [Thompson, 195] Their gifts were measurable. No commitment cards here.

The measure of the leaders’ gifts exceeded that of the king, showing that more gifts of various amounts is greater than the large amount of one giver. They gave “talents” and “darics” of gold and talents of silver, bronze, and iron. (v. 7) The “daric” was a Persian coin not minted before 515 BC. [Williamson, 184] This minting was later than the historical event, which we concluded was recorded by Ezra in the sixth century BC. (See Lesson One in this Commentary.) The Chronicler may have used this coin’s value as a comparative reference for the worth of the gifts for his readers. The leaders also gave precious stones similar to those of the king. (v.8; 29:2) The gifts were put in the treasury of the Temple under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite, a who was listed among the families put in charge of the treasuries of the Temple. (:21)

When the assembly saw the leaders’ willing response and wholehearted commitment to fund the work of the temple, they rejoiced. (v. 9) Even the king was filled with joy at the response of his leaders. Generosity breeds joy. The Bible tells us that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and continues to say that heartfelt gifts not only supplies the needs of others but also results in “overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Cor. 9:7, 12) Examples of generosity also result in joy-filled praise to God, the source of wealth and owner of all things.

A Song of Praise (29:10-13)

King David is known for the songs, or, psalms, he wrote throughout his life. He was a warrior poet, a rare combination among leaders. His songs were conversations with God and proclamations of God’s never-ending love. It was not out of character for him to pen a song of praise upon seeing the overwhelming response of his leaders to his invitation to join him in giving to the building of the Temple.

David’s prayer is contained in verses 10 through 19, but verses 10 through 13 possess poetic form and are formatted as such in most translations. David praised Yahweh before the assembly to show his gratitude for all that had happened among the people. (v. 10) The opening word of David’s prayer can be translated “praise” (NIV) or “blessed.” God is usually the giver of blessings, but David sometimes used it to bless God. (Psalm 145:21) The following verse may sound familiar as the longer ending to the Lord’s Prayer found in later manuscripts of Matthew’s Gospel. (Matthew 6:13) David acknowledged the greatness, power, glory, majesty and splendor of God—all found throughout Scripture to describe the nature of God. The phrases “all that is in the heavens and the earth are yours” (v. 11) and “both riches and honor come from you” (v. 12) are the foundation of generosity. When we trust that God is the owner of all things and that we have them only from his hand, then we can give generously. We are free Page 4 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Three. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

from the fear of scarcity and assured that God will provide what we need when we need it.

David’s acknowledgement of God’s greatness as ruler and owner of all things resulted in additional praise and thanksgiving. (v. 13)

A Confession of God’s Abundance (29:14-16)

David had every reason to be proud. His son would be Israel’s next king. David prepared and gave the plans for the Temple to Solomon, and the leaders and he gave the funds needed to start the building. All of this was done under his rule as king. However, the next portion of his prayer is a confession of humility and credit to God for everything. In light of his confession of who God is in his prayer above, David asked “who am I and who are my people” (NASB) that they would have the ability to give as they did? (v. 14) He answered his own question by stating again that everything comes from God and they gave only what God gave them. He repeated this confession in verse 16. David also answered his question of identity by declaring that like their forefathers the people and he were “strangers and sojourners.” (v. 15; :19-22) This concept conveyed the truth that the land and its wealth belonged to God, and the people were like “foreigners and strangers” (NIV) living there. Strangers and sojourners were terms Israel knew well. God gave special attention to those who were not of Israel but who lived alongside the people of God. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, for example)

A Call to Integrity and Loyalty (29:17-19)

David continued his prayer of praise by acknowledging God tests the hearts of people and is pleased with righteousness. (v. 17) The word for test can also mean to try, probe, or examine. It can mean the “assaying a metal to determine its purity or nature.” [Kohlenberger-Mounce, Hebrew bahan] David often called on God to try and test his heart (Psalm 17:3; 26:2) His most ardent prayer for God to examine his deepest parts was when he asked God to “Search me…and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23, 24) David was willing for God to test his motives for giving. He knew God was pleased with “uprightness” (ESV; NASB). (Other translations use “integrity” (NIV; NET) and “equity.” See Psalm 75:2; Proverbs 1:3; 8:6) The king gave his gifts willingly and “with pure motives” (NET) and was willing for God to test his intentions, not his actions. Too often actions conceal the true motives of the actor. Why we do what we do is more important than what we do. David rejoiced at the willing motives of his people to give.

David ended his prayer of praise with petition. He addressed Yahweh as God had revealed Himself to Moses, “the God of , the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6) He asked that God keep “such purposes and thoughts in the Page 5 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Three. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

hearts of your people.” (v. 18) The king knew that willing generosity would sustain the work of the Lord by his people. He also asked that God continue to “direct their hearts” toward God, or, “to keep them devoted” to God. (NET) David knew the wayward hearts of people and that God alone was able to keep their main focus on the kingdom of God.

David, the father king, closed his public prayer with a specific supplication for his son. He asked that God would give his son “a whole heart that he may keep” God’s commandments and that he do everything to build the “temple” (NASB) for which he had provided. (v. 19) A prayer for loyalty to God first, then complete commitment to the task made up David’s prayer for his son. Solomon would complete the task of building the temple. However, he would waiver in his wholehearted commitment to the commandments of God.

Conclusion

David’s treasure was his desire to aid his son in building the Temple for the God of Israel, Yahweh. His heart found its desire in that treasure. The king created the plans and provided the materials for the magnificent building project. He invested his political power to summon royal officials and military commanders to embrace the task. He provided the resources needed to build with excellence. David’s heart followed his treasure. Jesus taught this truth about how he created humans when he said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) David demonstrated this truth by his actions toward the treasure God had given him to have his son build Israel’s first Temple.

Unlike congresspersons and senators who gladly spend tax revenue or CEOs who give publicly from the company’s community engagement funds rather than their own money, David gave from his personal wealth. David refused others to give to the Lord without him doing the same. David was a leader who set the pace for investing in what he called others to invest. His example of personal, sacrificial giving revealed his heart for God’s call on his life. When Araunah wanted to give his threshing floor and sacrifice to David who followed God’s command to build an altar there, the king refused Araunah’s offer and said, “No, I will buy [the threshing floor and oxen for sacrifice] from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” (2 24:24) David gave of his own wealth first before he asked others to give.

Generosity begets generosity. David gave from his personal treasury as an example of his “devotion to the temple to [his] God.” He then asked his royal and military leaders, “Who else wants to give to the Lord today?” The leaders answered by giving willingly and abundantly. When we see others give boldly, we are inspired to give in like manner. Testimonies in word and actions of commitment to a God-sized task by the leader begets similar responses from others. A biblical axiom is, “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Page 6 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Three. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made.

1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

Corinthians 9:6) David sowed his wealth abundantly into the Temple project, and his followers responded in the same way.

Generosity also begets joy. When the people saw what their leaders had done, they rejoiced. The king rejoiced too when he saw the generous response of his leaders. Celebrating the generosity of others can be an act of praise to God for provision through those who commit in tangible ways to the mission of God.

Trust in God’s ownership of all things breeds generosity. To trust all things come from God frees you up to give generously to where your treasure is. David understood the people of Israel as foreigners and strangers in the land God owned and gave to them. The king confessed that God was ruler of all things, and all that David and the people had were from God. As owners of nothing and recipients of God’s wealth, they were free to invest God’s goods into God’s good for all people. When we trust “everything in heaven and earth” belongs to God and that we are but sojourners here, we too are freed from issues of ownership and protection of wealth. Since God owns it all, we simply invest what is God’s for God’s purposes.

Solomon observed all that happened in the assembly, and he would follow the example of his father as he boldly took up the task of being king and building the Temple for God.

Meet the Writer: Dr. Gene Wilkes Dr. Gene Wilkes is President & Professor of New Testament & Leadership of B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. He has authored 11 books, including "Jesus On Leadership: Timeless Wisdom on Servant Leadership" & "A New Way of Living: Practicing the Beatitudes Every Day." Dr. Wilkes received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies & his M.Div. from SWBTS. He graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Religion & Greek. Dr. Wilkes lives in Plano, TX, with his wife, Kim. They have 2 daughters & 3 grandchildren.

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1 Chronicles 29:1-19, Where Your Treasure Is

Bibliography

Albright, William F. The Biblical Period From Abraham to Ezra (New York: Harper & Row, 1963) Mary Kay Ash, On People Management (NY, NY: Warner Books, 1984) Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook, 3rd edition (Zondervan, 1962) Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, General Editors (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003) Kohlenberger/Mounce, Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the John R. Kohlenberger III and William D. Mounce, Editors (William D. Mounce, 2012) Accordance Biblical Software edition. Thompson, J. A. 1, 2 Chronicles, Vol. 9 in The New American Commentary, E. Ray Clendenen, General Editor (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994) Williamson, H. G. M. 1 and 2 Chronicles, in The New Century Bible Commentary, Ronald Clements and Matthew Black, General Editors (Eerdmans, 1982)

ESV = English Standard Version KJV = King James Version NASB = New American Standard Bible NET = New English Translation NIV = New International Version

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