Ob and In:
(1) repeated words: freewill offering
29:6The leaders of the families, the leaders of the Israelite tribes, the commanders of units of a thousand and a hundred, and the supervisors of the king’s work contributed willingly
9 The people were delighted with their donations, for they contributed to the LORD with a willing attitude; King David was also very happy.
9 The people were delighted with their donations, for they contributed to the LORD with a willing attitude; King David was also very happy.
17b ...and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you.
(NAC) [freewill offering]=It is used of gifts that were not required but prompted by one’s heart (Exod 25:2) or spirit (Exod 35:21)..
(2) repeated words: happy or celebrated
(NAC) [freewill offering]=It is used of gifts that were not required but prompted by one’s heart (Exod 25:2) or spirit (Exod 35:21)..
(2) repeated words: happy or celebrated
9 The people were delighted with their donations, for they contributed to the LORD with a willing attitude; King David was also very happy.
22 They held a feast before the LORD that day and celebrated [Hebrew=with great joy].
(NAC) People are closest to God-likeness in self-giving, and the nearer they approach God-likeness the more genuinely and rightly they become capable of rejoicing.” As David had learned vividly and painfully, “The search for true happiness cannot be along the path of self-gratification
Reflection: Freewill giving is not required, but it is a character of God. Do we share the character of God in giving? Have we ever experienced this kind of joy? Is experiencing this joy of being like God important to you? If yes, then give.
(3) Repeated words: God is the ruler over all v.11, 12 and we only give back what comes from God v.14, 16
14 “But who am I and who are my people, that we should be in a position to contribute this much? Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours.
16 O LORD our God, all this wealth, which we have collected to build a temple for you to honor your holy name, comes from you; it all belongs to you
(4) Repeated words: Pure motive v.17, 18
17 I know, my God, that you examine thoughts and are pleased with integrity. With pure motives I contribute all this; and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you
18 O LORD God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, maintain the motives of your people and keep them devoted to you.
A. On one hand, David realized that they got a lot and therefore they could contribute back to the LORD. On the other hand, he realized that they only give back to God what had given to them. In v.15, David explained why they gave, because men are like nomads and have no security. Why not give back to the LORD?
B. From God's perspective, since everything originally belonged to Him and now was given back to Him, what was the point? He was pleased with men's integrity and pure motive v.17 and therefore, David prayed that would maintain his people with this motive.
Reflection: David reminded me that giving to God is most reasonable and secure for our lives without security. Why not giving?
Our giving revealed our heart to God, that is, we belong to Him. Do we give with this attitude?
Audrey
Audrey
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