Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 29:2

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

2. with all my might ] Cp. 1Ch 22:14, in my affliction (R.V.).

the gold for things to be made of gold ] R.V. the gold for the things of gold.

onyx ] R.V. mg. beryl. Cp. Gen 2:12 (R.V. mg. beryl).

glistering stones ] R.V. stones for inlaid work (Hebrew, “stones of pch ”). Cp. Isa 54:11, I will lay thy stones with fair colours (Hebrew, “with pch ”). Glister is an old form of glisten.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Glistering stones – Rather, colored stones; or, dark stones – stones of a hue like that of the antimony wherewith women painted their eyes.

Marble stones – or, white stones – perhaps alabaster, which is found near Damascus. On the use made of the stones in building the temple, see 2Ch 3:6 note.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 2. And marble stones] abney shayish, which the Vulgate translates marmor Parium, Parian marble. Paros was one of the Cyclade islands, and produced the whitest and finest marble, that of which most of the finest works of antiquity have been made. That the word shaish means marble is probable from the Chaldee, which has abney marmoraiyah, marble stones. Josephus says that the temple was built of large blocks of white marble, beautifully polished, so as to produce a most splendid appearance. – Jos., De Bell. Jud., lib. v., c. 5, s. 2.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Stones to be set; diamonds, or emeralds, or rubies, or any of those precious stones which are usually set in rings or such things.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God,…. According to the utmost of his ability for the building and decorating of it:

the gold for the things to be made of gold; as the candlesticks, shewbread tables, c.

and the silver for [things] of silver as for basins, c.

and the brass for [things] of brass as the brasen altar, brasen laver,

and iron for [things] of iron; for nails, hinges, c.

and wood for [things] of wood for rafters, ceilings, floors, c.

onyx stones the Targum, stones of beryl: and stones to be set; other precious stones to be set in gold and silver:

glistering stones; the Targum, emeralds; the word is used for stibium, or black lead, with which women painted their eyes; and so may signify black stones, like black lead; as white marble is after mentioned, perhaps black is here meant, or such stones Solomon paved the ways with leading to Jerusalem y: but as such stones are not very glistering, there seems to be no reason for such an epithet; unless the stone “phengites” should be meant, which was a clear bright stone, and served for looking glasses. Domitian the Roman emperor, when under suspicion of being murdered by persons he had offended, garnished the porticos of his palace with this stone, which was of such brightness, that by the images formed in it he could see what was behind him z; and so Lucian speaks a of Astarte having a splendid stone about her, called , which in the night gave much light to the temple, but shone weakly in the day time, and looked like fire:

and of divers colours; that is, stones of various colours, as jaspers, amethysts, c. Kimchi interprets it of embroidered clothes, and garments of needlework, and in these precious stones were sometimes inserted:

and all manner of precious stones as pearls, diamonds, c. it is hard to say what all these precious stones were for Jarchi and Kimchi think they were to decorate the walls overlaid with gold, in which they were set; it is certain they were for garnishing and beautifying the house, see 2Ch 3:6

and marble stones in abundance; for pillars, tables, and pavement, as Jarchi; this was Parian marble, according to the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions; the whitest of marble b, found the island of Paros, and which agrees with the word here used.

y Joseph. Antiqu. l. 8. c. 7. sect. 4. z Sueton. Vit. Domitian. c. 14. Vid. Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 36. c. 22. Isidor. Origin. l. 16. c. 4. a De Dea Syria. b “—-Pario marmore purius.” Horat. Carmin. l. 1. ode 19.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

(2) Now I have prepared.And with all might have I prepared (1Ch. 22:14; comp. also Deu. 6:5; Deu. 28:9).

The gold for things to be made of gold.Literally, the gold for the gold, and the silver for the silver, &c. (Comp. 1Ch. 28:14.)

Onyx (shham).So Vulg. The LXX. keeps the Hebrew word . (See Gen. ii 12; Exo. 25:7; Exo. 28:9; Exo. 28:20; Job. 28:16.) The uncertainty of meaning is illustrated by the fact that the LXX. in various passages translates shham by onyx, beryl, sardius, emerald, and sapphire.

Stones to be set (abn millm).Stones of settings; strictly, fillings; LXX., (Exo. 25:7; Exo. 35:9).

Glistering stones, and of divers colours.Literally, stones of pk and riqmh. Pk is the pigment used by Eastern ladies for darkening the eyebrows and lashes (kohl: 2Ki. 9:30). It here seems to denote the colour of the stones in question. Perhaps some kind of decorative marble is intended (comp. Isa. 54:11). Riqmh stones are veined or variegated marbles, or, perhaps, tesselated work (comp. Eze. 17:3; Jdg. 5:30). The LXX. renders the phrase costly and variegated stones.

All manner of precious stones.2Ch. 3:6.

Marble stones.Stones of shyish, a word only read here. It means white marble. The LXX. and Vulg. have Parian marble, but the Targum simply marmora, marbles. (Comp. Est. 1:6; Son. 5:15, where shsh is equivalent to the present form.)

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

DISCOURSE: 391
DAVIDS PREPARATION FOR THE TEMPLE

1Ch 29:2. Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.

THERE is no end to the benefits which we may derive from Scripture history. What if our situation and circumstances be different from those which are there adverted to? the advantage to be received from the relation of them is not a whit the less: on the contrary, it often happens, that the voice of God in them is on that very account the more powerful. Take, for instance, the example before us. David, of his own mind, desired to build a temple for the Lord: and he was forbidden to do it: yet with all his might he prepared for it; though it was never to be done till he should be removed to a better world. It may be said, and with truth, that we are not, nor are at all likely to be, in circumstances like his: yet will his example be found of very peculiar use, whilst I set before you,

I.

The zeal he manifested for the building of a material temple to the Lord

Though forbidden to execute his wishes, he was not forbidden to prepare for the execution of them by his son and successor on the throne of Israel. He, therefore, availed himself of the wealth and influence which God had given him, himself to contribute, out of his own personal property, above eighteen millions of our money; and to promote a similar liberality amongst his subjects, who contributed above thirty millions. The amount of both together was fifty millions of pounds. Now, it may be asked, On what principle did he proceed? And why should he so strip both himself and his people of their possessions, for the purpose of raising a structure to the Lord? I answer, he did it,

1.

To honour God

[David had built for himself a noble palace: and he could not endure to live in a house of cedar himself, whilst the ark, which was the symbol of the divine presence, dwelt between curtains. True, no earthly house could be a fit habitation for Him who filleth heaven and earth: but still it was more seemly that there should be for God a fixed abode: and by making it exceeding magnifical, it would become an object of admiration to all the surrounding nations. It would also fill with reverence all his own people; and thus be the means of honouring God among them, and of exalting in their esteem its Divine Inhabitant. And was not this an object worthy to be promoted, whatever might be the trouble, or whatever the expense?]

2.

To bring down a blessing upon his whole land

[Greatly would it facilitate the access of all the people to their God, especially when they should come up annually, at the three appointed seasons, to worship there. And much would they see that would afford them abundant edification. Indeed, the candlesticks and lavers that were used in the tabernacle were multiplied ten-fold in the temple: and the accommodations for the worshippers would be enlarged, perhaps an hundred-fold. Whilst, therefore, the very sight or that magnificent structure would fill them with reverential awe, they would derive exceeding great comfort and encouragement from the increased facilities of social worship. And, beyond a doubt, in proportion as they delighted in drawing nigh to God, God would delight in drawing nigh to them; and in proportion as they sought him, he would be found of them, and pour out his benefits upon them.
And could a monarch improve his wealth and influence better than in such a work? No, surely: no labour, however great, nor any sacrifice, however costly, would be ill bestowed in the advancement of so blessed and desirable an end. Millions of gold and silver were well appropriated to a cause like this.]
But greater far is,

II.

The zeal that becomes us in raising a spiritual temple in his name

In reference to this work, no prohibition is issued to any living soul; but, on the contrary, a commandment is given to all. And infinitely more does it deserve our utmost exertions: we all are called to aid in raising this nobler edifice
[Yes, a nobler edifice it is indeed!

Its foundation is more solid. The material temple, doubtless, was built on a foundation well fitted for its support. But Jesus Christ is, the foundation laid in Zion: on him must we raise the edifice [Note: Isa 28:16.]; or rather on the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone [Note: Eph 2:20.].

Its materials are more precious. Doubtless of timber and stone there was the most careful selection that could be made. But our temple consists of living stones [Note: 1Pe 2:4-5.], every one of them penetrated by the Spirit of God, and animated with the very life that is in Christ Jesus [Note: Gal 2:20. Col 3:3-4.].

Its architect is more honourable. Bezaliel and Aholiab are immortalized by their unrivalled skill. But of the Temple in which our assistance is required, it must be said, Its Builder and Maker is God [Note: Heb 11:10.]. There is not a stone belonging to it which has not been hewn out of the quarry by God himself, and formed and fashioned by Him who built the universe: so true is that declaration of the Apostle, We are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works [Note: Eph 2:10.].

Far nobler sacrifices, too, are offered in it. All the cattle upon a thousand hills were not worthy to be compared with the sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit. With every such offering God is well pleased: and the temple itself is infinitely more raised in his esteem, on account of the offerings presented there [Note: Isa 66:1-2.]. Not one is ever inflamed with his heavenly fire, but the odours of it ascend up before him with acceptance, and are well pleasing to him through Jesus Christ [Note: Psa 51:17.].

The manifestations of God in it are also more bright. True, in the material temple, God so filled it, that the priests could no longer stop to minister there [Note: 1Ki 8:10-11.]. But in his spiritual temple he dwells, not by a bright cloud, the symbol of his presence, but by his own immediate presence; making it his habitation through the Spirit [Note: Eph 2:22.], and displaying to the view of every faithful worshipper all the glory of the Godhead in the face of Jesus Christ [Note: 2Co 3:18.].

The whole economy of it, also, is more lasting. The material temple has been so entirely destroyed, that not even its site can now be accurately ascertained. But the spiritual Temple shall endure for ever, as we are told by the beloved Apostle: I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and he will be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away [Note: Rev 21:3-4.]. The Romans utterly subverted the one: but not all the power and policy of hell shall ever prevail against the other.]

What zeal, then, can be too great, in promoting such a work as this?
[Did David prepare with all his might for the house which he was forbidden to construct? Surely we should spare no labour and no cost in advancing the work to which we are called. We should devote to it both our persons and our property, our persons doubtless in the first instance [Note: 2Co 8:5.]; for without that sacrifice, all the wealth of kingdoms would be a vain and empty, yea, a hateful and detestable offering [Note: Isa 66:3. Rom 12:1.]: but with that, we must present also our gold and our silver, to the utmost extent of our power [Note: ver. 13, 14.]. It cannot be that men should go forth to preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles, all over the world, at their own cost: nor can the Holy Scriptures be translated into all languages, and be dispersed over all countries, without great and liberal contributions. But if David and his subjects gave so richly of their substance to raise a temple of wood and stone, and even adored God for giving them the inclination and ability to contribute [Note: 2Co 8:3-4. If there were only 12,5001. raised, as for the London Society, it would occupy the space of 4000 years! How little do we, for the souls of Gods Ancient People, in comparison of David!], much more should we be willing to give all that we can spareI had almost said, all that we possess, for the advancing of Gods kingdom over the face of the whole earth.

Shall it be thought that our present contributions are large? Suppose them to be fifty thousand a year; there will be a lapse of a thousand years before we have collected what David and his servants gave, before so mach as a single stone was laid.

Shall it be said, as it often is, in reference to the Millennium, It will not take place in our day? Be it so, if you please: yet learn from David, that that consideration, even if it were certain, should not induce you in the least degree to relax your exertions. You should still prepare for it with all your might, and help it forward to the utmost of your power
If any one say, I can do nothing towards that great work; let him know, that he has at least one Temple to prepare, even his own soul, which must, ere it can be happy, become a Temple of the living God [Note: 1Co 3:16; 1Co 6:19.]: that you must prepare, by penitence and faith, to be the habitation of Almighty God [Note: 2Co 6:16.]. But take care that Christ be the foundation on winch you build; for there neither is, nor can be, any other [Note: 1Co 3:11.]. Take care, also, what your superstructure is: If it be hay, straw, stubble, it will be burnt up. It must be of gold, and silver, and precious stones, in order to be approved of the Lord [Note: 1Co 3:12-15.]. Take care, also, not to retain in your bosom any evil disposition. God could not endure that his temple of old should be defiled; much less will he suffer with impunity any lusts to be harboured in the soul of man: If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the Temple of God is holy: which Temple ye are [Note: Joh 2:13-17. 1Co 3:17.]. I call on every one of you, then, to be workers together with God in this sacred cause [Note: 2Co 6:1.]: and, whatever your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might [Note: Ecc 9:10.].]

Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)

The motive of David’s liberality is beautifully set forth in this account. It was not to bribe God with his own gifts. It was not to give of the possessions of the body for the sin of the soul. But it was because he had set his affection on the house of his God. God in covenant was a precious God to David, and therefore he loved the place where his honor dwelt. Reader! look to it upon all occasions, that the service is the service of the heart. Let the gift be ever so costly, yet unless it be given from the heart it is of no esteem in the sight of God.

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

1Ch 29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

Ver. 2. Now I have prepared. ] This he speaketh not of vainglory, but to God’s glory, 1Ch 29:10 and for the good example of his princes and people. Of Vespasian it is said that he was imperio maximus, exemplo maior, and that he did segnes exemplo incitare saepius quam coercere, a prevail with his subjects most of all by his own good practice. David did so much more; he knew well that examples are the best lectures, and virtue the best example.

Onyx stones. ] These are white stones, like the white of a man’s nail, whence also they have their name.

Glistering stones. ] Heb., Stones of ornament: lapides fuci, Vatablus rendereth it: qui scilicet intuentibus fucum facerent, saith A Lapide, stones that deceive the beholders with seeming shows: such as are agates: you would think that there were in them the pictures of trees, of birds, of swimming islands, &c. Stones “of fair colours” such stones are called in Isa 54:11 .

And all manner of precious stones. ] Whereof see Exo 28:17-21 Eze 28:13 ; Plin. Nat. Hist. passim, Rueum de Gemmis, &c.

And marble stones in abundance. ] The Vulgate hath it, Et marmor Parium abundantissime. Paros is an island – one of the Cyclades – that yieldeth the best marble: no question but David had provided the very best of the best for this use, to be foundation stones. 1Ki 5:17

a Tacit., lib. ii., Hist.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)