Monday 10 September 2012

Background

The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles are largely parallel to theearlier histories of Samuel and Kings, and were probably written inthe 4th century BC in Jerusalem. The centrepiece of the story isthe reign of David (to the end of 1 Chronicles) and the reign ofSolomon (from the beginning of 2 Chronicles), closely connected bythe great project they shared, the planning and construction of thetemple in Jerusalem. David acquired the land on Mount Moriah andthrough divine inspiration was given the plan for it, just as Godgave Moses the plan for the tabernacle (Exodus25-27). David also collected the funds and materials necessaryfor its construction, but it was given to his son Solomon to buildand furnish the temple, placing the ark of the covenant at itscentre. The chronicler closely connects the stories of David andSolomon, linking them with the presence of the Lord God, andcentring their shared kingdom on God's holy power.

Tonnes of precious metals and jewels were given by those who hadgreat wealth, and the people and king rightly rejoiced. This briefpassage then shows David's prayer, blessing God, who is the sourceof all wealth and power. This prayer is the source of the laterdoxology to the Lord's Prayer ("For the kingdom, the power, and theglory are yours forever. Amen.") in later manuscripts of Matthew 6:13, which we use today. Davidcontinues, "For all things come from you, and of your own have wegiven you," (v.14), words that contemporary Christians continue topray in some offertory prayers.

So in this short prayer, we are reminded that God is the sourceof all power and wealth, and that the right human response to Godis humility and obedience, freely and joyously offering all thingsback to God. While the temple seems to represent the centre ofreligious life in ancient Israel, the chronicler tells us that truefaith and righteousness reside in the human heart. Devotion to Godis not ultimately shown in the building of wonderful buildings forreligious purposes, however important that may be, but in uprighthearts turned toward God.

To Ponder

• This passage shows us that ultimately everything we havebelongs to God, who takes pleasure in our holy living. How great apart does your awareness of this play in your own decisions aboutgiving to church and charity?

• The passage suggests that religious devotion is not primarilyreflected in building and displaying great religious buildings andtreasures. How important are these things to you? What purpose doessuch art and architecture serve in your own life?