EGW Writings1 Chronicles 29
Ellen G. White
Read 1 Chronicles 29 in the Bible1 Chronicles 29:1-14
Conflict and Courage
More Than Money, June 28
CC 185.1
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 29:9.CC 185.2
From the very opening of David’s reign one of his most cherished plans had been that of erecting a temple to the Lord. Though he had not been permitted to execute this design, he had manifested no less zeal and earnestness in its behalf. He had provided an abundance of the most costly material—gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors; marble, and the most precious woods. And now these valuable treasures that he had collected must be committed to others; for other hands must build the house for the ark, the symbol of God’s presence.CC 185.3
Seeing that his end was near, the king summoned the princes of Israel, with representative men from all parts of the kingdom, to receive this legacy in trust. He desired to commit to them his dying charge and secure their concurrence and support in the great work to be accomplished....CC 185.4
“Who then,” he asked of the assembled multitude that had brought their liberal gifts—“who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” There was a ready response from the assembly....CC 185.5
With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them....CC 185.6
All that man receives of God’s bounty still belongs to God. Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in the hands of men to test them—to sound the depths of their love for Him and their appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus; the giver saying, meanwhile, with David, “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 50Ibid., 750-753.1 Chronicles 29:1-30
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 73—The Last Years of David
PP 746.1
The overthrow of Absalom did not at once bring peace to the kingdom. So large a part of the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return to his capital and resume his authority without an invitation from the tribes. In the confusion that followed Absalom’s defeat there was no prompt and decided action to recall the king, and when at last Judah undertook to bring back David, the jealousy of the other tribes was roused, and a counter-revolution followed. This, however, was speedily quelled, and peace returned to Israel.PP 746.2
The history of David affords one of the most impressive testimonies ever given to the dangers that threaten the soul from power and riches and worldly honor—those things that are most eagerly desired among men. Few have ever passed through an experience better adapted to prepare them for enduring such a test. David’s early life as a shepherd, with its lessons of humility, of patient toil, and of tender care for his flocks; the communion with nature in the solitude of the hills, developing his genius for music and poetry, and directing his thoughts to the Creator; the long discipline of his wilderness life, calling into exercise courage, fortitude, patience, and faith in God, had been appointed by the Lord as a preparation for the throne of Israel. David had enjoyed precious experiences of the love of God, and had been richly endowed with His Spirit; in the history of Saul he had seen the utter worthlessness of mere human wisdom. And yet worldly success and honor so weakened the character of David that he was repeatedly overcome by the tempter.PP 746.3
Intercourse with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their national customs and kindled ambition for worldly greatness. As the people of Jehovah, Israel was to be honored; but as pride and self-confidence increased, the Israelites were not content with this pre-eminence. They cared rather for their standing among other nations. This spirit could not fail to invite temptation. With a view to extending his conquests among foreign nations, David determined to increase his army by requiring military service from all who were of proper age. To effect this, it became necessary to take a census of the population. It was pride and ambition that prompted this action of the king. The numbering of the people would show the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David ascended the throne and its strength and prosperity under his rule. This would tend still further to foster the already too great self-confidence of both king and people. The Scripture says, “Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” The prosperity of Israel under David had been due to the blessing of God rather than to the ability of her king or the strength of her armies. But the increasing of the military resources of the kingdom would give the impression to surrounding nations that Israel’s trust was in her armies, and not in the power of Jehovah.PP 747.1
Though the people of Israel were proud of their national greatness, they did not look with favor upon David’s plan for so greatly extending the military service. The proposed enrollment caused much dissatisfaction; consequently it was thought necessary to employ the military officers in place of the priests and magistrates, who had formerly taken the census. The object of the undertaking was directly contrary to the principles of a theocracy. Even Joab remonstrated, unscrupulous as he had heretofore shown himself. He said, “The Lord make His people a hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.” The numbering was not finished when David was convicted of his sin. Self-condemned, he “said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech Thee, do away the iniquity of Thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” The next morning a message was brought to David by the prophet Gad: “Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore,” said the prophet, “advise thyself what word I shall bring again to Him that sent me.”PP 748.1
The king’s answer was, “I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for His mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.”PP 748.2
The land was smitten with pestilence, which destroyed seventy thousand in Israel. The scourge had not yet entered the capital, when “David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.” The king pleaded with God in behalf of Israel: “Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued.”PP 748.3
The taking of the census had caused disaffection among the people; yet they had themselves cherished the same sins that prompted David’s action. As the Lord through Absalom’s sin visited judgment upon David, so through David’s error he punished the sins of Israel.PP 748.4
The destroying angel had stayed his course outside Jerusalem. He stood upon Mount Moriah, “in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” Directed by the prophet, David went to the mountain, and there built an altar to the Lord, “and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and He answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.” “So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.”PP 748.5
The spot upon which the altar was erected, henceforth ever to be regarded as holy ground, was tendered to the king by Ornan as a gift. But the king declined thus to receive it. “I will verily buy it for the full price,” he said; “for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost. So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.” This spot, memorable as the place where Abraham had built the altar to offer up his son, and now hallowed by this great deliverance, was afterward chosen as the site of the temple erected by Solomon.PP 749.1
Still another shadow was to gather over the last years of David. He had reached the age of threescore and ten. The hardships and exposures of his early wanderings, his many wars, the cares and afflictions of his later years, had sapped the fountain of life. Though his mind retained its clearness and strength, feebleness and age, with their desire for seclusion, prevented a quick apprehension of what was passing in the kingdom, and again rebellion sprang up in the very shadow of the throne. Again the fruit of David’s parental indulgence was manifest. The one who now aspired to the throne was Adonijah, “a very goodly man” in person and bearing, but unprincipled and reckless. In his youth he had been subjected to but little restraint; for “his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?” He now rebelled against the authority of God, who had appointed Solomon to the throne. Both by natural endowments and religious character Solomon was better qualified than his elder brother to become ruler of Israel; yet although the choice of God had been clearly indicated, Adonijah did not fail to find sympathizers. Joab, though guilty of many crimes, had heretofore been loyal to the throne; but he now joined the conspiracy against Solomon, as did also Abiathar the priest.PP 749.2
The rebellion was ripe; the conspirators had assembled at a great feast just without the city to proclaim Adonijah king, when their plans were thwarted by the prompt action of a few faithful persons, chief among whom were Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. They represented the state of affairs to the king, reminding him of the divine direction that Solomon should succeed to the throne. David at once abdicated in favor of Solomon, who was immediately anointed and proclaimed king. The conspiracy was crushed. Its chief actors had incurred the penalty of death. Abiathar’s life was spared, out of respect to his office and his former fidelity to David; but he was degraded from the office of high priest, which passed to the line of Zadok. Joab and Adonijah were spared for the time, but after the death of David they suffered the penalty of their crime. The execution of the sentence upon the son of David completed the fourfold judgment that testified to God’s abhorrence of the father’s sin.PP 750.1
From the very opening of David’s reign one of his most cherished plans had been that of erecting a temple to the Lord. Though he had not been permitted to execute this design, he had manifested no less zeal and earnestness in its behalf. He had provided an abundance of the most costly material—gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors; marble, and the most precious woods. And now these valuable treasures that he had collected must be committed to others; for other hands must build the house for the ark, the symbol of God’s presence.PP 750.2
Seeing that his end was near, the king summoned the princes of Israel, with representative men from all parts of the kingdom, to receive this legacy in trust. He desired to commit to them his dying charge and secure their concurrence and support in the great work to be accomplished. Because of his physical weakness, it had not been expected that he would attend to this transfer in person; but the inspiration of God came upon him, and with more than his wonted fervor and power, he was able, for the last time, to address his people. He told them of his own desire to build the temple, and of the Lord’s command that the work should be committed to Solomon his son. The divine assurance was, “Solomon thy son, he shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he be constant to do My commandments and My judgments, as at this day.” “Now therefore,” David said, “in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you forever.”PP 750.3
David had learned by his own experience how hard is the path of him who departs from God. He had felt the condemnation of the broken law, and had reaped the fruits of transgression; and his whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel should be true to God, and that Solomon should obey God’s law, shunning the sins that had weakened his father’s authority, embittered his life, and dishonored God. David knew that it would require humility of heart, a constant trust in God, and unceasing watchfulness to withstand the temptations that would surely beset Solomon in his exalted station; for such prominent characters are a special mark for the shafts of Satan. Turning to his son, already acknowledged as his successor on the throne, David said: “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever. Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.”PP 751.1
David gave Solomon minute directions for building the temple, with patterns of every part, and of all its instruments of service, as had been revealed to him by divine inspiration. Solomon was still young, and shrank from the weighty responsibilities that would devolve upon him in the erection of the temple and in the government of God’s people. David said to his son, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”PP 751.2
Again David appealed to the congregation: “Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.” He said, “I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God,” and he went on to enumerate the materials he had gathered. More than this, he said, “I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal.” “Who then,” he asked of the assembled multitude that had brought their liberal gifts—“who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”PP 751.3
There was a ready response from the assembly. “The chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, and gave, for the service of the house of God, of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord.... Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.PP 752.1
“Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.PP 752.2
“As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy people, and prepare their heart unto Thee: and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshiped the Lord.”PP 752.3
With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them. And as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more. They swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury. David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.PP 753.1
All that man receives of God’s bounty still belongs to God. Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in the hands of men to test them—to sound the depths of their love for Him and their appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus; the giver saying, meanwhile, with David, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.”PP 753.2
When he felt that death was approaching, the burden of David’s heart was still for Solomon and for the kingdom of Israel, whose prosperity must so largely depend upon the fidelity of her king. “And he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, ... that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: that the Lord may continue His word which He spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said He) a man on the throne of Israel.” 1 Kings 2:1-4.PP 754.1
David’s “last words,” as recorded, are a song—a song of trust, of loftiest principle, and undying faith:PP 754.2
“David the son of Jesse saith,And the man who was raised on high saith,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me: ...
One that ruleth over men righteously,
That ruleth in the fear of God,
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth,
A morning without clouds;
When the tender grass springeth out of the earth,
Through clear shining after rain.
Verily my house is not so with God;
Yet He hath made me an everlasting covenant,
Ordered in all things, and sure:
For it is all my salvation, and all my desire.” 2 Samuel 23:1-5, R.V.
PP 754.3
Great had been David’s fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent was his love, and strong his faith. He had been forgiven much, and therefore he loved much. Luke 7:47.PP 754.4
The psalms of David pass through the whole range of experience, from the depths of conscious guilt and self-condemnation to the loftiest faith and the most exalted communing with God. His life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that God’s love and mercy can reach to the deepest depths, that faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God. Of all the assurances which His word contains, it is one of the strongest testimonies to the faithfulness, the justice, and the covenant mercy of God.PP 754.5
Man “fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not,” “but the word of our God shall stand forever.” “The mercy of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them.” Job 14:2; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 103:17, 18.PP 754.6
“Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.” Ecclesiastes 3:14.PP 754.7
Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ. The Lord declared:PP 755.1
“I have sworn unto David My servant ... with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him.... My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto Me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation. Also I will make him My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him forevermore, and My covenant shall stand fast with him.” Psalm 89:3-28.PP 755.2
“His seed also will I make to endure forever,And his throne as the days of heaven.” Psalm 89:29.
PP 755.3
“He shall judge the poor of the people,He shall save the children of the needy,
And shall break in pieces the oppressor.
They shall fear thee while the sun endureth,
And so long as the moon, throughout all generations....
In his days shall the righteous flourish;
And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the river unto the ends of the earth.”
“His name shall endure forever:
His name shall be continued as long as the sun:
And men shall be blessed in him:
All nations shall call him blessed.” Psalm 72:4-8, R.V., 17.
PP 755.4
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:32, 33(757) .From Eternity Past
Chapter 73—A Man After God’s Own Heart
EP 542.1
The overthrow of Absalom did not at once bring peace. So large a part of the nation had joined in revolt that David would not return to his capital and resume his authority without an invitation from the tribes. There was no prompt and decided action to recall the king, and when at last Judah undertook to bring back David, the jealousy of the other tribes was roused. A counterrevolution followed. This, however, was speedily quelled, and peace returned to Israel.EP 542.2
Dangers threaten the soul from power, riches, and worldly honor. David’s early life as a shepherd, with its lessons of humility, patient toil, and tender care for his flocks; communion with nature in the solitude of the hills, directing his thoughts to the Creator; the long discipline of his wilderness life, had been appointed by the Lord as preparation for the throne of Israel. And yet worldly success and honor so weakened the character of David that he was overcome by the tempter.EP 542.3
Intercourse with heathen peoples led to a desire to follow their national customs and kindled ambition for worldly greatness. With a view to extending his conquests, David determined to increase his army by requiring military service from all who were of proper age. To effect this, it became necessary to take a census of the population. Pride and ambition prompted this action. The numbering of the people would show the contrast between the weakness of the kingdom when David ascended the throne and its strength and prosperity under his rule. The Scripture says, “Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” The prosperity of Israel under David had been due to the blessing of God. But increasing the military resources of the kingdom would give the impression to surrounding nations that Israel’s trust was in her armies, not in Jehovah.EP 543.1
The people of Israel did not look with favor upon David’s plan for greatly extending military service. The proposed enrollment caused much dissatisfaction; consequently it was thought necessary to employ military officers in place of the priests and magistrates, who had formerly taken the census. The object was directly contrary to the principles of a theocracy. Even Joab remonstrated: “Why ... doth my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.”EP 543.2
David was convicted of his sin. Self-condemned, he “said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.”EP 543.3
Next morning a message was brought by the prophet Gad: “Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee either three years’ famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel.”EP 543.4
The king’s answer was, “I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for His mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.”EP 543.5
The land was smitten with pestilence, which destroyed seventy thousand in Israel. “David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.” The king pleaded with God in behalf of Israel: “Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned, and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued.”EP 544.1
The people had cherished the same sins that prompted David’s action. As the Lord through Absalom’s sin visited judgment upon David, so through David’s error He punished the sins of Israel.EP 544.2
The destroying angel had stood upon Mount Moriah, “in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” Directed by the prophet, David went to the mountain, “and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and He answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.” “So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.”EP 544.3
The spot upon which the altar was erected, henceforth ever to be regarded as holy ground, was the place where Abraham had built the altar to offer up his son, and was afterward chosen as the site of the temple.EP 544.4
David had reached the age of threescore and ten. The hardships and exposures of his early wanderings, his many wars, the afflictions of later years had sapped the fountain of life. Feebleness and age, with desire for seclusion, prevented a quick apprehension of what was passing in the kingdom, and again rebellion sprang up in the very shadow of the throne.EP 544.5
The one who now aspired to the throne was Adonijah, “a very goodly man” in person and bearing, but unprincipled and reckless. In his youth “his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?” In youth subjected to little restraint, he now rebelled against the authority of God, who had appointed Solomon to the throne.EP 545.1
Solomon was better qualified than his elder brother; yet although the choice of God had been clearly indicated, Adonijah did not fail to find sympathizers. Joab, heretofore loyal to the throne, now joined the conspiracy against Solomon, as did Abiathar the priest.EP 545.2
The rebellion was ripe. The conspirators had assembled at a great feast to proclaim Adonijah king, when their plans were thwarted by the prompt action of Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. They represented the state of affairs to the king, reminding him of the divine direction that Solomon should succeed to the throne. David at once abdicated in favor of Solomon, who was immediately anointed and proclaimed king. The conspiracy was crushed.EP 545.3
Abiathar’s life was spared, out of respect to his office and former fidelity to David; but he was degraded from the office of high priest, which passed to the line of Zadok. Joab and Adonijah were spared for the time, but after the death of David they suffered the penalty of their crime. The execution of the sentence upon the son of David completed the fourfold judgment that testified to God’s abhorrence of the father’s sin.EP 545.4
From the opening of David’s reign, one of his most cherished plans had been that of erecting a temple to the Lord. He had provided an abundance of the costly material—gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors, marble, and precious woods. And now other hands must build the house for the ark, the symbol of God’s presence.EP 545.5
Seeing that his end was near, the king summoned representative men from all parts of the kingdom to receive this legacy in trust. Because of his physical weakness, it had not been expected that he would attend to this transfer in person; but the inspiration of God came upon him, and with fervor and power he was able, for the last time, to address his people. He told them of his own desire to build the temple, and of the Lord’s command that the work should be committed to Solomon his son. “Now therefore,” David said, “in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you forever.”EP 546.1
David’s whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel should be true to God and that Solomon should obey God’s law, shunning the sins that had weakened his father’s authority, embittered his life, and dishonored God. Turning to his son, already acknowledged as his successor, David said: “Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts... . Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary.”EP 546.2
David gave Solomon minute directions for building the temple. Solomon was still young and shrank from the weighty responsibilities in the erection of the temple and the government of God’s people. David said, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”EP 546.3
Again David appealed to the congregation: “Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God.” He said, “I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God,” and he went on to enumerate the materials he had gathered. “Who then,” he asked of the assembled multitude that had brought their liberal gifts, “who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?”EP 546.4
There was a ready response from the assembly. “Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”EP 547.1
“Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever... . Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee... . Give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.”EP 547.2
With deepest interest the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple. He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts. Now his heart was made glad in God. The chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury. It was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. His Spirit had made them willing. If His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the temple would never have been erected.EP 547.3
When he felt that death was approaching, the burden of David’s heart was still for Solomon and for Israel, whose prosperity must so largely depend upon the fidelity of her king. “And he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth; be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, ... that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: that the Lord may continue His own word which He spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said He) a man on the throne of Israel.” 1 Kings 2:1-4.EP 548.1
Great had been David’s fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent his love, and strong his faith. The psalms of David pass from the depths of guilt and self-condemnation to the most exalted communing with God. His life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that God’s love and mercy can reach to the deepest depths.EP 548.2
Faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God!1 Chronicles 29:5
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 4—Results of Transgression
PK 62.1
A similar call to self-sacrifice was made when David turned over to Solomon the responsibility of building the temple. Of the assembled multitude David asked, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:5. This call to consecration and willing service should ever have been kept in mind by those who had to do with the erection of the temple.Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 19—An Object Lesson
2SM 174.1
A similar call to self-sacrifice was made when David turned over to Solomon the responsibility of erecting the temple. Of the assembled multitude that had brought their liberal gifts, David asked, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” (1 Chronicles 29:5). This call should ever have been kept in mind by those who had to do with the construction of the temple.From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 4—How Solomon Missed His Chance
SS 32.2
A similar call to self-sacrifice was made when David asked, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:5. This call to consecration should ever have been kept in mind by those who erected the temple.With God at Dawn
Who Then Is Willing? September 3
WGD 248.1
And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? 1 Chronicles 29:5.1 Chronicles 29:5-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 11, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 35
In regard to the case of Brother Leininger, I have been cited to the history of David. He had almost reached the close of his long reign, but he felt that he could not lie down in the grave without making an appeal in behalf of the sanctuary which was to be built for the Lord. After telling the people what was needed, he said, “Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” [1 Chronicles 29:5.]16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 36
“Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly.” [Verse 6.] The people answered David’s call as a band of devoted warriors would respond to the trumpet peal of loyalty.16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 37
That was a good day for Israel. Songs of praise and thanksgiving echoed through the congregation. David’s heart was made glad as he saw the evidence of the people’s willingness to give. He knew that God was impressing their hearts to return to Him His own, and to God he gave all the glory. He praised God, saying, “Now, therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” [Verse 13.]16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 38
God’s people in Healdsburg would have received great blessing if they had shown less selfishness and greater love for their brethren. God is not glorified by their delinquencies. They should now redeem the past by repentance and confession. When they are sanctified through the truth, they will show a willingness to give back to Him a portion of what He has given them, saying with David, “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [Verse 14.]1 Chronicles 29:6-20
The Review and Herald
December 11, 1888
RH December 11, 1888, par. 1
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. The time when David was to be gathered to his fathers had almost come; but before his career closed, he turned his attention to the sanctuary to be erected for the Lord. David was not the one chosen of the Lord to build the temple; but he had no jealousy in his heart on this account, and manifested none the less zeal and earnestness in its behalf. He had prepared in abundance the most costly material,—gold, silver, onyx stones, and stones of divers colors, marble, and the most precious woods. And now all this valuable treasure that he had collected must be committed to others; for other hands must build the house for the ark, the symbol of God’s presence.RH December 11, 1888, par. 3
“Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, and gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.” 1 Chronicles 29:6-20.1 Chronicles 29:9
Radiant Religion
Israel Rejoiced to Give to the Temple, October 5
RRe 280.1
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. 1 Chronicles 29:9.1 Chronicles 29:9-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 80, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 1
“Then all the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord, and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” [1 Chronicles 29:9.]19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 5
“And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest. Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David submitted themselves unto Solomon the king. And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.” [Verses 10-25.]1 Chronicles 29:10-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 113, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 113, 1897, par. 11
The Lord rewards every man according to his works. He invites to co-operate with Him, and graciously condescends to use the means He has placed in our hands in carrying forward His work. We feel so sorry that the work of God is often crippled and left undone for want of the funds in somebody’s hands, who ought to say as did David, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, our father, for ever and ever.” “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and the earth is mine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hands is power and might, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:10-14.]1 Chronicles 29:10-17
Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Rule for Giving
2TT 332.1
We are not to feel that we can do or give anything that will entitle us to the favor of God. Says the apostle: “What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” When David and the people of Israel had gathered together the material they had prepared for the building of the temple, the king, as he committed the treasure to the princes of the congregation, rejoiced and gave thanks to God in words that should ever dwell in the hearts of God’s people. “David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. ... And in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-17.1 Chronicles 29:11
The Faith I Live By
His Majesty and Greatness, February 2
FLB 39.1
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 82, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 82, 1900, par. 64
The Chinese people may be reached through men of God’s appointment. A great work may be done, and many may be able to say, as did David, “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” [1 Chronicles 29:11.] The God of Israel is ready to work for His people, His believing church; all that is needed is for them to be willing to work for Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 96, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 96, 1900, par. 34
The Chinese people may be reached through men of God’s appointment. A great work may be done, and many may be able to say, as did David, “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” [1 Chronicles 29:11.] The God of Israel is ready to work for His people, His believing church; all that is needed is for them to be willing to work for Him. Mighty is the consecrated worker, strong in that living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Men who are at home among eternal realities, men who bind themselves to the great principles of God’s Word, so that in the highest sense of the term their loins are girt about with truth—these are the ones that God needs as faithful laborers.1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Prayer
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.” Matthew 6:13.
Pr 303.3
“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.... In Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11, 12.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.”—Matthew 6:13.
MB 122.1
“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.... In Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11, 12.1 Chronicles 29:12
God’s Amazing Grace
For Disciplining the Mind, September 7
AG 258.1
In thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 1 Chronicles 29:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19e, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19e, 1892, par. 3
Come up to the conference in calm, perfect trust. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” [Psalm 145:3.] He will work and who will let or hinder? There is nothing too hard for Him. His is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty. Let us not limit the Holy One of Israel. “Riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” [1 Chronicles 29:12.] He “is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” [1 Timothy 6:15.]1 Chronicles 29:14
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 25—Talents
COL 362.3
There are many who in their hearts charge God with being a hard master because He claims their possessions and their service. But we can bring to God nothing that is not already His. “All things come of Thee,” said King David; “and of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. All things are God’s, not only by creation, but by redemption. All the blessings of this life and of the life to come are delivered to us stamped with the cross of Calvary. Therefore the charge that God is a hard master, reaping where He has not sown, is false.Selected Messages Book 3
“Self, Self, Self, Must Be Served”
3SM 248.3
True, it is difficult for all to take in the situation. Self, self, self, must be served and glorified, and how hard it is for all to become laborers together with God. Oh, that a spirit of self-sacrifice might come to every church, and thus every soul nigh and afar off might learn the value of money, and use it while they can, and say, “Of Thine own, Lord, we give Thee” (See 1 Chronicles 29:14).—Letter 110, 1896.This Day With God
How to Be a Success, December 24
TDG 367.1
For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14.TDG 367.4
Remember the words of the inspired apostle, “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). You are bought, ... even if you perish. The Lord wants His own property. When we have given to God soul, body, and spirit; when we have kept appetite under the control of enlightened conscience, and wrestled against every lust, showing that we consider each organ as God’s property, intended for His service; when all our affections move in harmony with the Lord’s mind, fastening on objects “which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1)—then we have given the Lord His own. O God, “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14)....Ye Shall Receive Power
A God-given Faith, July 5
YRP 195.2
Faith, too, is the gift of God. Faith is the assent of man’s understanding to God’s words, that binds the heart to God’s service. And whose is man’s understanding, if it be not God’s? Whose the heart, if it be not God’s? To have faith is to render to God the intellect, the energy, that we have received from Him; therefore those who exercise faith do not themselves deserve any credit. Those who believe so firmly in a heavenly Father that they can trust Him with unlimited confidence; those who by faith can reach beyond the grave to the eternal realities beyond, must pour forth to their Maker the confession “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed
1SAT 182.1
But there is a time coming when every case shall be judged according to their works. Every action of robbery, of appropriating the Lord’s tithe money, will be considered, unless you repent of your robbery toward God, that we may come to Him with His own and, as David said, “Of thine own, oh Lord, we freely give thee” [see 1 Chronicles 29:14]. It is God that has given us everything. As we sit at our table He has given us this provision; through Jesus Christ it comes. The rain, the sunshine, the dew, and everything that is a blessing to us, He has given us, and yet many are so hard-hearted, so full of selfishness, that they cannot see the claims that God has upon them. Not all, thank God! There are many of us glad to give back to the Lord His own, and give it freely. We give it as freely as did David. Of Thine own, we freely give Thee.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Danger of False Ideas on Justification by Faith
1888 813.1
There has been too little educating in clear lines upon this point. The Lord has lent man His own goods in trust—means which He requires be handed back to Him when His providence signifies and the upbuilding of His cause demands it. The Lord gave the intellect. He gave the health and the ability to gather earthly gain. He created the things of earth. He manifests His divine power to develop all its riches. They are His fruits from His own husbandry. He gave the sun, the clouds, the showers of rain to cause vegetation to flourish. As God’s employed servants you gathered in His harvest, to use what your wants required in an economical way and hold the balance for the call of God. You can say with David, “For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. So the satisfaction of creature merit cannot be in returning to the Lord His own, for it was always His own property to be used as He in His providence should direct.1888 814.3
Now not a soul can give God anything that is not already His. Bear this in mind. “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14 This must be kept before the people wherever we go— that we possess nothing, can offer nothing in value, in work, in faith, which we have not first received of God and upon which He can lay His hand any time and say, They are Mine—gifts and blessings and endowments I entrusted to you, not to enrich yourself, but for wise improvement, to benefit the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 18, 1868
1LtMs, Lt 18, 1868, par. 12
If men who have property could see the causes, during their lives, of their spiritual leanness as God sees them, they would discover in the sin of covetousness the chief obstacle to their religious prosperity. He that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly. God loveth the cheerful giver. God designs that we be workers together with Him, and possessing the ability to bestow should make us humble. With David we might say, “Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to give so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14.Faith and Works
Wholly of Grace
FW 20.2
There has been too little educating in clear lines upon this point. The Lord has lent man His own goods in trust—means which He requires be handed back to Him when His providence signifies and the upbuilding of His cause demands it. The Lord gave the intellect. He gave the health and the ability to gather earthly gain. He created the things of earth. He manifests His divine power to develop all its riches. They are His fruits from His own husbandry. He gave the sun, the clouds, the showers of rain, to cause vegetation to flourish. As God’s employed servants you gathered in His harvest to use what your wants required in an economical way and hold the balance for the call of God. You can say with David, “For all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). So the satisfaction of creature merit cannot be in returning to the Lord His own, for it was always His own property to be used as He in His providence should direct.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 23, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 23, 1873, par. 4
Remember the words of the inspired apostle, “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] You are bought, children, even if you perish. The Lord wants His own property. When we have given to God soul, body, and spirit; when we have kept appetite under the control of enlightened conscience, and wrestled against every lust, showing that we consider each organ as God’s property, intended for His service; when all our affections move in harmony with the Lord’s mind, fastening on objects “which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” [Colossians 3:1]—then we have given the Lord His own. O God, “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 65, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, par. 8
On my last journey east I gave about three thousand dollars to the cause of God and could say with David, “Of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. It is all the Lord’s; will we return unto the Lord a portion of that which He has entrusted to our keeping to advance the interest of His kingdom when He calls for it? Oh, that God would give me wisdom to speak unto you wise and forcible words!4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, par. 17
Will you dispense your means while you live? Will you say, as you present your offering to God, “Of thine own, O Lord, we freely give thee”? [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 10, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, par. 22
Every true minister of Jesus Christ, every true worker in His cause, will banish from the mind, as impious, every thought of inherent merit. Even the heavenly angels take to themselves no praise. Through the heavenly courts, in one grand chorus, resounds their praise of the Creator, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] Those who live on this earth should join the heavenly host in ascribing praise and glory to the Creator.4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, par. 23
No one has the least cause of boasting. No one has any reason to glorify or exalt self, even when one does his very best. Men often fail of doing their duty. They leave undone a vast amount that a close connection with God would have enabled them to do. Constantly God is laboring to make up man’s deficiencies. Even repentance is brought about through the application of grace. The natural heart can feel no need of repentance. The tears that fall from the eyes of man because of sorrow for his sinfulness and because of his sympathy with other sinners, start unbidden. They are as dew from eyes that belong to God. Man’s sighs are but indications of the deep feelings in a heart that is God’s. The good resolutions made are but the outworking of faculties that are God’s. The reformed life is but the better employment of a life that is God’s. We should take no credit to ourselves for anything that we may do under the sun. “All things come from Thee,” we shall eventually be led to acknowledge to our Creator, “and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [Verse 14.]4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, par. 25
Those who believe so firmly in God that they can trust Him with unlimited confidence, those who by faith can reach beyond the grave and grasp eternity, must pour forth to God the confession, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” [Verse 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 31, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 31, 1889, par. 12
We may rejoice in hope, and our faith grasp the rich promises by virtue of the atonement. Then when His Spirit moves our hearts to present to Him by vows that which is His own, shall we become unfaithful, careless and negligent in regard to our duty? “Of thine own,” says David, “we freely give thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] The Lord through infinite sacrifice of His own precious life paid the purchase money for our redemption, and shall we after solemnly pledging to God of the gifts He has freely bestowed upon us, let selfishness come in and refuse to do the things we have promised? It is true you may suffer inconvenience in your homes for a time, but if your gifts and offerings are made cheerfully, heartily as unto the Lord, the Lord will not forget your labor of love in His name. The whole-souled workers need not be discouraged at reverses, for the Lord is not forgetful of your earnest, zealous efforts to show your respect for the Master in preparing a place for Him to abide with you while you worship Him “in the beauty of holiness.” [1 Chronicles 16:29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 36, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 14
Now, not a soul can give God anything that is not already His. Bear this in mind. “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. This must be kept before the people wherever we go, that we possess nothing, can offer nothing in value, in work, in faith, which we have not first received of God and upon which He can lay His hand any time and say, They are Mine—gifts and blessings and endowments I entrusted to you, not to enrich yourself, but for wise improvement, to benefit the world.6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 15
The creation belongs to God. The Lord could, by neglecting man, stop his breath at once. All that he is and all that he has pertain to God. The entire world is God’s. Man’s houses, his personal acquirements, whatever is valuable or brilliant, is God’s own endowment. It is all His gift to be returned back to God in helping to cultivate the heart of man. The most splendid offerings may be laid upon the altar of God, and men will praise, exalt, and laud the giver because of his liberality. In what? “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” [Verse 14.] No work of man can merit for him the pardoning love of God, but the love of God pervading the soul will lead him to do those things which were always required of God and that he should do with pleasure. He has done only that which duty ever required of him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 3, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, par. 15
You who have been withholding your means from the cause of God, read the book of Malachi, and see what is spoken there in regard to tithes and offerings. Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything that your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God; unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised; but dare any one, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not. I pay my tithe gladly and freely, saying, as did David, “Of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Faith and Works
God’s Favor Forfeited
FW 22.2
Now not a soul can give God anything that is not already His. Bear this in mind: “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). This must be kept before the people wherever we go—that we possess nothing, can offer nothing in value, in work, in faith, which we have not first received of God and upon which He can lay His hand any time and say, They are Mine—gifts and blessings and endowments I entrusted to you, not to enrich yourself, but for wise improvement to benefit the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 35, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 35
But there is a time coming when every case shall be judged according to their works. Every action of robbery, of appropriating the Lord’s tithe money, will be considered, unless you repent of your robbery toward God, that we may come to Him with His own and, as David said, “Of thine own, oh Lord, we freely give thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] It is God that has given us everything. As we sit at our table He has given us this provision; through Jesus Christ it comes. The rain, the sunshine, the dew, and everything that is a blessing to us, He has given us, and yet many are so hardhearted, so full of selfishness, that they cannot see the claims that God has upon them. Not all, thank God! There are many of us glad to give back to the Lord His own, and give it freely. We give it as freely as did David. Of Thine own, we freely give Thee.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 29a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 29a, 1892, par. 9
Love to God, love to souls for whom Christ died, has circulated very feebly through the veins of our Christianity in the Melbourne church. Under the leadership of Christ, all this dead faith will change to a living, working, active faith. We are to exemplify the life of Christ by earnest, self-denying efforts, with voice and pen and money, to save souls that are ready to perish. The Lord wants consecrated men, who feel the value of the souls for whom Christ has died; and when they give themselves, they give their means also. All is God’s. “Of thine own, O Lord, we freely give thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] Willie, be of good courage, and know that Jesus lives, and will work mightily for His people if they will only believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 25, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 25, 1895, par. 18
Money is in the fullest sense an entrusted talent from God, and is committed to us to use as His cause shall demand. Every penny that we handle is the Lord’s. The whole portion we have is the Lord’s. He has shown His love for us in trusting us with His goods. Our own necessities He supplies. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Haggai 2:8.] Will all, who can, help now in the work that needs to be done in this locality, Saying, “Of thine own we have freely given thee?” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 110, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 110, 1896, par. 7
True, it is difficult for all to take in the situation. Self, self, self, must be served and glorified; and how hard [it is] for all to become laborers together with God. Oh, that a spirit of self-sacrifice might come to every church, and thus every soul nigh and afar off might learn the value of money, and use it while they can, and say, “Of Thine own, Lord, we give Thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 147, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 147, 1898, par. 10
How much owest thou unto our Lord? God exhorts us to “honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thy increase.” [Proverbs 3:9.] God gives to us regularly and freely. His bestowments for the support of His work are systematic, and annual contributions must be made by us to advance the kingdom of God in our world. These are God’s claims upon men, and these claims are to be met willingly. Say, as you give your contributions for the support of the work, “Of thine own we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 93, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 19
Where is there language that can more clearly define the duty of all human receivers of God’s great treasure? The receivers of His mercies and of His stores are to express their appreciation of God’s gifts in complying with the conditions He has made. They are to use the gifts entrusted to them as faithful stewards of the Lord, saying as did David, “Of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 139, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 139, 1898, par. 93
Looking up to heaven in supplication, present yourself to God as His servant, and all that you have as His, saying, “Lord, of thine own we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] Standing in view of the cross of Calvary, and the Son of the infinite God crucified for you, realizing that matchless love, that wonderful display of grace, let your earnest inquiry be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6.] He has told you, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 58a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 58a, 1898, par. 19
If we will let Him, the Lord by His Holy Spirit will put every part of our entrusted capabilities into His service. He will cause us to feel our deep need of the grace of Christ that we may feel His love constraining us to declare that could we multiply our powers a thousandfold they should all be invested in the work and cause of God. Our testimony would be, “Of thine own we give thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] When we have a soul hunger for Christ, we shall be filled with His fulness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 4, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 4, 1899, par. 64
Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Will any one now keep back from God that which is strictly His own? Will any one refuse Him that which, though it may be given without merit, cannot be denied without ruin? The Lord has given to every man his work, and the Holy angels want us to be doing that work. As you shall watch and pray and work, they stand ready to co-operate with you. When the understanding is worked by the Holy Spirit, then all the affections act harmoniously in compliance with the divine will. Then men will give to God His own, saying, “All things come of thee, and of thine own we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] May God forgive my brethren that they have not done this.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 4, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 90
Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Will any one now keep back from God that which is strictly His own? Will any one refuse Him that which, though it cannot be given without merit, cannot be denied with ruin? He asks the whole heart; give it to Him; it is His own, both by creation and by redemption. He asks your intellect; give it to Him; it is His own. He asks your money; give it to Him; it is His own. “Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Yes, purchased by the life-blood of the Son of the infinite God. Your bodies are not your own, though they may be sacrificed to lust. Your souls are not your own, though you defile and tarnish them. They are God’s, to be used, not to glorify self, but to glorify His name. The Lord has given to every man His work, and the holy angels want to see you doing that work. As you shall watch and pray and work, they stand ready to cooperate with you. When the understanding is worked by the Holy Spirit, then all the affections act harmoniously, in compliance with the divine will. When the affections fasten on the objects which occupy [the] mind, then men will give to God His own, saying, “All things come of thee, and of thine own we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.]Faith and Works
All Is of God
FW 22.3
The creation belongs to God. The Lord could, by neglecting man, stop his breath at once. All that he is and all that he has pertains to God. The entire world is God’s. Man’s houses, his personal acquirements, whatever is valuable or brilliant, is God’s own endowment. It is all His gift to be returned back to God in helping to cultivate the heart of man. The most splendid offerings may be laid upon the altar of God, and men will praise, exalt, and laud the giver because of His liberality. In what? “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). No work of man can merit for him the pardoning love of God, but the love of God pervading the soul will lead him to do those things which were always required of God and that he should do with pleasure. He has done only that which duty ever required of him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 8, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 8, 1900, par. 13
My brother, the Lord now invites you to appropriate a portion of the capital which He has placed in your hands to be used for His glory. We do not want to delay longer that work which the Lord has outlined for us to do, but which we are unable to do because we have not the money. The land has been secured, and gifts from every source are now needed that we may accomplish the purpose of God for us to go forward. He bids us, “Arise and build.” [Nehemiah 2:20.] We shall not urge you to aid in this work. We leave that for the Holy Spirit of God to do. We pray that He will give you willingness of heart to make a liberal donation, saying as did David, “Lord, of thine own we freely give thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 12, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 12, 1900, par. 17
These words of the apostle are addressed to you who shall receive this appeal. Paul was happily disappointed in the gifts of the Macedonians. He expected only a limited sum, and was greatly surprised at the amount given, and at the wholehearted, eager manner in which it was bestowed. The Macedonians first made an entire consecration of themselves and all that they had unto the Lord. They kept nothing back. In making their smaller gifts they manifested the same spirit as did David in his larger offering, saying, “Of thine own, O Lord, we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] When a people have an earnest longing to help where help is needed in advancing the cause of God in any line, the Lord will impart to these consecrated, unselfish ones a heart to give gladly, as if it was a privilege. God moved on these Macedonians in their deep poverty to bestow liberally that their example might be recorded, thus leading others to experience the same beneficence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 12a, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 12a, 1900, par. 12
These words of the apostle are addressed to you who shall receive this appeal. Paul was happily disappointed in the gifts of the Macedonians. He expected only a limited sum, and was greatly surprised at the amount given, and at the wholehearted, eager manner in which it was bestowed. The Macedonians first made an entire consecration of themselves and all that they had unto the Lord. They kept nothing back. In making their smaller gifts they manifested the same spirit as did David in his larger offering, saying, “Of thine own, O Lord, we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] When a people have an earnest longing to help where help is needed in advancing the cause of God in any line, the Lord will impart to these consecrated, unselfish ones a heart to give gladly, as if it was a privilege. God moved on these Macedonians in their deep poverty to bestow liberally that their example might be recorded, thus leading others to exercise the same beneficence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 48, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 48, 1901, par. 6
Think of the work the Redeemer has accomplished in our behalf. Behold the cross of Calvary erected to save us from eternal death. Above it, as though traced in characters of gold, shine the words, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:9.] Then shall we not offer Him praise and thanksgiving, in word and deed? He gives us talents to be employed in His service. We should gratefully return to Him a faithful tithe, with gifts and offerings, saying, “Of thine own we freely give thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] This we should do that His work in all parts of the vineyard may be sustained, that His name may be glorified by the memorials established for Him in every place.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 187, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 187, 1902, par. 5
Make an entire surrender to God of all that you have. Many charge God with being a hard master, because He claims their possessions and their service. But we can bring to God nothing that is not already His, because He has first given it to us. Everything was lost by sin. Man forfeited his title to every blessing. It is only by divine grace, through the infinite sacrifice of Christ, that we could be reinstated in the favor of God and permitted to enjoy His gifts. We are not our own. Christ has brought us with His blood; we belong to Him. All we possess, our physical and mental powers, all the blessings we daily enjoy, are delivered to us stamped with the cross of Calvary. Therefore the charge that God is a hard master, reaping where He has not sown, is false. When God calls for our gifts or our service, He is but calling for that which is His own. “All things come of Thee,” said king David, “and of thine own have we given thee.” [1 Chronicles 29:14.] Every talent lent you by God is a precious treasure to be wisely used in the service of God, extending the influence of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 301, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 13
I set before those present the necessity for strict economy in the outlay of means, that they may have something to bring to the Lord, saying, “Of Thine own we freely give Thee.” [See 1 Chronicles 29:14.] Thus they are to offer to God thanksgiving for the blessings received from Him. Thus, too, they are to lay up for themselves treasures beside the throne of God. Hear the words of the great Teacher: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.God’s Amazing Grace
Stewards of God’s Grace, February 23
AG 62.5
Whatever we render to God is, through His mercy and generosity, placed to our account as faithful stewards.... Angels of God, whose perceptions are unclouded by sin, recognize the endowments of heaven as bestowed with the intention that they be returned in such a way as to add to the glory of the great Giver. With the sovereignty of God is bound up the well-being of man. The glory of God is the joy and the blessing of all created beings. When we seek to promote His glory we are seeking for ourselves the highest good which it is possible for us to receive.... God calls for the consecration to His service of every faculty, of every gift, you have received from Him. He wants you to say, with David: “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).51Testimonies for the Church 5:731-737.In Heavenly Places
All We Possess Comes From God, August 2
HP 221.1
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 909—Attending and Acting in Theatrical Performances
11MR 340.2
If we will let Him, the Lord by His Holy Spirit will put every part of our entrusted capabilities into His service. He will cause us to feel our deep need of the grace of Christ, that we may feel His love constraining us to declare that, could we multiply our powers a thousandfold, they should all be invested in the work and cause of God. Our testimony would be, “Of Thine own we give Thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). When we have a soul hunger for Christ, we shall be filled with His fullness.Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 12—Diligence
1MCP 99.2
Attain Highest Possible Capacity—The true object of education should be carefully considered. God has entrusted to each one capacities and powers, that they may be returned to Him enlarged and improved. All His gifts are granted to us to be used to the utmost. He requires every one of us to cultivate our powers and attain the highest possible capacity for usefulness, that we may do noble work for God and bless humanity. Every talent that we possess, whether of mental capacity, money, or influence, is of God, so that we may say with David, “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).—The Review and Herald, August 19, 1884; (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 82.)Our High Calling
God Wants His Own Property, February 5
OHC 42.5
The Lord wants His own property. When we have given to God soul, body, and spirit; when we have kept appetite under the control of enlightened conscience, and wrestled against every lust, showing that we consider each organ as God’s property, intended for His service; when all our affections move in harmony with the Lord’s mind, fastening on objects “which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God”—then we have given the Lord His own. O God, “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14.10Letter 23, 1873.1 Chronicles 29:14-16
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Withholding Means
1TT 466.4
No urging was needed. The people brought even more than was required, and were told to desist, for there was already more than could be appropriated. Again, in building the temple, the call for means met with a hearty response. The people did not give reluctantly. They rejoiced in the prospect of a building being erected for the worship of God, and donated more than enough for the purpose. David blessed the Lord before all the congregation, and said: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14. Again in his prayer David gave thanks in these words: “O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own.” Verse 16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 38, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 47
There are faithful souls who rejoice that the Lord has entrusted them with talents. These feel honored in becoming His helping hand; and like David, they say with gratitude, “What am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort, to build Thee an house for Thy holy name.” [1 Chronicles 29:14, 16.] O that all the people of God living in these last days would awake to their high privileges. O that they would value souls above money! Can there be a higher work in our world than the work of soul-saving? Is there any other work that will bring better results for the investment of means? I fear that many of our people do not realize the importance of God’s work. One to whom I wrote for means answered me thus: “I received your letter asking me to lend you some money. But there was a piece of land that the children thought it advisable for me to purchase, and I have invested my means in this land.” How much better it would have been for this brother to invest his money in establishing sanitariums, in which witness is borne to the truth for this time, or in schools which provide for our youth the best influences, and in which they can be trained to become missionaries for God.19LtMs, Ms 38, 1904, par. 83
There are faithful souls who rejoice that the Lord has entrusted them with talents. These feel honored in becoming the Lord’s helping hand, and like David, they say with gratitude, “What am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort, to build Thee an house for Thy holy name?” [1 Chronicles 29:14, 16.]1 Chronicles 29:15
Education
Chapter 17—Poetry and Song
Ed 165.6
In his long Life, David found on earth no resting place. “We are strangers before Thee, and sojourners,” he said, “as all our fathers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding.” 1 Chronicles 29:15, R.V.1 Chronicles 29:16
From the Heart
The Joy of Advancing God’s Work, March 6
FH 77.1
O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. 1 Chronicles 29:16.1 Chronicles 29:17
Our High Calling
Pathway to Purity, May 16
OHC 142.4
Unless the mind of God becomes the mind of man, every effort to purify himself will be useless; for it is impossible to elevate man except through a knowledge of God. The outward gloss may be put on, and men may be as were the Pharisees whom Jesus describes as “whited sepulchres,” full of corruption and dead men’s bones. But all the deformity of the soul is open to Him who judgeth righteously, and unless the truth is planted in the heart, it cannot control the life. Cleansing the outside of the cup will never make the vessel pure within. A nominal acceptance of truth is good as far as it goes, and the ability to give a reason for our faith is a good accomplishment, but if the truth does not go deeper than this, the soul will never be saved. The heart must be purified from all moral defilement. “I know also my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness.” 1 Chronicles 29:17. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24.32Letter 13, 1893.Radiant Religion
God’s Good Pleasure in Uprightness, August 1
RRe 215.1
I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee. 1 Chronicles 29:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 13, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 46
The outward gloss may be put on, and men may be, as were the Pharisees whom Jesus describes as “whited sepulchers,” full of corruption and dead men’s bones. [Matthew 23:27.] But all the deformity of the soul is open to Him who judgeth righteously, and unless the truth is planted in the heart, it cannot control the life. Cleansing the outside of the cup will never make the vessel pure within. A nominal acceptance of truth is good as far as it goes, and the ability to give a reason for our faith is a good accomplishment, but if the truth does not go deeper than this, the soul will never be saved. The heart must be purified from all moral defilement. “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hath pleasure in uprightness.” [1 Chronicles 29:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 101, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 101, 1893, par. 7
Sin covered, sin cherished, but God sees beneath the surface and He judgeth righteously. Unless the truth is planted in the heart it cannot control the life. The cleaning the outside of the cup will never make the soul pure. The nominal acceptance of truth, the ability to give a reason of their faith, is good as far as it goes, but will never save the soul. The heart must be purified from sin and moral defilement. “I know also, my God, thou tryest the heart and hath pleasure in uprightness.” [1 Chronicles 29:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 51, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 51, 1900, par. 18
Workers adorned with the grace of Christ—this will give the greatest influence. Just before the inauguration of Solomon as king of Israel, David said in his prayer, “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and thou hast pleasure in uprightness.” [1 Chronicles 29:17.] In fidelity to God, in purity [and] humility [before] God, is your strength. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” [Philippians 2:3.] Only that which calls the mind to God and heaven and eternal interests is called successful in the courts above.1 Chronicles 29:23
Patriarchs and Prophets
Appendix
PP 761.7
A theocracy is a government which derives its power immediately from God. The government of Israel was a true theocracy. That was really a government of God. At the burning bush, God commissioned Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. By signs and wonders and mighty miracles multiplied, God delivered Israel from Egypt andled them through the wilderness and finally into the Promised Land. There He ruled them by judges “until Samuel the prophet,” to whom, when he was a child, God spoke, and by whom He made known His will. In the days of Samuel the people asked that they might have a king. This was allowed, and God chose Saul, and Samuel anointed him king of Israel. Saul failed to do the will of God; and as he rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord rejected him from being king and sent Samuel to anoint David king of Israel; and David’s throne God established forevermore. When Solomon succeeded to the kingdom in the place of David his father, the record is: “Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father.” 1 Chronicles 29:23. David’s throne was the throne of the Lord, and Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king over the earthly kingdom of God. The succession to the throne descended in David’s line to Zedekiah, who was made subject to the king of Babylon, and who entered into a solemn covenant before God that he would loyally render allegiance to the king of Babylon. But Zedekiah broke his covenant, and then God said to him:1 Chronicles 29:23-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 164, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 15
“Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. ... And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.” [1 Chronicles 29:23, 25.] “Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and glory. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.” [2 Chronicles 9:22, 23.]1 Chronicles 29:25
Christ Triumphant
Departure From Integrity May Imperil the Soul, May 31
CTr 158.1
And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. 1 Chronicles 29:25.1 Chronicles 29:29
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Priority Given to Books Published During Ellen White’s Lifetime
1EGWLM 35.2
Regarding the authority of Ellen White’s prophetic writings, Seventh-day Adventists have understood them as having the same authority that the writings of the noncanonical Bible prophets had for their time. The Bible refers to a number of prophets such as Nathan (1 Chron. 29:29), Huldah (2 Chron. 34:22), Iddo (2 Chron. 9:29), and Agabus (Acts 11:27, 28), some of whom wrote books that Scripture mentions. These prophets communicated divine messages, but their writings (if they wrote) did not become a part of the biblical canon.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 Chronicles 29:1
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 2—The Temple and Its Dedication
PK 37.1
At last the temple planned by King David, and built by Solomon his son, was completed. “All that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the Lord,” he had “prosperously effected.” 2 Chronicles 7:11. And now, in order that the palace crowning the heights of Mount Moriah might indeed be, as David had so much desired, a dwelling place “not for man, but for the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 29:1), there remained the solemn ceremony of formally dedicating it to Jehovah and His worship.From Splendor to Shadow
The Surpassing Beauty of the Temple
SS 19.1
At last the temple was completed. “All that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the Lord,” he had “prosperously effected.” 2 Chronicles 7:11. Now, in order that the palace crowning Mount Moriah might indeed be a dwelling place “not for man, but for the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 29:1), there remained the solemn ceremony of dedicating it.