Your Example

In spite of his own desires, David learned that God did not want him to build the Temple. Instead, this would be the responsibility of his son, Solomon. Yet David still did everything possible to help make this vision a reality.

He prepared Solomon for the task. He gathered resources and people to do the work. He commissioned leaders for the challenge ahead. He developed plans for the Temple and many parts of it. He gave Solomon detailed instructions for organizing the people who would be responsible for the Temple’s functioning, as well as for the actual composition of the Temple’s contents.

David did not just stop there. He gathered “the entire assembly of Israel” and reiterated how important this project was. Instead of just telling this to them, he demonstrated his commitment and devotion by making a personal contribution. This was something he did not need to do.

Even though he already had collected building materials for the Temple, he announced that he also was “giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction.” What was his motivation? His “devotion to the Temple of my God.”

David’s gift was quite substantial, as he donated “more than 112 tons of gold from Ophir and over 262 tons of refined silver.” This was to be used for “overlaying the walls of the buildings and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen.”

Having provided a personal example, he then asked others to join him and make a commitment of their own: “Now then, who will follow my example? Who is willing to give offerings to the LORD today?”

Today, remember that others are observing your life. What example are you providing?