A Worthy Cause
20. Other Levites, led by Ahijah, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the gifts dedicated to the Lord.
21. From the family of Libni in the clan of Gershon, Jehiel was the leader.
22. The sons of Jehiel, Zetham and his brother Joel, were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the Lord. . . .
26. Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of the treasuries containing the gifts that King David, the family leaders, and the generals and captains and other officers of the army had dedicated to the Lord.
27. These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord.
28. Shelomoth and his relatives also cared for the gifts dedicated to the Lord by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the other dedicated gifts were in their care, too. 1 Chronicles 26:20-22, 26-28
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Just about everyone is willing to share their money and time with others—with a church, a charity, or even a relative in need. Charitable organizations count on these donations. But most people have one kind of need to which they are sensitive and will give a little more, a little extra, the kind of need for which a person will sacrifice and not just give a token amount. What sort of need gets that kind of response from you?
In this reading, David arranges for the building of the Temple. Many of David’s military officers show grand support of this effort by giving generously from their own pockets. They’ve worked hard for their money. They deserve it. They don’t have to do this. But they’re not thinking of their pocketbooks, because this isn’t just any other fund-raising drive. As you read this passage, learn a lesson about giving.
This portion of Scripture also teaches about preparing the way for our children and appreciating the different roles in God’s work.
As David went about securing his place as king, his victories meant there were spoils of war to divide among his soldiers. War plunder rightfully belonged to the victorious army, but some of the Israelite military commanders expressed their dedication to God by generously donating a portion of their plunder to help pay for the repair of the Temple (1 Chronicles 26:27).
Some people give a token amount to church and other worthy causes—as though they are tipping God. Gifts like that come out of a feeling of obligation, and not out of love and devotion. Like these commanders, God’s people today should think of what we can give, rather than only what we are obligated to give.
Is your giving a matter of rejoicing rather than duty? Consider all that God has given to you. Then give to his work as a response of joy and love for him.
