Daily Thought

David’s prayer recorded in these verses is an expression of appreciation to the Lord for His kindness towards him, his family and the people of God. Under David’s leadership the kingdom had been extended and a period of peace introduced and sustained. His exercise and desire was to build God a house. This privilege was to be denied him but would be given to his son, Solomon, 1 Chr. 28. 3-6. The Lord would, however, reveal the pattern of the house to David and he, with the people, would contribute richly to its materials before his death. David accepted God’s will in the matter and was satisfied.

The prayer expresses appreciation of the greatness of the Lord, v. 11. David had come to know and to rest in the One who is omniscient and whose ways are inscrutable. Our God does not merely know the end from the beginning. He established the beginning and maintains it to the end according to His character and eternal purposes. It is on this that His people are able to rest.

The prayer recognizes the Lord as the only source of blessing, materially and otherwise; ‘for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee’, v. 14. This is always the humble position of the people of God throughout the ages; we are what we are by grace and not by personal status. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote, ‘to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think’, Rom. 12. 3, and ‘what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory?’, 1 Cor. 4. 7. We are only able to offer to our God that which we have received, be it material things, personal commitment in His service, or appreciation of Him in worship.

There is also recognition in the prayer of a particular joy which results from harmony amongst the people of God; ‘I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people offer willingly unto thee’, v. 17.

It is only when we are brought to this position and condition that we can truly say, ‘Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name’, v. 13.