1 Chronicles 29:17 - The Heart Examined
In 1 Chronicles 29:17, we encounter a profound declaration of the heart’s integrity before God: “Since I know, O my God, that You try the heart and delight in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to You.” David’s words come at a crucial moment, as he prepares for the construction of the Temple, a sacred task to be fulfilled by his son Solomon.
This verse emphasizes the nature of integrity (yāšār) and sincerity (tāmîm), central themes in David's relationship with God. David affirms that God "tries the heart," or in Hebrew, bōḥēn libbôt, indicating God's role as the One who tests the innermost thoughts of humanity (Jer 17:10). This divine testing is not arbitrary; it reflects God’s desire for authentic devotion from His people. As seen in other scriptures, God delights in those whose hearts are pure and unfeigned. The notion of God's delight in righteousness is echoed in Psalm 11:7, where it is written, “For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.”
David’s offerings, and the people’s subsequent generosity, flow from a heart of integrity. It is important to note the phrase with joy (1 Chr 29:17), which reflects the ancient Hebrew understanding that joy (śimhâ) and willing service are inseparable in worship. Paul later draws on this theme in his letter to the Corinthians: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). This New Testament connection demonstrates that the principle of joyful giving transcends both covenants, affirming the consistency of God’s expectations regarding worship and generosity.
Moreover, David's acknowledgment of divine testing is not unique to him. The prophet Jeremiah, during a much darker time in Israel’s history, laments, “But You know me, O LORD; You see me; and You examine my heart’s attitude toward You” (Jer 12:3). This consistency reveals that the integrity of heart, tried and tested by God, remains a core element of a true relationship with Him, regardless of one’s circumstances.
1 Chronicles 29:17 exemplifies a theology of the heart, where integrity, joyful giving, and divine testing all coalesce. The upright heart, tested by God, results in the offering of not only material gifts but also one’s innermost being in service to the Lord. As the people gave willingly to the construction of the Temple, they mirrored the same heart that God desires from all His people, whether in ancient Israel or in the Church today.
