5. I have given gold and silver for all the things made of gold and silver. I have given gold and silver so that skilled men can make all different kinds of things for the Temple. Now, how many of you Israelites are ready to give yourselves to the Lord today?”
6. The family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals, the captains, and the officials responsible for the king’s work, were all ready and gave their valuable things.
7. These are the things they gave for God’s house: 190 tons of gold; 375 tons of silver; 675 tons of bronze; and 3750 tons of iron.
8. People who had valuable stones gave them to the Lord’S Temple. Jehiel took care of the valuable stones. He was from the Gershon family.
9. The people were very happy because their leaders were willing to give so much. The leaders had given freely to the Lord from good hearts. King David was also very happy.
10. Then David praised the Lord in front of all the people who were gathered together. David said, “Lord, the God of Israel, our Father, may you be praised forever and ever!
11. Greatness, power, glory, victory, and honor belong to you, because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you! The kingdom belongs to you, Lord! You are the head, the Ruler over everything.
12. Riches and honor come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength in your hand! And in your hand is the power to make anyone great and powerful!
13. Now, our God, we thank you, and we praise your glorious name!
14. All these things didn’t come from me and my people. All these things come from you. We are only giving back to you things that came from you.
15. We are only strangers traveling through this world like our ancestors. Our time on earth is like a passing shadow, and we cannot stop it.
16. Lord our God, we gathered all these things to build your Temple. We build it to honor your name. But all these things have come from you. Everything belongs to you.
17. My God, I know that you test people, and that you are happy when people do what is right. I gladly give you all these things with a pure, honest heart. I see your people gathered here, and I see that they are happy about giving these things to you.
18. Lord, you are the God of our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Please help your people plan the right things. Help them be loyal and true to you.
19. And help my son Solomon be true to you. Help him always obey your commands, laws, and rules. Help Solomon do these things. And help him build this Temple that I have planned.”