David, even in his final moments as king is leading by example. He knew he couldn't take it with him. "It" being a loooooooooot of stuff. Gold and silver, precious stones and...iron. He gave it all for the temple as his last act. He also gave up the pride and credit that would have come with the construction of the temple. He gave that up.
The people, seeing David's giving, gave of themselves freely and generously too, in response to David's challenge in verse 5.
There is a great recognition by everyone here that these things that they gave - the precious metals and jewels - came from God, and it was by His grace that He gave them ("we have given you only what comes from your hand"). I suppose that speaks to the wealth of the people of the time...everyone just had all this gold and silver and precious jewels...God must have made them very rich. It's incredible to think of the spiritual health of the people that God would have rewarded them according to his covenant, and that the people would have praised God for it.
David is described as having lived to a "good old age," and having "enjoyed long life." I don't see how long his life was, but this suggests that a long life is a good thing with ear to the LORD. Some people don't want to get old. I don't know...I'm only 30ish, and I have no concept of what a long life is. Long life doesn't appear to be enjoyable. Maybe for kings.
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