We read in 1 Chronicles 29 of the freewill offerings of the people of Israel for the temple project. Apparently, they gave rather wonderfully. For David blessed the LORD (1 Chr. 29:10) that the people offered so freely with a whole heart (1 Chr. 29:9). It seems that David blessed YHWH for the riches and strength of the people who offered, for YHWH rules over all (v. 12).
David then seems to be more explicit about why the people offered freely. He is certainly acknowledging that the wealth they offered was from YHWH's hand (v. 16). But he seems to be saying more than this in v. 14: "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own we have given you." Is David saying that the LORD put this in their hearts? It surely seems so. Included in the "all things" is their willingness to give generously. And it seems to be a separate point than that their treasures are from YHWH, for he says "and of your own we have given you" (1 Chr. 29:14). Moreover, he goes on to pray that YHWH would "keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you" (v. 18). If he keeps such there, in their hearts, presumably YHWH put such there, in their hearts, in the first place! Bless the LORD! Do it again, LORD! To us! For your name's sake!
So again we see that YHWH is sovereign over the hearts of men. And when we do good, it is his doing, and so we ought to thank and praise and bless him for it. "Not unto to us, O LORD, not unto us, but to your name give glory" (Ps. 115:1).
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