The end of 1 Chronicles builds to prayer. From chapter 23, we see priests given their various duties. In chapter 25, it is the musicians. In chapter 26, gatekeepers and treasurers, officers, and judges, and in chapter 27, the military. And all these folks gather for an assembly of worship, concluding in 29:10 with David's prayer to God.
Think of the established order of local government. The mayor's office, the chief of police, the district attorney, the zoning commissions, the accountants, and don't forget social workers! Imagine them all being gathered. In theory, it would be for a purpose relevant to all of them.
For the court of David's kingdom, it is worship. From military commanders who need order in the ranks and victory at war, to the treasurer who needs money coming in to make up for money going out, what is needed is God.
But of course, things are different now. Whether in local government, business, a wing of a hospital, a classroom - we aren't quite allowed to do this today. So we aim to get as much of our worship in on Sunday, because good luck finding the space - or the time - to do it otherwise.
It is chapter 29:14-15 that unites us beyond the centuries and sociological changes to our ancestors in the faith: "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors."
It is strange to think of our deeper heritage as being 'aliens and transients.' Don't the foreigners and immigrants only travel and work as they do so that their kids don't have to say "we are aliens and transients." It is a strange idea in our world for people to have no home except in God, no identity except in God, no business or job or money except what God gave them. But it should not be strange to God's people.
A Puritan prayer describes our home as a valley of vision: "Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights." As musicians, gatekeepers, treasurers, and warriors gather together for worship, they can see that God has made them great. But David's prayer brings them to the valley of vision: they are aliens and transients who need God.
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