The temple was a very big undertaking. It required lots of materials to build. David set the example when he willingly offered his own gold and silver. He then asks for those willing to freely give to also help fund the temple. Notice this isn't a tax, nor is giving a requirement. Instead, it is a free will offering. When we believe in the validity or necessity of something - a building, a mission, a charity - we happily support it's funding. God's kingdom is no different. We don't give because we HAVE to. We give because we believe in the mission of the church. And it's not just about money. We can also give our time, our talents, our service to the betterment of the church. I have found in my own life that free will giving offers some of the greatest sense of purpose and satisfaction in my life. Working together to spread the gospel, using my God-given talents to support and help - there's no better feeling.
David then prays over the offering, the temple, his son, his nation. I love that in this prayer he recognizes that the ability to give has also been given by God. We are able to give, because He has given to us.
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