8. Everyone who owned precious stones also donated them to the temple treasury, where Jehiel from the Levite clan of Gershon guarded them.
9. David and the people were very happy that so much had been given to the Lord, and they all celebrated.
10. Then, in front of everyone, David sang praises to the Lord:I praise you for ever, Lord! You are the God our ancestor Jacob worshipped.
11. Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world,
12. and you rule with strength and power. You make people rich and powerful and famous.
13. We thank you, our God, and praise you.
14. But why should we be happy that we have given you these gifts? They belong to you, and we have only given back what is already yours.
15. We are only foreigners living here on earth for a while, just as our ancestors were. And we will soon be gone, like a shadow that suddenly disappears.
16. Our Lord God, we have brought all these things for building a temple to honour you. They belong to you, and you gave them to us.
17. But we are happy, because everyone has voluntarily given you these things. You know what is in everyone's heart, and you are pleased when people are honest.
18. Always make us eager to give, and help us be faithful to you, just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshipped you.
19. And give Solomon the desire to obey your laws and teachings completely, and the desire to build the temple for which I have provided these gifts.
20. David then said to the people, “Now it's your turn to praise the Lord, the God your ancestors worshipped!” So everyone praised the Lord, and they bowed down to honour him and David their king.