“I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.” 1 Chron. 29:2.
11. How did the people respond to his call for contributions?
“Then the chief of the fathers and princes ... offered willingly.... Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” Verses 6-9.
12. When King Jehoash wished to repair the temple, what provision did he make for raising the necessary means?
“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, ... and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” 2 Kings 12:4, 5.
13. When, after sixteen years, it was found that these repairs had not yet been made, what was done?
“Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.” Verse 9.
14. What was done with the money thus raised?
“They gave the money ... into the hands of them that did the work, ... and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord.” Verse 11.
Notes.—These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed, the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this plan is an excellent one to follow.