29:14 “But who am I and who are my people, that we should be in a position to contribute this much? 5 Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours. 6 29:15 For we are resident foreigners and nomads in your presence, like all our ancestors; 7 our days are like a shadow on the earth, without security. 8 29:16 O Lord our God, all this wealth, which we have collected to build a temple for you to honor your holy name, comes from you; it all belongs to you. 29:17 I know, my God, that you examine thoughts 9 and are pleased with integrity. With pure motives 10 I contribute all this; and now I look with joy as your people who have gathered here contribute to you. 29:18 O Lord God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, maintain the motives of your people and keep them devoted to you. 11
1 tn The words “and sovereign” are added in the translation for clarification and for stylistic reasons.
2 tn Heb “head.”
3 tn Heb “wealth and honor [are] from before you.”
4 tn Heb “and in your hand [is] strength and might and in your hand to magnify and to give strength to all.”
5 tn Heb “that we should retain strength to contribute like this.”
6 tn Heb “and from you we have given to you.”
7 tn Heb “fathers” (also in vv. 18, 20).
8 tn Or perhaps “hope.”
9 tn Heb “a heart.”
10 tn Heb “with integrity of heart.”
11 tn Heb “keep this permanently with respect to the motive of the thoughts of the heart of your people, and make firm their heart to you.”