15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 LORD our GOD, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my GOD, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
Comment
“Strangers and sojourners”: In the verses before 15 we read, “Who am I, and who are my people”, David humbling himself is aware of his humble lineage of strangers and sojourners (also translated as pilgrims/foreigners). Yet GOD does not refuse these people by showing them His favor. Those who show humility before and GOD always receive Graces and blessings. We all come from Abraham, the father of believers and pilgrims, we are all strangers in a land that does not belong to us. We must steward it well and protect it.
“Our days on earth are like a shadow and there is no hope”: The condition and weakness of man is emphasized, and David thus recognizes the greatness of GOD. He can take pilgrims and hopeless human beings, strangers, to raise them up and use them in His Plan. The shadow is only transient, and so is the life of man: the longer this shadow seems to be, the more it means that the Sun is close to setting.
“In the righteousness of my heart I have offered….”: Any valid offering must necessarily have been made voluntarily, from the heart. David and the people gave because they wanted to, offerings made willingly to GOD in gratitude for all the things already obtained and often not even deserved.