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2 Chronicles 31

World English Bible

WEB

1Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and broke down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, also in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. 2Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of Yahweh’s camp. 3He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings: for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in Yahweh’s law. 4Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to Yahweh’s law. 5As soon as the commandment went out, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the increase of the field; and they brought in the tithe of all things abundantly. 6The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their God, and laid them in heaps. 7In the third month, they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 8When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh and his people Israel. 9Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites about the heaps. 10Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since people began to bring the offerings into Yahweh’s house, we have eaten and had enough, and have plenty left over, for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.” 11Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in Yahweh’s house, and they prepared them. 12They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully. Conaniah the Levite was ruler over them, and Shimei his brother was second. 13Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house. 14Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east gate, was over the free will offerings of God, to distribute Yahweh’s offerings and the most holy things. 15Under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, to the great as well as to the small; 16in addition to those who were listed by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into Yahweh’s house, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions; 17and those who were listed by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions; 18and those who were listed by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation; for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness. 19Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the pasture lands of their cities, in every city, there were men who were mentioned by name to give portions to all the males among the priests and to all who were listed by genealogy among the Levites. 20Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he did that which was good, right, and faithful before Yahweh his God. 21In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Chronicles 31 recounts the significant reforms initiated by King Hezekiah in Judah following the restoration of proper worship in the temple. After the celebration of the Passover, Hezekiah leads the people in a renewed commitment to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of returning to the worship of Yahweh. The chapter highlights the king's efforts to cleanse the land of idolatry and restore the Levitical priesthood, ensuring that the people are spiritually prepared to serve God. This is a pivotal moment in Judah's history, as it reflects a collective return to covenant faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in verses 1-3, where the people destroy the high places and altars dedicated to false gods.

The chapter further details the organization of the priests and Levites, as Hezekiah assigns them their duties in the temple service. He provides for their needs through offerings and contributions from the people, demonstrating the importance of supporting those who minister before the Lord (verses 4-10). The faithful response of the people, who bring their tithes and firstfruits, results in an abundance of resources for the temple, showcasing the blessings that come from obedience and generosity. The chapter concludes with a description of the diligent work of the priests and Levites, who faithfully carry out their responsibilities, leading to a time of great spiritual renewal in Judah. This chapter serves as a reminder of the power of repentance and the joy that comes from returning to God, as well as the importance of supporting the work of the ministry in our own lives today.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 31 illustrates the transformative impact of Hezekiah's leadership and the people's response to God's call, encouraging us to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord and to support His work in our communities. #Hezekiah #Judah #Passover #Worship #Priests #Levites

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Referenced by

  1. Nehemiah 12:44v11Nehemiah 12:44 speaks of the appointment of men over the storerooms for contributions, similar to the organization of offerings and tithes in 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 during Hezekiah's reforms.

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