2 Chronicles Chapter 31

Commentary

Idols are Destroyed

1Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

2And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

Contributions for Worship

3He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD. 4Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. 5And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 6And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps. 7In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 8And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel. 9Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

Hezekiah Organizes the Priests

11Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, 12And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. 13And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. 14And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things. 15And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small: 16Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses; 17Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses; 18And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness: 19Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.

The Sincerity of Hezekiah

20And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. 21And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Destruction of Idols

1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

2 Hezekiah 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, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camp of Yahweh.

Contributions for Worship

3 He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Yahweh. 4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh. 5 As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 6 The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, they 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 by heaps. 7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and his people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since people began to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have eaten and had enough, and have left plenty: for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.”

Hezekiah Organizes the Priests

11 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of Yahweh; and they prepared them. 12 They brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: and over them Conaniah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was second. 13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and 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 the house of God. 14 Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east gate, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the offerings of Yahweh, and the most holy things. 15 Under him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, as well to the great as to the small: 16 besides those who were reckoned by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into the house of Yahweh, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions; 17 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions; 18 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness. 19 Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs 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 reckoned by genealogy among the Levites.

20 Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he worked that which was good and right and faithful before Yahweh his God. 21 In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

The Destruction of Idols

1 When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property.

2 Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Contributions for Worship

3 The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. 4 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. 6 And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

7 In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and his officials came and viewed the heaps, they blessed the LORD and His people Israel.

9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps, 10 and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.”

Hezekiah Organizes the Priests

11 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. 12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. 13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God.

14 Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts. 15 Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. a

16 In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— 17 and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions. 18 The genealogy included all the little ones, wives, sons, and daughters in the whole assembly. For they had faithfully consecrated themselves as holy.

19 As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies.

20 So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. 21 He was diligent in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

 

Footnotes:

15 a Or whether large or small

Idols are Destroyed

1And at the completion of all this, gone out have all Israel who are found present to the cities of Judah, and break the standing-pillars, and cut down the shrines, and break down the high places and the altars, out of all Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Manasseh, even to completion, and all the sons of Israel turn back, each to his Possession, to their cities.

2And Hezekiah appointeth the courses of the priests, and of the Levites, by their courses, each according to his service, of the priests and of the Levites, for burnt-offering, and for peace-offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to give praise in the gates of the camps of Jehovah.

Contributions for Worship

3And a portion of the king, from his substance, is for burnt-offerings, for burnt-offerings of the morning, and of the evening, and the burnt-offerings of sabbaths, and of new moons, and of appointed seasons, as it is written in the law of Jehovah. 4And he saith to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests, and of the Levites, so that they are strengthened in the law of Jehovah; 5and at the spreading forth of the thing have the sons of Israel multiplied the first-fruit of corn, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field, and the tithe of the whole in abundance they have brought in. 6And the sons of Israel and Judah, those dwelling in cities of Judah, they also a tithe of herd and flock, and a tithe of the holy things that are sanctified to Jehovah their God, have brought in, and they give -- heaps, heaps; 7in the third month they have begun to lay the foundation of the heaps, and in the seventh month they have finished. 8And Hezekiah and the heads come in and see the heaps, and bless Jehovah and His people Israel, 9and Hezekiah inquireth at the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps, 10and Azariah the head priest, of the house of Zadok, speaketh unto him, and saith, 'From the beginning of the bringing of the heave-offering to the house of Jehovah, there is to eat, and to be satisfied, and to leave abundantly, for Jehovah hath blessed His people, and that left is this store.'

Hezekiah Organizes the Priests

11And Hezekiah saith to prepare chambers in the house of Jehovah, and they prepare, 12and they bring in the heave-offering, and the tithe, and the holy things faithfully; and over them is a leader, Conaniah the Levite, and Shimei his brother is second; 13and Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, are inspectors under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah leader of the house of God. 14And Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east, is over the willing-offerings of God, to give the heave-offering of Jehovah, and the most holy things. 15And by his hand are Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shechaniah, in cities of the priests, faithfully to give to their brethren in courses, as the great so the small, 16apart from their genealogy, to males from a son of three years and upward, to every one who hath gone in to the house of Jehovah, by the matter of a day in its day, for their service in their charges, according to their courses; 17and the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and of the Levites, from a son of twenty years and upward, in their charges, in their courses; 18and to the genealogy among all their infants, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters to all the congregation, for in their faithfulness they sanctify themselves in holiness. 19And to sons of Aaron, the priests, in the fields of the suburb of their cities, in every city and city, are men who have been defined by name, to give portions to every male among the priests, and to every one who reckoned himself by genealogy among the Levites.

The Sincerity of Hezekiah

20And Hezekiah doth thus in all Judah, and doth that which is good, and that which is right, and that which is true, before Jehovah his God; 21and in every work that he hath begun for the service of the house of God, and for the law, and for the command, to seek to his God, with all his heart he hath wrought and prospered.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 31?
2Introduction to 2 Chronicles 31
3Context of 2 Chronicles 31
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
62 Chronicles 31 Unique Insights
72 Chronicles 31 Connections to Yeshua
82 Chronicles 31 Scriptural Echoes
92 Chronicles 31 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 31?

Introduction to 2 Chronicles 31

2 Chronicles 31 presents a remarkable account of spiritual reformation and temple restoration under King Hezekiah’s leadership. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to how genuine spiritual revival leads to practical transformation in both individual and national life. The events recorded here demonstrate the beautiful harmony between authentic worship and responsible stewardship, showing how true devotion to God naturally flows into organized systems of support for His work and workers.

Azrta box final advert

The chapter stands as a blueprint for spiritual renewal, highlighting how proper handling of sacred things and care for spiritual leaders creates an environment where God’s blessing can flourish. It reveals principles that remain remarkably relevant for modern religious institutions and believers seeking to honor God with their resources.

Context of 2 Chronicles 31

This chapter follows the dramatic celebration of Passover in chapter 30, where Hezekiah led the nation in an unprecedented revival of worship. The restoration of proper temple worship required practical follow-through, which this chapter carefully details. It’s positioned within the larger narrative of Hezekiah’s reforms, showing how the spiritual awakening led to systematic changes in temple administration and support for the priests and Levites.

Within the broader context of Chronicles, this chapter demonstrates the author’s emphasis on proper temple worship and administration. The Chronicler consistently highlights how faithful kings supported the temple system, drawing clear connections between proper worship and national blessing. This fits into the larger biblical narrative of restoration and reform, serving as an example of how genuine revival impacts every aspect of life.

This account also provides a stark contrast to the preceding period of apostasy under Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father. It shows how quickly genuine spiritual leadership can transform a nation when people respond to God’s truth with wholehearted obedience. The chapter’s position in Scripture serves as a practical guide for implementing spiritual renewal in organized religious life.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • תְּרוּמָה (terumah) – “contribution/offering”: This term specifically refers to portions set aside for sacred use. Unlike regular gifts, terumah carried legal and spiritual obligations, representing the best portions dedicated to God. Its usage here emphasizes the sacred nature of giving to support temple worship.
  • רֵאשִׁית (reshit) – “firstfruits”: Beyond mere agricultural offerings, this word carries the theological weight of giving God the first and best. It appears in Genesis 1:1 regarding creation, suggesting that giving firstfruits acknowledges God as the source of all blessings.
  • לָרוֹב (larov) – “in abundance”: This term indicates overwhelming plenty, used here to describe the people’s generous response. Its root relates to multiplication, suggesting not just quantity but divine multiplication of resources.
  • בֶּאֱמוּנָה (be’emunah) – “faithfully/with faithfulness”: Sharing the root with “amen,” this word implies trustworthiness and reliability. Its usage describing the priests’ service suggests their work was done with unwavering dedication and integrity.
  • לִדְרוֹשׁ (lidrosh) – “to seek”: This verb implies more than casual inquiry; it suggests devoted investigation and pursuit. When used regarding God, it often indicates whole-hearted spiritual pursuit.
  • בְּרָכָה (berachah) – “blessing”: This term carries both spiritual and material connotations. Its usage here connects proper stewardship with divine favor, showing how obedience in giving leads to increased blessing.
  • מַעֲשֵׂר (ma’aser) – “tithe”: Beyond just a tenth, this word represents systematic giving as an act of worship. Its implementation here shows how spiritual revival leads to organized support for God’s work.
  • עֲרֵמוֹת עֲרֵמוֹת (‘aremot ‘aremot) – “heaps upon heaps”: This doubling emphasizes the overwhelming abundance of provisions. The repetition creates a visual image of excessive plenty resulting from obedience.
  • יָסַד (yasad) – “foundation”: Used regarding the beginning of collecting provisions, this word suggests establishing something permanent. It implies creating lasting systems for maintaining worship.
  • הוֹתֵר (hoter) – “left over/remainder”: This term for abundance implies divine multiplication, suggesting that when people honor God with their resources, He provides more than enough.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1: “When all this had ended…” (וּכְכַלּ֣וֹת כָּל־זֹ֗את) – The Hebrew construction emphasizes completion rather than mere ending. This specific phrasing was chosen to show that revival isn’t just an event but a process that leads to practical action.
  • Verse 2: “Hezekiah assigned…” (וַיַּעֲמֵ֣ד יְחִזְקִיָּ֡הוּ) – The verb literally means “caused to stand,” chosen over simpler terms for appointment to emphasize the establishment of permanent, stable systems.
  • Verse 5: “As soon as the order went out…” (וְכִפְרֹ֣ץ הַדָּבָ֗ר) – The Hebrew idiom suggests an explosive response, chosen to emphasize the immediacy and enthusiasm of the people’s obedience.
  • Verse 10: “…the LORD has blessed His people…” (יְהוָה֙ בֵּרַ֣ךְ אֶת־עַמּ֔וֹ) – This phrase was carefully chosen to show divine causation in the abundance, rather than attributing it to human generosity.
  • Verse 15: “…faithfully distributed…” (בֶּאֱמוּנָ֖ה) – This term was selected over simpler words for distribution to emphasize the moral and spiritual qualities required in handling sacred resources.
  • Verse 18: “…they consecrated themselves in holiness…” (יִתְקַדְּשׁוּ־קֹֽדֶשׁ) – This intensive form emphasizes complete dedication, chosen to show the thoroughness of their commitment.
  • Verse 21: “…with all his heart…” (בְּכָל־לְבָב֖וֹ) – This phrase was chosen over simpler expressions to emphasize complete sincerity and wholehearted devotion.
Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?
This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

2 Chronicles 31 Unique Insights

The chapter contains a fascinating pattern that mirrors the creation account. Just as God established order from chaos in Genesis 1, Hezekiah’s reforms bring order to the chaos left by previous spiritual neglect. The systematic arrangement of priests and Levites, the organizing of contributions, and the establishment of storehouses all reflect divine principles of order and stewardship seen in creation.

Rabbinic tradition notes that the abundance described in this chapter fulfilled the promise in Malachi 3:10. The Talmud (Taanit 9a) uses this chapter to illustrate the principle that giving to God never results in loss but rather in multiplication. The heaps of provisions described here became a powerful symbol in Jewish teaching about the relationship between generosity and divine blessing.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen and Jerome, saw in this chapter a prototype of how the New Testament church should function. They noted how the careful organization of temple service and support prefigured the early church’s system of caring for its ministers and the poor. The systematic nature of giving and distribution described here influenced early Christian practices of stewarding resources.

The Hebrew text contains a unique grammatical structure in verse 10 where the word for “enough” (דַּי) is combined with the word for “leaving over” (הוֹתֵר), creating a powerful expression of supernatural abundance. This construction appears only here and suggests a special kind of provision that exceeds natural expectations.

2 Chronicles 31 Connections to Yeshua

The systematic organization of temple service in this chapter prefigures the Messiah’s role as our Great High Priest. Just as Hezekiah restored proper temple worship and support, Yeshua perfectly fulfilled and transformed the temple system through His sacrifice and ongoing high priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:23-28).

The abundance theme in this chapter points to the spiritual abundance found in Messiah. Yeshua referenced this principle when He declared, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The overflowing storehouses of this chapter foreshadow the inexhaustible spiritual resources available through our Messiah.

2 Chronicles 31 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with Malachi 3:10-12, where God challenges His people to test His faithfulness through giving. The abundance described here serves as a historical demonstration of that promise fulfilled. The careful handling of sacred things echoes the principles established in Leviticus 27:30-33 regarding tithes and offerings.

The theme of revival leading to practical reformation connects with Acts 2:42-47, where spiritual awakening similarly led to generous giving and systematic care for the community’s needs. The proper support of spiritual leaders reflects principles later articulated in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

2 Chronicles 31 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine how our spiritual commitments translate into practical action. Just as revival under Hezekiah led to systematic support for God’s work, our devotion to God should manifest in tangible ways. The text invites us to consider: Does our spiritual fervor lead to practical obedience? Are we supporting God’s work and workers with the same enthusiasm we show in worship?

The abundance theme reminds us that God’s economy operates on different principles than the world’s. When we honor God with our resources, He provides more than enough. This doesn’t always mean material wealth, but it always means having sufficient resources for what God has called us to do. The chapter encourages us to trust God’s provision while being faithful stewards of what He entrusts to us.

Did You Know

  • The storage system described in this chapter was so effective that archaeologists have discovered large storage facilities from Hezekiah’s time, confirming the biblical account’s accuracy.
  • The term for “firstfruits” (רֵאשִׁית) appears in both this chapter and Genesis 1:1, creating a linguistic connection between giving and creation.
  • The organizational system established here influenced both Second Temple period practices and early Christian church administration.
  • The “heaps” mentioned were likely arranged in a specific pattern that made inventory management possible, showing remarkable administrative sophistication.
  • The listing of genealogies alongside distribution systems demonstrated how seriously they took accurate record-keeping.
  • The reforms described here occurred in the same year as the great Passover celebration, making it one of the most spiritually significant years in Judah’s history.
  • Archaeological evidence suggests that this period saw significant economic prosperity in Judah, confirming the biblical account of abundance.
  • The storage chambers mentioned were typically cool underground rooms, designed to preserve grain and other perishables effectively.
  • The systematic distribution system ensured that even Levites in remote villages received their portions.
  • The Hebrew text uses a unique grammatical construction to describe abundance that appears nowhere else in Scripture.

sendagiftfinal
Have you been blessed?
This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.
Bible Themes
Share your love
Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46827
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Encounter Him Send a Gift Scroll Top