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2 Chronicles 31

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‹ Chapter 30 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

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. 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." 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. 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.

‹ Chapter 30 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

After the Passover celebration, Hezekiah initiated a series of reforms to cleanse the temple and restore the priesthood. The king ordered the removal of all the detestable things from the temple, and the priests and Levites purified themselves and the temple. Hezekiah then reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites and instructed them to resume their duties. The king also reinstated the tithe system, commanding the people to bring a tenth of their income to support the priests and Levites. As a result of these reforms, the people of Judah responded generously, and the storehouses were filled with abundance. The chapter concludes with a description of Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord and his commitment to doing what was right in God's eyes, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the kings of Judah. The chapter follows the Passover celebration in 2 Chronicles 30 and precedes the invasion of the Assyrians in 2 Chronicles 32. The reforms implemented by Hezekiah in this chapter are a response to the spiritual decline of Judah and the need for restoration and purification. As seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2, Hezekiah's actions are a key part of the larger story of God's redemption of His people.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges readers to examine their own commitment to obeying God's commands and to consider the importance of spiritual purity and faithfulness in their lives. As seen in 2 Chronicles 31:21, Hezekiah's wholehearted commitment to serving the Lord is a model for believers to follow. By reflecting on Hezekiah's example, readers can be inspired to deepen their own relationship with God and to seek His guidance in their lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Hezekiah's efforts to cleanse the temple and restore the priesthood. Hezekiah's commitment to obeying God's commands is a key aspect of the chapter, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:21. The chapter also highlights the importance of spiritual purity and faithfulness, demonstrating the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of faithfulness. By reflecting on Hezekiah's example, readers can be inspired to deepen their own relationship with God and to seek His guidance in their lives.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Hezekiah's reforms demonstrate the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The tithe is a reminder that all we have belongs to God, and that we are stewards of His resources. As seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5, the tithe system is an important part of Hezekiah's reforms, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Purification of the Temple (2 Chronicles 31:1) — Hezekiah orders the removal of all detestable things from the temple, demonstrating his commitment to obeying God's commands.
  2. The Restoration of the Priesthood (2 Chronicles 31:2-4) — Hezekiah reestablishes the divisions of the priests and Levites, instructing them to resume their duties and to support themselves through the tithe system.
  3. The Reinstatement of the Tithe System (2 Chronicles 31:5-10) — Hezekiah commands the people to bring a tenth of their income to support the priests and Levites, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need.
  4. The People's Response (2 Chronicles 31:5-10) — The people of Judah respond generously to Hezekiah's reforms, bringing their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites.
  5. Hezekiah's Faithfulness (2 Chronicles 31:20-21) — Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Spiritual Purity
This chapter teaches that spiritual purity is essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2. Hezekiah's efforts to cleanse the temple and restore the priesthood demonstrate the importance of removing sin and impurity from our lives.
The Value of Faithfulness
Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
The Role of the Church in Supporting Ministry
The tithe system is an important part of Hezekiah's reforms, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5. This doctrine emphasizes the responsibility of believers to support the ministry of the church.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter implies that disobedience to God's commands can lead to spiritual decline and judgment, while faithfulness can lead to blessing and prosperity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 31

  1. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — Hezekiah's reforms demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2. Effective leaders must prioritize obedience to God's commands and promote spiritual purity and faithfulness.
  2. The Value of Community — The chapter highlights the importance of community in supporting one another in our faith, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5. Believers must work together to promote spiritual growth and to support those in need.
  3. The Role of Faithfulness in Success — Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
  4. The Importance of Giving — The tithe system is an important part of Hezekiah's reforms, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5.
  5. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter implies that disobedience to God's commands can lead to spiritual decline and judgment, while faithfulness can lead to blessing and prosperity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 31

  1. Restoration and Renewal — The chapter describes Hezekiah's efforts to restore the temple and the priesthood, highlighting the importance of spiritual renewal and restoration, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2.
  2. Faithfulness and Obedience — Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
  3. The Importance of Spiritual Purity — The chapter teaches that spiritual purity is essential for a right relationship with God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2. Hezekiah's efforts to cleanse the temple and restore the priesthood demonstrate the importance of removing sin and impurity from our lives.
  4. The Value of Community — The chapter highlights the importance of community in supporting one another in our faith, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5. Believers must work together to promote spiritual growth and to support those in need.
  5. The Role of Leadership — Hezekiah's reforms demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding God's people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2. Effective leaders must prioritize obedience to God's commands and promote spiritual purity and faithfulness.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which I can demonstrate my commitment to obeying God's commands in my own life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:21?
  2. How can I prioritize spiritual purity and faithfulness in my daily life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2?
  3. What are some ways in which I can support the ministry of the church, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5?
  4. How can I learn from Hezekiah's example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2?
  5. What are some ways in which I can apply the principles of this chapter to my own life and relationships, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Purification of the Temple (2 Chronicles 31:1)

31:1 Hezekiah orders the removal of all detestable things from the temple, demonstrating his commitment to obeying God's commands.

2. The Restoration of the Priesthood (2 Chronicles 31:2-4)

31:2 Hezekiah reestablishes the divisions of the priests and Levites, instructing them to resume their duties.
31:3 Hezekiah commands the people to bring a tenth of their income to support the priests and Levites.
31:4 The people respond generously to Hezekiah's reforms, bringing their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites.

3. The Reinstatement of the Tithe System (2 Chronicles 31:5-10)

31:5 The people bring their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need.
31:6 The people respond generously to Hezekiah's reforms, bringing their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites.
31:7 The storehouses are filled with abundance, demonstrating the blessings of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.
31:8 Hezekiah and the leaders of the assembly bless the people for their generosity and faithfulness.
31:9 Hezekiah asks the priests and Levites to distribute the tithes and offerings to those in need.
31:10 The priests and Levites distribute the tithes and offerings to those in need, demonstrating the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable.

4. The People's Response (2 Chronicles 31:5-10)

31:5 The people respond generously to Hezekiah's reforms, bringing their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites.
31:6 The people bring their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need.

5. Hezekiah's Faithfulness (2 Chronicles 31:20-21)

31:20 Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.
31:21 Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the tithe system in this chapter?

The tithe system is an important part of Hezekiah's reforms, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5. The tithe system demonstrates the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable and supporting the ministry of the church.

How does Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord contribute to his success?

Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21. Hezekiah's faithfulness leads to the purification of the temple, the restoration of the priesthood, and the reinstatement of the tithe system.

What can we learn from Hezekiah's example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity?

Hezekiah's example teaches us the importance of persevering in our faith and remaining faithful to God's commands, even in the face of adversity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1-2. Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Chronicles 31:1 → 2 Kings 18:1-8 The reforms implemented by Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31 are also described in 2 Kings 18:1-8, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and the purification of the temple.
2 2 Chronicles 31:2 → Leviticus 10:1-7 The restoration of the priesthood in 2 Chronicles 31:2 is reminiscent of the instructions given to Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 10:1-7, emphasizing the importance of spiritual purity and faithfulness.
3 2 Chronicles 31:5 → Malachi 3:10 The tithe system described in 2 Chronicles 31:5 is also mentioned in Malachi 3:10, highlighting the importance of giving and supporting those in need.
4 2 Chronicles 31:10 → Acts 2:44-47 The distribution of the tithes and offerings to those in need in 2 Chronicles 31:10 is similar to the practice of the early church in Acts 2:44-47, demonstrating the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable.
5 2 Chronicles 31:20 → Matthew 25:31-46 Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord in 2 Chronicles 31:20 is reminiscent of the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46, highlighting the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands.
6 2 Chronicles 31:21 → John 14:15 Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord in 2 Chronicles 31:21 is similar to the command given by Jesus in John 14:15, emphasizing the importance of loving and obeying God.
7 2 Chronicles 31:1 → 1 Peter 2:9 The purification of the temple in 2 Chronicles 31:1 is reminiscent of the description of the church as a holy priesthood in 1 Peter 2:9, highlighting the importance of spiritual purity and faithfulness.
8 2 Chronicles 31:5 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 The tithe system described in 2 Chronicles 31:5 is similar to the principles of giving and generosity described in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 31

SermonDescription
David Ravenhill An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif
David Ravenhill Hezekiah- Resisting the Enemy by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill preaches on the life of Hezekiah, emphasizing how he resisted the enemy, Sennacherib, through faithfulness and decisive action. Hezekiah's commitment to seeking God
David Ravenhill Maranathan Fellowship 7-28-85 by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparation in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from King Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat. Hez
David Ravenhill Glad Tidings Spring Convention B1 by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of living in victory and resisting the enemy, drawing from the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah's reforms and faithfulness
Shane Idleman The Day the Devil Almost Won by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Day the Devil Almost Won,' emphasizing the spiritual battles Christians face and the importance of holding onto faith during di
David Brainerd Pray Constantly by David Brainerd David Brainerd emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly and keeping His testimonies, highlighting the need for intense and persevering prayer, engaging with divine t
C.H. Spurgeon Condition of Blessing by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations to God, particularly through tithing, as a condition for receiving His blessings. He points out that many Chri
Colin Peckham Biblical Principles of Christian Giving by Colin Peckham Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christian giving is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God, reflecting the believer's devotion and loyalty. The sermon highlights the importance of
Mary Wilder Tileston Love the Daily Tasks by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly serving God in all aspects of life, seeking Him in every work, law, and commandment, leading to prosperity. She hig
F.B. Meyer He Did It With All His Heart by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of putting one's heart into work, asserting that true prosperity comes from heartfelt dedication. He illustrates that the heart is essential to

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31

In this chapter, we see the blessed effects of Hezekiah's reformation, and the people's readiness to comply with the divine institutions. The king, having completed the Passover, proceeds to purge the temple, and restore the courses of the priests and Levites. The people, in consequence, bring in their tithes and offerings, and the storehouses are filled with abundance. Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success, demonstrating the importance of obedience and commitment to God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Hezekiah's heart was upon his work, and he did it with all his heart.' This chapter teaches us the importance of spiritual leadership, the value of faithfulness, and the role of the church in supporting ministry. By reflecting on Hezekiah's example, we can be inspired to deepen our own relationship with God and to seek His guidance in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Hezekiah's Initiative

Hezekiah takes the initiative to cleanse the temple and restore the priesthood, demonstrating his commitment to obeying God's commands. As seen in 2 Chronicles 31:1, Hezekiah's actions are a response to the Passover celebration, highlighting the importance of responding to God's grace with obedience.

The People's Response

The people of Judah respond generously to Hezekiah's reforms, bringing their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites. This response is seen in 2 Chronicles 31:5, where the people bring their offerings with the firstfruits of their crops.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of faithfulness. As seen in 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, Hezekiah's faithfulness to the Lord is a key aspect of his success.

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