2 Chronicles 31:12
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.
And they faithfully brought in
The phrase "faithfully brought in" underscores the integrity and dedication of the people in fulfilling their religious obligations. The Hebrew root for "faithfully" is "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), which conveys a sense of steadfastness and trustworthiness. This reflects the spiritual revival under King Hezekiah, where the people were committed to restoring proper worship and temple service. Historically, this period was marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that God required of Israel, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in worship.

the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts
These terms refer to the various offerings that were brought to support the temple and the Levites. "Contributions" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah) were offerings set apart for sacred use. "Tithes" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma'aser) were a tenth of one's produce or earnings, given as a recognition of God's provision and sovereignty. "Dedicated gifts" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) were items or offerings set apart for holy purposes. This practice was rooted in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were commanded to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple services, ensuring that the spiritual leaders could focus on their duties without material concerns.

Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge
Conaniah, whose name means "Yahweh has established," was a Levite appointed to oversee the collection and distribution of these offerings. The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties. The role of Conaniah highlights the importance of leadership and accountability in managing God's resources. His position as "officer in charge" indicates a structured and organized approach to temple administration, reflecting the reforms initiated by Hezekiah to restore proper worship practices.

and his brother Shimei was second
Shimei, meaning "heard" or "hearing," served as the assistant to Conaniah. The mention of his brotherly relationship emphasizes the familial and communal aspect of service in the temple. This partnership illustrates the biblical principle of shared responsibility and cooperation in ministry. The structure of leadership, with Conaniah and Shimei working together, ensured that the tasks were carried out efficiently and effectively, demonstrating the value of teamwork in fulfilling God's work.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Conaniah the Levite
A Levite appointed to oversee the collection and distribution of contributions, tithes, and consecrated gifts. His role was crucial in maintaining the order and integrity of the temple services.

2. Shimei
The brother of Conaniah, who served as the second in command. His support role was vital in assisting Conaniah with the responsibilities of managing the offerings.

3. Contributions, Tithes, and Consecrated Gifts
These were offerings brought by the people of Israel to support the temple and the Levites. They were a demonstration of obedience and dedication to God's commands.

4. Hezekiah's Reforms
The context of this verse is King Hezekiah's religious reforms, which aimed to restore proper worship and adherence to God's laws in Judah.

5. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the collected offerings were stored and used for the service of God.
Teaching Points
Faithful Stewardship
The role of Conaniah and Shimei highlights the importance of faithful stewardship in managing God's resources. We are called to be trustworthy in handling what God has entrusted to us.

Obedience in Giving
The Israelites' act of bringing contributions, tithes, and consecrated gifts demonstrates obedience to God's commands. Our giving should be a reflection of our commitment to God and His work.

Community Support
The collective effort of the Israelites in supporting the temple services shows the power of community in advancing God's kingdom. We should work together to support our local church and its ministries.

Leadership and Accountability
The appointment of Conaniah and Shimei underscores the need for accountable leadership in the church. Leaders should be chosen based on their faithfulness and integrity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Conaniah and Shimei in managing the offerings relate to the concept of stewardship in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of tithing and giving in our modern-day context?

3. How does the community's collective effort in supporting the temple services inspire us to contribute to our local church?

4. What qualities should we look for in church leaders who are responsible for managing resources?

5. How can we ensure that our giving is an act of worship and obedience rather than a mere obligation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Malachi 3:10
This verse speaks about bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse, emphasizing the importance of tithing as an act of faith and obedience to God.

Nehemiah 13:12-13
Similar to 2 Chronicles 31:12, this passage describes the collection and management of tithes and offerings, highlighting the need for trustworthy individuals to oversee these resources.

1 Corinthians 16:2
Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a sum of money in keeping with their income, reflecting the principle of regular and proportional giving.
A Nation's Liberality; Or, a Lecture on TithesT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 31:5-19
Systematic Church FinanceW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 31:11-21
People
Aaron, Amariah, Asahel, Azariah, Azaziah, Benaiah, Benjamin, Conaniah, Cononiah, Eliel, Hezekiah, Imnah, Ismachiah, Israelites, Jehiel, Jerimoth, Jeshua, Jimnah, Jozabad, Kore, Levites, Mahath, Manasseh, Miniamin, Nahath, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Zadok
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bring, Brother, Charge, Chief, Conaniah, Conani'ah, Cononiah, Consecrated, Contributions, Dedicated, Faithfully, Gifts, Hallowed, Heave-offering, Heave-offerings, Holy, Keeping, Leader, Levite, Nothing, Oblations, Offerings, Officer, Rank, Ruler, Shimei, Shim'e-i, Tenths, Tithe, Tithes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 31:12

     1657   numbers, fractions
     8251   faithfulness, to God

2 Chronicles 31:1-19

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 31:10-12

     5558   storing

2 Chronicles 31:12-14

     5325   gifts

2 Chronicles 31:12-15

     8252   faithfulness, relationships

Library
Reform
Now there are three effects which ought always to follow our solemn assembly upon the Lord's day, especially when we gather in such a number as the present, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving. We should go home and first break our false gods; next, cut down the very groves in which we have been wont to delight, and after that break the altars which though dedicated to the God of Israel, are not according to Scripture, and therefore ought to be broken down, albeit, they be even dedicated to the true
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
We are now arrived at the closing scene of John Yeardley's labors. The impression which he had received, during his visit to Turkey in 1853, of the opening for the work of the Gospel in the Eastern countries, had never been obliterated; it had rather grown deeper with time, although his ability to accomplish such an undertaking had proportionately diminished. This consideration, however, could not satisfy his awakened sympathies, and, according to his apprehension, no other course remained for him
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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