2 Chronicles 31:13
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.
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah
These names represent a group of Levites appointed to oversee the distribution of offerings and tithes. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their involvement underscores the importance of maintaining order and accountability in temple service. The specific mention of these individuals highlights the organized structure within the temple, reflecting a broader biblical theme of God’s desire for order in worship and service.

were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei
Conaniah and Shimei were likely senior Levites, given their authority over the other overseers. This hierarchical structure ensured that the temple operations were conducted efficiently and in accordance with the law. The role of overseers is significant in maintaining the integrity of worship practices, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the appointment of deacons and elders in the early church (Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:1-13).

by appointment of King Hezekiah
King Hezekiah was known for his religious reforms, which included restoring temple worship and re-establishing the proper observance of the Passover (2 Chronicles 30). His appointment of these overseers reflects his commitment to ensuring that the temple functioned according to God’s commandments. Hezekiah’s reforms are a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in guiding a nation back to faithfulness.

and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God
Azariah, as the chief official, played a crucial role in the administration of temple affairs. His position indicates a structured leadership within the temple, necessary for the proper management of offerings and tithes. This mirrors the New Testament church’s need for leadership to maintain doctrinal purity and effective ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). The mention of Azariah also highlights the collaboration between the king and religious leaders in promoting spiritual renewal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah
These individuals were appointed as overseers to manage the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts in the temple.

2. Conaniah and Shimei
Brothers who were given authority by King Hezekiah to oversee the distribution of resources in the temple.

3. King Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms, including the reorganization of temple services and the proper management of offerings.

4. Azariah
The official in charge of the house of God, working alongside King Hezekiah to ensure the temple's proper functioning.

5. The House of God (Temple)
The central place of worship in Jerusalem where the religious reforms and management of offerings took place.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order and Structure in Worship
Hezekiah's reforms highlight the necessity of organization in worship practices. Proper management ensures that resources are used effectively for God's glory.

Leadership and Accountability
The appointment of overseers underlines the need for trustworthy leaders who are accountable in managing God's resources. This principle applies to church leadership today.

Faithfulness in Stewardship
The roles assigned to these men demonstrate the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether in finances, time, or talents.

Collaborative Ministry
The cooperation between Hezekiah, Azariah, and the overseers illustrates the power of working together in ministry to achieve common goals.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the organization of temple services under Hezekiah compare to the structure of your local church? What can be learned from this?

2. In what ways can you apply the principle of faithful stewardship in your personal life and community?

3. How does the concept of accountability in leadership, as seen in this passage, influence your view of church leadership today?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your contributions (time, talent, treasure) are used effectively for God's kingdom?

5. How does the collaborative effort in Hezekiah's reforms inspire you to work with others in your church or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 26:20-28
This passage describes the duties of the Levites in managing the treasuries and dedicated gifts, similar to the roles assigned in 2 Chronicles 31:13.

Nehemiah 12:44
This verse highlights the appointment of men to oversee the storerooms for contributions, paralleling the organization seen in Hezekiah's time.

Malachi 3:10
This verse emphasizes the importance of bringing tithes into the storehouse, reflecting the practices established by Hezekiah.
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
Appointment, Asahel, As'ahel, Assisting, Authority, Azariah, Azari'ah, Azaziah, Azazi'ah, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Brother, Charge, Chief, Command, Commandment, Conaniah, Conani'ah, Cononiah, Directions, Eliel, Eli'el, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Inspectors, Ismachiah, Ismachi'ah, Ismakiah, Jehiel, Jehi'el, Jerimoth, Jer'imoth, Jismachiah, Jozabad, Jo'zabad, Leader, Mahath, Nahath, Officer, Official, Order, Overseers, Ruler, Shimei, Shim'e-i, Supervisors, Temple
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 31:1-19

     8466   reformation

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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