◄ 2 Chronicles 31:4 ►
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.
Study Bible
Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem
This phrase refers to King Hezekiah, who was a reformer king of Judah. Hezekiah's reign is noted for his efforts to restore proper worship and adherence to the Law of God. Jerusalem, the capital city, was the religious and political center of Judah. The command to the people living there highlights the importance of the city in implementing religious reforms. This action reflects Hezekiah's commitment to re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people, as Jerusalem was the location of the temple, the heart of Jewish worship.

to make a contribution for the priests and Levites
The priests and Levites were responsible for the spiritual leadership and religious duties in Israel. The contribution mentioned here is likely a tithe or offering, which was a common practice to support those who served in the temple. This system of support is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where the tribe of Levi was set apart for temple service and did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:21-24). The contributions ensured that the priests and Levites could focus on their sacred duties without the distraction of providing for their own material needs.

so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD
The Law of the LORD refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws and commandments given to Moses. The priests and Levites were tasked with teaching and interpreting these laws for the people. By ensuring their material needs were met, Hezekiah enabled them to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual responsibilities. This devotion to the Law was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God and ensuring the spiritual health of the nation. This phrase also echoes the New Testament principle found in Acts 6:4, where the apostles sought to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, highlighting the timeless importance of spiritual leaders focusing on their primary calling.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore proper worship and adherence to the Law of the LORD.

2. People of Jerusalem
The inhabitants of the city who were commanded to provide for the priests and Levites.

3. Priests and Levites
The religious leaders responsible for temple worship and teaching the Law, who were to be supported by the people's offerings.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to the religious and political life of the nation.

5. The Law of the LORD
Refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel, which the priests and Levites were to teach and uphold.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Supporting Ministry
Just as Hezekiah commanded the people to support the priests and Levites, Christians today are called to support their church leaders and ministries. This enables them to focus on teaching and spiritual leadership.

Devotion to God's Word
The priests and Levites were to devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. Believers are encouraged to prioritize studying and living out God's Word in their daily lives.

Community Responsibility
The command to provide for the religious leaders was given to the entire community, highlighting the collective responsibility of believers to ensure the well-being of those who serve them spiritually.

Faithfulness in Giving
Consistent and faithful giving is a biblical principle that reflects trust in God's provision and commitment to His work.

Spiritual Leadership and Accountability
Leaders are accountable to God and the community to faithfully teach and uphold His Word, while the community is accountable to support and pray for their leaders.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to support the priests and Levites in 2 Chronicles 31:4 apply to the modern church context?

2. What are some practical ways you can support your church leaders and ministries today?

3. How does the principle of giving in 2 Chronicles 31:4 relate to the New Testament teachings on supporting those who preach the gospel?

4. In what ways can you devote yourself more fully to studying and living out God's Word, as the priests and Levites were called to do?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision as a result of faithful giving. How did this impact your faith and understanding of stewardship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 13:10-14
This passage highlights a similar issue where the Levites were not receiving their portions, leading to neglect of temple duties. It underscores the importance of supporting those who serve in ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul discusses the principle that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament practice of supporting the priests and Levites.

Malachi 3:10
This verse emphasizes the importance of bringing tithes into the storehouse, promising blessings for those who faithfully give.
Sermons
A Religious Reformation in the Days of HezekiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 31:1-4
The Service of the Consecrated Life, and of the SubstanceW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 31:2-10
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
Addition, Commanded, Devote, Due, Dwelt, Encouraged, Inhabitants, Jerusalem, Keeping, Law, Levites, Moreover, Orders, Portion, Priests, Strengthened, Strong, Theirs, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 31:4

     5577   taxation
     8151   revival, corporate

2 Chronicles 31:1-19

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 31:2-5

     4442   firstfruits

2 Chronicles 31:3-8

     8149   revival, nature of

2 Chronicles 31:4-5

     4456   grain
     4544   wine

2 Chronicles 31:4-6

     8488   tithing

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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