2 Chronicles 31:6 Study Bible: 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 the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.

Bible > 2 Chronicles > Chapter 31 > Verse 6

◄ 2 Chronicles 31:6 ►

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.

Study Bible

And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah
This phrase highlights the unity and cooperation between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah during the reign of Hezekiah. Historically, after the division of the united monarchy, Israel and Judah often had strained relations. However, Hezekiah's reforms and religious revival efforts brought a sense of unity among the people. The mention of "cities of Judah" indicates the geographical focus of Hezekiah's reforms, emphasizing the centrality of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in religious activities.

also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks
The practice of tithing, or giving a tenth, was an established part of the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 27:30-32). It was a means of supporting the Levitical priesthood and the temple services. The inclusion of herds and flocks in the tithe reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where livestock was a primary measure of wealth and sustenance. This act of obedience to the law signifies the people's commitment to the covenant and their recognition of God's provision.

and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God
The "holy things" likely refer to items set apart for sacred use, possibly including produce, grain, or other offerings dedicated to God. This dedication underscores the people's reverence and acknowledgment of God's holiness. The act of consecration is a reminder of the Israelites' call to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), set apart for God's purposes.

and they laid them in large heaps
The large heaps symbolize the abundance of the offerings and the people's generosity. This imagery reflects the success of Hezekiah's reforms and the people's willingness to return to faithful worship. The heaps also serve as a visible testament to God's blessing and the community's collective effort to honor Him. This act of gathering and storing the tithes in heaps can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament principle of giving generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites and Judahites
The people of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) who were living in the cities of Judah. This indicates a unified effort among the people to follow God's commands.

2. Cities of Judah
The locations where the Israelites and Judahites resided, emphasizing the centrality of Judah in the religious reforms under King Hezekiah.

3. Tenth of Herds and Flocks
Refers to the tithe, a tenth of the produce and livestock, which was a requirement under Mosaic Law to support the Levites and the temple service.

4. Holy Things Consecrated to the LORD
Items set apart for God's service, indicating the people's dedication and obedience to God's commands.

5. Large Heaps
The abundance of the offerings, showing the people's generosity and the success of Hezekiah's reforms.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites and Judahites demonstrated obedience by bringing their tithes, showing the importance of following God's laws in our lives.

Generosity and Provision
The large heaps of offerings illustrate the principle that when God's people give generously, God provides abundantly.

Unity in Worship
The collective action of both Israelites and Judahites signifies the power of unity in worship and obedience to God.

Consecration and Holiness
The act of consecrating holy things to the LORD reminds us of the call to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

Faithfulness in Stewardship
The faithful giving of tithes reflects a heart of stewardship, recognizing that all we have belongs to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of tithing in 2 Chronicles 31:6 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and how can we apply this principle today?

2. In what ways does the unity of the Israelites and Judahites in giving serve as a model for the church today?

3. How can we ensure that our giving is done with a spirit of generosity and not out of obligation?

4. What are some practical ways we can consecrate our resources and talents to the LORD in our daily lives?

5. How does the concept of stewardship in 2 Chronicles 31:6 connect with Jesus' teachings on giving in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 27:30-32
This passage outlines the law of tithing, which is directly related to the actions of the Israelites and Judahites in 2 Chronicles 31:6.

Malachi 3:10
This verse speaks about bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse, promising blessings for obedience, which parallels the actions and blessings seen in 2 Chronicles 31.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Although from the New Testament, this passage about cheerful giving reflects the spirit of generosity seen in the large heaps of offerings.

Sermons

The Service of the Consecrated Life, and of the Substance	W. Clarkson	2 Chronicles 31:2-10
A Nation's Liberality; Or, a Lecture on Tithes	T. Whitelaw	2 Chronicles 31:5-19

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

Cattle, Cities, Consecrated, Dedicated, Dwelling, Dwelt, Flock, Flocks, Gifts, Hallowed, Heaps, Herd, Herds, Holy, Judah, Laid, Masses, Oxen, Piled, Placed, Sacred, Sanctified, Sheep, Sons, Tenth, Tithe, Towns

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Chronicles 31:6

7145 remnant

2 Chronicles 31:1-19

8466 reformation

2 Chronicles 31:3-8

8149 revival, nature of

2 Chronicles 31:4-6

8488 tithing

2 Chronicles 31:5-6

1657 numbers, fractions

2 Chronicles 31:5-10

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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