2 Chronicles 31:11 - Meaning and Application

Here we see two special ways Hezekiah cared for the things of God, after he had put them in good order and wanted to keep them that way. When the tithes and other sacred gifts were brought in, he made sure they were stored carefully, not left in loose piles where they could be wasted or stolen. He had rooms prepared in some of the temple courts to serve as storerooms (2 Chronicles 31:11), and the offerings were brought there and kept under lock and key (2 Chronicles 31:12, 2 Chronicles 31:13). Treasurers, or storekeepers, were appointed to oversee them, so they would not be lost to moth, rust, or thieves. We can learn from the ant, which gathers food in summer, that it is wise to store up what is extra in times of plenty. Keeping the gifts safely also encouraged people to give, since the public is more willing to contribute when it sees the money is being handled well.

Hezekiah also made sure those gifts were used faithfully for the purpose they were meant for. Church funds are not to be kept longer than needed, or even the rust will testify against those who hoard them. He appointed officers, likely men known for wisdom and faithfulness, to distribute the offerings of the Lord and the most holy gifts among the priests (2 Chronicles 31:14). They were to make sure all the priests had enough for themselves and their families. The law provided enough for them all, so if some had too little, it was because others had too much; these officers were to use a fair rule so the temple income was divided properly.

It is said of the priests that, in their appointed service, they sanctified themselves (2 Chronicles 31:18). That means they set themselves apart for God in faith, as Bishop Patrick explains it, trusting that God would supply what they needed. Since they served God with that confidence, care was taken so they would not be put to shame by lack. Those who set themselves apart for God’s service in faith, believing he will give them what is truly good, will surely be provided for.

From the offerings of the Lord, distribution was also made to the priests in the cities (2 Chronicles 31:15). These were the priests who stayed in their own towns while their brothers went to Jerusalem and served there by teaching the people the knowledge of the Lord. The priests who preached were supported just as much as the priests who offered sacrifices, and those who stayed with the supplies were cared for as well as those who went out to the work. The same support went to all who entered the house of the Lord, even males from three years old and up, because it seems young boys were allowed to come into the temple with their parents and share in this provision (2 Chronicles 31:16). The Levites, from twenty years old and upward, also received their portion (2 Chronicles 31:17). The wives and children of the priests and Levites had a comfortable living from these offerings too (2 Chronicles 31:18). When ministers are supported, their families should be remembered as well, so that not only they, but also those belonging to them, may have what they need. In some countries, where ministers are paid by the state, extra support is added when a child is born. Even the priests in the countryside, who lived in the fields around the towns, were not forgotten in this distribution (2 Chronicles 31:19). Those living in the villages also received their share, though they might have had fewer expenses.

We are then given a general picture of Hezekiah’s work in supporting religion (2 Chronicles 31:20, 2 Chronicles 31:21). His godly zeal reached every part of Judah. Every area of the kingdom, not just the places nearest to him, enjoyed the good effects of his rule. He sincerely wanted to please God and acted in ways that were right before the Lord his God. His care was to do what God would accept, what was right in light of natural fairness, and what was true according to God’s revelation and covenant. In other words, he wanted to live by the law that is holy, just, and good.

What he began, he carried through with strength, and he did it with all his heart. His good plans were also brought to a good result. In everything he did for the house of God and for the rule of his kingdom, he prospered. What is done with a sincere aim to honor God will, in the end, bring honor and comfort to us too.