2 Chronicles · Chapter 31

V. 1. Manasseh-By the special impulse and direction of God’s spirit. And he knew Hoshea contented himself with the worship of the calves, and did not practise that great idolatry which his predecessors had used, and therefore would patiently suffer the breaking of the images of Baal, and the things belonging to them.

Verse 1. Brake the images in pieces] This species of reformation was not only carried on through Judah, but they carried it into Israel; whether through a transport of religious zeal, or whether with the consent of Hoshea the Israelitish king, we cannot tell.

Verse 1. In Ephraim and Manasseh also — Though these tribes were a part of Hoshea’s kingdom, yet Hezekiah might direct this abolition of idolatry in them, either in virtue of the law of God, to which both Israel and Judah owed subjection, and which commanded the extirpation of these things, out of the whole land of Canaan; or by the special impulse and direction of God’s Spirit, which puts men upon heroic and extraordinary actions, though not to be drawn into imitation; or out of a firm persuasion that his neighbour Hoshea, who had permitted his subjects to repair to the passover, would consent to, and approve of, what he did in this respect.

Verse 1. In Ephraim and Manasseh, for many of these had attended the passover, and placed themselves again under David’s house.

DESTRUCTION OF IDOLATRY, 1.

1. All Israel that were present — All the representatives of the Israelitish nation that were present at the passover just described. Hezekiah deemed this a most appropriate occasion to overthrow idolatry in his kingdom, and as far beyond it as he might be able, and lost no time in turning the present religious zeal of the people to this object. Having already purged Jerusalem from idolatry, (2 Chronicles 30:14,) he now proceeded first to the cities of Judah, and destroyed all idolatrous images and altars that he found, and put an end to all idolatrous practices in the boundaries of Judah and Benjamin. Then he carried his iconoclasm even into Ephraim also and Manasseh, for probably the representatives of these tribes who had been at the passover were now so filled with zeal for the pure worship of Jehovah that they were unwilling that Hezekiah’s reforms should be confined solely to the southern kingdom; and such was their energy and fury in this work, and such the weakness of Hoshea’s government at Samaria, that there was no power to resist or stop this overthrow of images and altars until they had utterly destroyed them all. No doubt these images and altars were again restored in Ephraim and Manasseh, for those tribes persisted in their sinful practices until, in the sixth year of Hezekiah, Samaria was taken, and the ten tribes were carried into exile. 2 Kings 18:10.

V. 2. The tents-Within the gates of the house of the Lord: which is here called tents, because the host of the Lord, the priests and Levites, encamped there. And perhaps to intimate, that it was shortly to be removed.

Verse 2. In the gates of the tents of the Lord.] That is, in the temple; for this was the house, tabernacle, tent, and camp, of the Most High.

Verse 2. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — That is, within the gates of the house of the Lord: which is here called tents, either because all houses are often so called, (see Judges 19:9, and 20:8; Psalm 79:25,) or because the host of the Lord, the priests and Levites, encamped there, and kept their stations and orders there by course: and perhaps also to intimate that it was shortly to be removed.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

V. 3. Of his substance-Which had hitherto been taken out of the treasures of the temple, but that he might ease the people in their present poverty, which his predecessor had brought upon them, and engage them to a more chearful attendance upon God’s service, he took the burden upon himself.

Verse 3. The king’s portion of his substance for the burnt-offerings] It is conjectured that the Jewish kings, at least from the time of David, furnished the morning and evening sacrifice daily at their own expense, and several others also.

Verse 3. The king’s portion of his substance, &c. — Which had hitherto been taken out of the treasures of the temple; but that he might ease the people in their present poverty, which his predecessor had brought upon them, and engage them to a more cheerful attendance upon God’s service, he took the burden upon himself.

3. The king’s portion of his substance — That tithe or share of his revenue which it was deemed proper for the king to contribute for the maintenance of the regular worship. Hezekiah made himself no exception, but rather made himself an example for others by contributing his full share of lambs, bullocks, flour, oil, etc., (compare 2 Chronicles 32:28, 29,) which were required in the continual and special services according to the law.

V. 4. Encouraged-Freed them from worldly cares and distractions, and enabled to give up themselves entirely to the serious study of God’s law, and to the instruction, and direction, and quickening of the people.

Verse 4. That they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord — Freed from worldly cares and distractions, and enabled to give up themselves entirely to the serious study of God’s law, and to the instruction, and direction, and quickening of the people.

4. The portion of the priests and the Levites — That which was secured to them by the provisions of the law. Numbers 18:9-24.

V. 5. Came abroad-As Soon as the king extended that command to all the parts of his kingdom, which, ver. 4, was confined to them that dwelt in Jerusalem. Honey-Or, dates, as the Hebrew writers generally, understand this word, which were given to them, because of the sweetness of their taste in some sort resembling honey. For the law requires no tithes, but of the fruits of trees, or of the earth, or of beasts.

Verse 5. Brought-the first-fruits] These were principally for the maintenance of the priests and Levites; they brought tithes of all the produce of the field, whether commanded or not, as we see in the instance of honey, which was not to be offered to the Lord, Leviticus 2:11, yet it appears it might be offered to the priests as first-fruits, or in the way of tithes.

Verse 5. As soon as the commandment came abroad — Either, 1st, As soon as the report of this command of the king was known abroad in other parts; or, 2d, As soon as the king had enlarged and extended that command to all the parts of his kingdom, which (verse 4) was confined to them that dwelt in Jerusalem. Honey — Or dates, as the Hebrew writers generally understand the word vbd, debash, in this place, a name which was given to them because of the sweetness of their taste, in some sort resembling honey. For the law requires no tithes but those of the fruits of trees, or of the earth, or of beasts.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

V. 6. By heaps-What the priests and the Levites had occasion for, they made use of, and the overplus was laid in heaps.

Verses 6, 7. They brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep — They not only brought in the same tithe which the dwellers in Jerusalem did, namely, of corn, and wine, and oil, &c., which they had in their own storehouses in that city, but also oxen and sheep, which were more proper to the country; for under the term cities of Judah, are comprehended the suburbs and territories belonging to them. And the tithe of holy things — That is, of all holy things, which were consecrated to the Lord — Whether by vow, or voluntary promise, or otherwise; as the tithes of gain by merchandise, or spoils of war, Genesis 14:20, and 28:22; Numbers 31:28-30. And laid them by heaps — What the priests and Levites had occasion for, they made use of, and the overplus was laid in heaps. In the third month they began — Of the sacred year, in which month their harvest began. And finished them in the seventh month — In which their harvest ended, and the feast of tabernacles was kept.

6. Laid them by heaps — Literally, gave heaps, heaps; that is, they brought and laid them in many heaps or piles.

V. 7. Third month-Of the sacred year, in which their harvest began. Seventh-In which their harvest ended and the feast of tabernacles was kept.

Verse 7. In the third month] “The month Sivan; the seventh, Tisri.”-Targum.

The heaps] The vast collections of grain which they had from the tithes over and above their own consumption; see 2 Chronicles 31:10.

Verses 6, 7. They brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep — They not only brought in the same tithe which the dwellers in Jerusalem did, namely, of corn, and wine, and oil, &c., which they had in their own storehouses in that city, but also oxen and sheep, which were more proper to the country; for under the term cities of Judah, are comprehended the suburbs and territories belonging to them. And the tithe of holy things — That is, of all holy things, which were consecrated to the Lord — Whether by vow, or voluntary promise, or otherwise; as the tithes of gain by merchandise, or spoils of war, Genesis 14:20, and 28:22; Numbers 31:28-30. And laid them by heaps — What the priests and Levites had occasion for, they made use of, and the overplus was laid in heaps. In the third month they began — Of the sacred year, in which month their harvest began. And finished them in the seventh month — In which their harvest ended, and the feast of tabernacles was kept.

7. The foundation of the heaps — The beginning of the piles, or collections, of corn, wine, and oil. They began to heap up their stores of material for the continual service.

V. 8. Blessed the Lord-Both for giving such plentiful provisions to his land and for giving his people such liberal hearts. And they praised the people for their forwardness and faithfulness in it.

Verse 8. They blessed the Lord — Both for giving such plentiful provisions to his land, and for giving his people such liberal hearts. And they praised the people for their forwardness and faithfulness in it.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

V. 9. Questioned-How it came to pass that no more of their provision was spent and that there yet remained such great heaps of it.

Verses 9, 10. Hezekiah questioned with the priests, &c. — How it came to pass that no more of their provision was spent, and that there remained yet such great heaps of it? The chief priest answered, Since the people began to bring the offerings — Which they did from the beginning of the harvest, according to the custom; we have had enough to eat — We have made use of all we had occasion for, for the maintenance of ourselves and families. And we have not hoarded these heaps for covetousness, but to show what plentiful provision God has made for us. For the Lord hath blessed his people — In an extraordinary degree.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verses 9, 10. Hezekiah questioned with the priests, &c. — How it came to pass that no more of their provision was spent, and that there remained yet such great heaps of it? The chief priest answered, Since the people began to bring the offerings — Which they did from the beginning of the harvest, according to the custom; we have had enough to eat — We have made use of all we had occasion for, for the maintenance of ourselves and families. And we have not hoarded these heaps for covetousness, but to show what plentiful provision God has made for us. For the Lord hath blessed his people — In an extraordinary degree.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verse 11. To prepare chambers] To make granaries to lay up this superabundance.

11. Prepare chambers in… house of the Lord — Probably the side chambers described in 1 Kings 6:5-10 had been formerly used for similar purposes, but having been disused for some time they needed special preparation to fit them for storing the abundance of the offerings that had been brought, and laid in heaps.

Verses 12-19 treat of the storing and distribution of the tithes and dedicated things. We note the chronicler’s peculiar care to record the names of those charged with these Levitical duties.

Verse 12. Shimei-was the next.] He was assistant to Cononiah.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verse 13. Were overseers under Cononiah and Shimei, &c. — To dispose of those provisions by their direction, and to be accountable to them therein. Azariah the ruler of the house of God — Either the supreme ruler, the high-priest, or the chief ruler under him, and in his stead, being appointed by him to inspect the work.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

V. 14. Most holy things-The remainders of the freewill-offering, the sin-offering, and trespass-offering, and the shew-bread; to see that all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families.

Verses 14, 15. The porter toward the east — At the east gate of the Lord’s house; of which see 2 Chronicles 23:5. To distribute the oblations — To the priests and Levites, to whom they were appropriated by God; and the most holy things — The remainders of the free-will-offerings, the sin-offerings, and trespass-offerings, and the show-bread; to see that all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families. And next him were Eden, &c. — These were intrusted with receiving and distributing the several portions belonging to the priests, who abode in their several cities, while their brethren came up to Jerusalem.

14. The porter toward the east — The chief Levite who was stationed at the east gate. 1 Chronicles 26:14, 17. The oblations of the Lord — Such parts of the offerings as belonged to the priests. Leviticus 2:3, 10; 7:14. The most holy things — See Leviticus 7:1, 6.

V. 15. And next, &c.-These were intrusted with receiving and distributing the several portions belonging to the priests who abode in their several cities, whilst their brethren came up to Jerusalem.

Verse 15. And Miniamin] Instead of מנימן, Miniamin, בנימן, Benjamin, is the reading of three of Kennicott’s and Deuteronomy Rossi’s MSS.; and this is the reading of the Vulgate, Syriac, Septuagint, and Arabic.

Verses 14, 15. The porter toward the east — At the east gate of the Lord’s house; of which see 2 Chronicles 23:5. To distribute the oblations — To the priests and Levites, to whom they were appropriated by God; and the most holy things — The remainders of the free-will-offerings, the sin-offerings, and trespass-offerings, and the show-bread; to see that all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families. And next him were Eden, &c. — These were intrusted with receiving and distributing the several portions belonging to the priests, who abode in their several cities, while their brethren came up to Jerusalem.

15. In the cities of the priests — The Levitical cities of the realm. To give to their brethren by courses — To distribute regularly to the priests and Levites in their several cities such portions of the tithes contributed by the king and people as belonged to them. “The most holy things” could be distributed and eaten only in the holy place; (Leviticus 7:6;) but other things for the sustenance of the priests and their families were distributed at their cities. To the great as to the small — That is, the older and the younger.

Verse 16. From three years old and upward — To whom a portion of these things was allotted, as is here implied. Unto every one that entereth into the house of the Lord — That were capable of entering thither and doing service there, which they were at twenty years old, as is expressed here, verse 17, and 1 Chronicles 23:24, through the whole company of the priests and Levites.

16. This verse should be translated thus: Except the register of males from three years old and upward, belonging to all such as had come to the house of Jehovah, to the daily portion for their service in their offices, according to their courses. That is, the sons three years old and upward of those priests who went to Jerusalem to serve their course, usually accompanied their fathers, and ate their daily portions with them in the holy place, so that no distribution was made in the Levitical cities for those who were at the time on service at the temple.

The exact grammatical construction of verses 17, 18, and 19 is not clear, but the meaning of the writer seems to connect itself with the phrase in verse 15 rendered “in their set office.” The six Levites there named were set in the cities of the priests, not merely “to give,” or distribute what belonged to the priests and Levites, but also to attend “to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward,” (ver. 17,) “and to the genealogy of all their little ones,” etc., (verse 18,) and also to attend to all similar matters appertaining to “the sons of Aaron the priests.” Verse 19. Thus did king Hezekiah succeed in making all practicable arrangements for the permanent organization and support of the priestly and Levitical orders.

Verse 17. From twenty years old] Moses had ordered that the Levites should not begin their labour till they were thirty years of age; but David changed this order, and obliged them to begin at twenty.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

V. 18. For, &c.-This is alleged as a reason why their wives and children were provided for out of the holy things, because they sequestered themselves from worldly affairs, by which they might otherwise have provided for their families.

Verse 18. For in their set office they sanctified themselves unto holiness — This is alleged as a reason why their wives and children were provided for out of the holy things, because they sequestered themselves from worldly affairs, by which they might otherwise have provided for their families, and entirely devoted themselves to holy administrations.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verse 19. Also of the priests that were in the fields — Care was taken of those that lived in the country, though at the greatest distance, as well as of those that lived in or near Jerusalem. And they that were not waiting in their courses, but at home with their families, had provision made for them, as if they had been at the house of God, by the care of the fore-named persons, who had the charge of the whole.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verse 20. Wrought-good and right and truth] Here is the proper character of a worthy king: he is GOOD, and he does good; he is UPRIGHT, and he acts justly and maintains justice; he is truly RELIGIOUS, and he lives according to that truth which he receives as a revelation from God.

Verses 20, 21. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah — His pious zeal was extended through his whole kingdom; and all parts of the country, as well as those that lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. And wrought that which was good, and right, and truth — Whatsoever he thought was pleasing to God, conformable to the law, and profitable for his people, he performed with integrity of heart. And in every work that he began he did it with all his heart, and prospered — He prosecuted it with vigour, and brought all his good intentions to a good issue. And in all that he did in the service of the house of God, and in the government of his kingdom, he prospered. What is undertaken with a sincere and disinterested regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.

Verse 21. He did it with all his heart] In every respect he was a thoroughly excellent man, saw his duty to God and to his people, and performed it with becoming zeal and diligence. May God ever send such kings to the nations of the world; and may the people who are blessed with such be duly obedient to them, and thankful to the God who sends them! II CHRONICLES

Verses 20, 21. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah — His pious zeal was extended through his whole kingdom; and all parts of the country, as well as those that lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. And wrought that which was good, and right, and truth — Whatsoever he thought was pleasing to God, conformable to the law, and profitable for his people, he performed with integrity of heart. And in every work that he began he did it with all his heart, and prospered — He prosecuted it with vigour, and brought all his good intentions to a good issue. And in all that he did in the service of the house of God, and in the government of his kingdom, he prospered. What is undertaken with a sincere and disinterested regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.

Ver. 21. He did it with all his heart. King Hezekiah was just the reverse of his father.

REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2-21.

2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1 Chronicles 23:6; 24:1. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.