2 Chronicles 31 15

2 Chronicles 31:15 kjv

And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:

2 Chronicles 31:15 nkjv

And under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, his faithful assistants in the cities of the priests, to distribute allotments to their brethren by divisions, to the great as well as the small.

2 Chronicles 31:15 niv

Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah and Shekaniah assisted him faithfully in the towns of the priests, distributing to their fellow priests according to their divisions, old and young alike.

2 Chronicles 31:15 esv

Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah were faithfully assisting him in the cities of the priests, to distribute the portions to their brothers, old and young alike, by divisions,

2 Chronicles 31:15 nlt

His faithful assistants were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah. They distributed the gifts among the families of priests in their towns by their divisions, dividing the gifts fairly among old and young alike.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 15 Meaning

This verse identifies specific Levite officials, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, who were faithfully appointed in the various priestly cities. Their vital responsibility was to systematically and equitably distribute the sacred offerings, tithes, and consecrated goods collected from the people to all their priestly and Levite brethren, regardless of their rank or position, ensuring proper provision for all who served the Lord. It highlights the structured and faithful administration essential for the ongoing support of divine worship under King Hezekiah's reforms.

2 Chronicles 31 15 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 31 describes King Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms following the great Passover celebration (Chapter 30). After the cleansing and rededication of the Temple, the people enthusiastically brought in massive offerings of first fruits and tithes to the Lord. Hezekiah then faced the practical challenge of managing and distributing these abundant provisions to support the priests and Levites, who were now diligently serving in their renewed roles. Verses 11-19 detail the systematic appointment of officials, treasurers, and distributors for this very purpose. Verse 15 specifically names six key Levites who were tasked with the meticulous and faithful distribution of these goods in the various cities where priests resided, ensuring an orderly and equitable provision for all the priestly families, "great" or "small." This administrative setup was crucial for sustaining the revived temple service and avoiding the past neglect that had plagued the priesthood.

2 Chronicles 31 15 Word analysis

• And next to him: Refers to Konaniah, the chief overseer mentioned in verse 12, under whom these individuals served. This indicates a hierarchical and organized structure for the administration.
• were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah: These are specific names of Levites or priests appointed to a highly trusted position. The Chronicler's precise listing of names emphasizes accountability, the systematic nature of Hezekiah's reforms, and the importance of those involved in this vital work of distribution. These individuals likely belonged to various Levitical clans designated for temple administration.
• in the cities of the priests: This specifies the geographical scope of their duty. Priests and Levites lived throughout the cities of Judah and Israel (Josh 21). This verse highlights that the distribution was decentralized and carried out in local priestly communities, not solely in Jerusalem, ensuring wider reach and direct provision to the families.
• in their set office (בּאֱמוּנָה - be'emunah): This is a highly significant phrase. The Hebrew word emunah means "faithfulness," "trustworthiness," "steadfastness," or "firmness." It denotes not merely a designated position but a character quality required for that role. These individuals were entrusted with sacred goods because they were deemed trustworthy and faithful in their execution of duty, reflecting a core biblical principle for those in positions of stewardship.
• to give to their brethren: The primary purpose of their appointment was the systematic provision for fellow priests and Levites. This was not a private hoard but a sacred trust for communal benefit. It highlights the principle of shared responsibility and mutual support within the covenant community, particularly for those dedicated to God's service.
• by courses (לְגִזּוּר - l'gizzur): This phrase indicates a precise and orderly system of distribution. It implies divisions, portions, or rotations, ensuring that distribution was not arbitrary but followed an established plan. This echoes the structured "courses" or divisions of priests and Levites for temple service (1 Chr 24-26) and underscores the high degree of organization characteristic of Hezekiah's revival.
• as well to the great as to the small: This emphasizes fairness, equity, and impartiality in the distribution process. No favoritism was shown based on rank, wealth, or influence. Every priest and Levite, regardless of their standing or age, was entitled to and received their due portion, reflecting divine justice and care for all those who served the Lord.

2 Chronicles 31 15 Bonus section

• The administrative system described here under Hezekiah sets a precedent for how spiritual ministries are to be sustained—through organized, faithful, and equitable distribution of resources contributed by the people. This structure contrasts sharply with the earlier neglect where priests and Levites often had to leave temple service to seek livelihoods.
• The Chronicler's emphasis on names and specific roles reinforces the biblical principle of delegating responsibility and expecting faithfulness in stewardship. These aren't nameless functionaries but specific individuals called to a sacred trust.
• The system ensured that resources did not remain hoarded in Jerusalem but effectively reached those serving in the priestly cities across the land, reflecting a decentralized, yet unified, support network. This administrative detail illustrates how genuine spiritual revival leads to practical, well-ordered management.

2 Chronicles 31 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:15 provides a concise yet profound glimpse into the administrative backbone of Hezekiah's spiritual revival. Beyond the grand religious ceremonies, it highlights the essential practicalities of sustaining consecrated worship: the meticulous and faithful care for God's ministers. The careful listing of individuals and their designated cities underscores a principle of ordered accountability and widespread, local provision. The key phrase "in their set office" (or, more precisely, "in faithfulness") stresses that effective spiritual administration relies on the moral integrity and trustworthiness of its agents. It's a reminder that stewardship in God's house demands character. Furthermore, the directive to distribute "by courses" and "as well to the great as to the small" reveals God's heart for equity and systematic justice within His community. This was not haphazard giving but a structured system designed to ensure every servant of the Lord was properly sustained, removing any excuse for neglecting their duties and enabling the thriving of true worship throughout the land. This administrative excellence ensured the material well-being of the spiritual leaders, allowing them to focus entirely on their God-given tasks without distraction, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical governance that values both spiritual fervor and practical order.