2 Chronicles 31 17

2 Chronicles 31:17 kjv

Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;

2 Chronicles 31:17 nkjv

and to the priests who were written in the genealogy according to their father's house, and to the Levites from twenty years old and up according to their work, by their divisions,

2 Chronicles 31:17 niv

And they distributed to the priests enrolled by their families in the genealogical records and likewise to the Levites twenty years old or more, according to their responsibilities and their divisions.

2 Chronicles 31:17 esv

The enrollment of the priests was according to their fathers' houses; that of the Levites from twenty years old and upward was according to their offices, by their divisions.

2 Chronicles 31:17 nlt

They distributed gifts to the priests who were listed by their families in the genealogical records, and to the Levites twenty years old or older who were listed according to their jobs and their divisions.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 17 Meaning

This verse details the scope of provisions distributed to the Levitical and priestly families during King Hezekiah's spiritual reforms. It specifies that these divinely ordained allotments, derived from the people's offerings and tithes, were for all males registered in the genealogies, from three years old and upward, who were part of those designated for service in the Lord's house according to their daily duties, established charges, and recognized divisions. This indicates a comprehensive and systematic approach to caring for all members of the ministering families, ensuring no one, not even young children, was overlooked in the support structure commanded by God's law.

2 Chronicles 31 17 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 31 describes King Hezekiah's extensive reforms and his diligent efforts to restore the proper worship of the Lord in Judah. Following the Passover celebration (Chapter 30), the people, filled with zeal, went throughout Judah and Israel destroying idolatrous symbols. Hezekiah then turned his attention to re-establishing the priestly and Levitical service. This included ensuring their financial support from the tithes and offerings of the people, which had likely dwindled significantly during the reigns of apostate kings. Verses 11-19 detail the establishment of store-chambers, supervisors, and systematic distribution to all members of the Levitical and priestly families, down to their youngest children, ensuring they could faithfully serve without distraction of material lack.

Historically, after the split of the kingdom and especially during periods of unfaithfulness in Judah, the prescribed support for the Levites and priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, often failed. This neglect forced them to leave Temple service and seek livelihoods elsewhere, leading to a further decline in organized worship. Hezekiah's initiative in Chapter 31 directly addresses this, reaffirming the divine mandate for the sustenance of those dedicated to God's service. This re-establishment also served as a powerful polemic against the previous chaos and idolatry. It demonstrated that true worship demanded not only the absence of idols but also the diligent, organized, and sustained support for the legitimate, divinely appointed spiritual leaders. The careful recording and distribution stood in stark contrast to the ad hoc, chaotic, and ungodly practices of their immediate past.

2 Chronicles 31 17 Word analysis

• And to those counted by genealogy (וּלְהִתְיַחֵשׁ):

  • Root: Hebrew yachash (יחש), meaning "to be enrolled by genealogy," "to be registered."
  • Significance: Emphasizes that this was not an arbitrary distribution but a carefully administered system based on established, official records of priestly and Levitical lineage. It highlights the divine order and accountability in Temple administration, echoing God's meticulous instructions for the tribes of Israel.

• of the males (זָכָר):

  • Significance: Specific to the male line, crucial for identifying those in Levitical and priestly lineages. While female family members were also fed, the accounting for roles and, likely, allocation per family unit was primarily tied to the male head.

• from three years old and upward (מִבֶּן שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים וָמַעְלָה):

  • Significance: This is noteworthy because Levites typically began service at 20 or 25 years (Num 8:24). The mention of "three years old" indicates that the provisions were for all dependents within these families, demonstrating comprehensive care. At this age, a child would have been weaned and able to consume solid food, fully participating in family meals, making their inclusion in the allocation logical for practical sustenance. It showcases a truly thorough and inclusive system of provision.

• even to everyone who entered the house of the Lord as a duty (בָּא בְתוֹרֵת יְהוָה):

  • "entered": Indicates active presence and engagement in the designated sacred space.
  • "as a duty" (בְתוֹרֵת - b'torath): Derives from torah (תּוֹרָה), often meaning "law" or "instruction," but here signifies a "duty" or "ordinance" within the divine framework.
  • Significance: This refers to the specific, divinely ordained service within the Temple. It implies that these individuals (or the heads of their households) were fulfilling their prescribed roles and responsibilities in the Levitical or priestly service. The provision was linked to faithful performance of their sacred obligation.

• for each day (לְיוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ):

  • Literally "to day in its day."
  • Significance: Emphasizes a daily or regularly recurring provision. This ensures continuous sustenance and stability for the serving families, allowing them to focus on their ministry without daily concerns about food. It reflects God's meticulous care, much like the daily manna in the wilderness.

• for their service (לַעֲבֹדָה - la'avodah):

  • Root: avad (עבד), meaning "to serve," "to work," often used for spiritual service.
  • Significance: The purpose of the provision was directly linked to the consecrated "service" or "work" that these individuals performed in the house of the Lord. Their sustenance enabled their sacred function.

• in their respective charges (בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶם - b'mishmeroteyhem):

  • "Charges" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת - mishmereth): Refers to a specific watch, guard, or assigned duty.
  • Significance: This speaks to the particular assignments and responsibilities within the larger framework of Temple service, showing further organization within the divisions.

• by their divisions (בְּמַחְלְקוֹתֵיהֶם - b'maḥleqôṯêyhem):

  • "Divisions" (מַחֲלֹקֶת - machaloketh): Refers to the pre-established twenty-four divisions of priests and Levites (as organized by King David, e.g., 1 Chr 23-26).
  • Significance: Underscores the highly structured and orderly nature of the Temple service, ensuring rotation and equitable distribution among families in their turn of duty. This system prevented chaos and ensured continuity of worship.

• Word Group: "counted by genealogy of the males... to everyone who entered the house of the Lord as a duty":

  • This phrase emphasizes a strict criterion for provision: one had to be officially registered within the priestly or Levitical lines and actively participating in or linked to their assigned Temple service. It combines the lineage requirement with the performance of duties, reinforcing accountability and faithfulness.

• Word Group: "for their service in their respective charges, by their divisions":

  • This group of phrases highlights the highly organized, disciplined, and divinely mandated structure of worship service in the Temple. It clarifies that the provision was not random charity but structured compensation enabling specialized and regular liturgical and practical work. It signifies efficiency, fairness, and commitment to the sacred purpose.

2 Chronicles 31 17 Bonus section

This meticulous organization and provision for the Levitical and priestly families highlights a crucial biblical principle: faithful ministry requires faithful support. In times of spiritual decline (like Ahaz's reign), the neglect of financial and practical support often directly correlates with the breakdown of ordered worship and the desertion of the house of God (as seen in Neh 13:10). Hezekiah understood that material provision was not just charity but an integral part of facilitating true spiritual revival and sustained devotion. This serves as a timeless reminder for the Church today regarding the care and support of those who minister, ensuring that their families are cared for so they can be wholly dedicated to their calling, echoing the New Testament command that "those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel." The three-year-old reference might also implicitly remind parents of their responsibility to dedicate and introduce even very young children to the rhythms of the community of faith, ensuring their spiritual and physical needs are considered within God's provision for His people.

2 Chronicles 31 17 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:17 unveils a vital aspect of King Hezekiah's reforms: the restoration of systemic support for the Levites and priests. This verse emphasizes meticulous administration, rooted in a divinely established order. The "genealogy of the males" signifies a commitment to proper lineage and identity, ensuring resources reached the designated covenant servants. The inclusion of children "from three years old and upward" powerfully conveys a comprehensive pastoral concern, providing for entire families. It speaks not just to their right to a portion but to God's all-encompassing care for His people who minister. The phrase "entered the house of the Lord as a duty" confirms that provision was tied to legitimate, ordered service, echoing the Mosaic law's directives regarding consecrated duties and support for the Temple workers. "For each day" underscores the ongoing, continuous nature of this provision, critical for their dedicated service, just as manna was provided daily. The terms "charges" and "divisions" point to the sophisticated, pre-existing structure of priestly and Levitical rotations established by David, which Hezekiah now diligently reactivated and funded. This verse reflects a commitment to the principle that those who devote themselves to sacred service, and their families, are to be properly and continuously sustained, enabling faithful ministry without material distraction.