2 Chronicles 31 18

2 Chronicles 31:18 kjv

And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:

2 Chronicles 31:18 nkjv

and to all who were written in the genealogy?their little ones and their wives, their sons and daughters, the whole company of them?for in their faithfulness they sanctified themselves in holiness.

2 Chronicles 31:18 niv

They included all the little ones, the wives, and the sons and daughters of the whole community listed in these genealogical records. For they were faithful in consecrating themselves.

2 Chronicles 31:18 esv

They were enrolled with all their little children, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, the whole assembly, for they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.

2 Chronicles 31:18 nlt

Food allotments were also given to the families of all those listed in the genealogical records, including their little babies, wives, sons, and daughters. For they had all been faithful in purifying themselves.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 18 Meaning

This verse details King Hezekiah's meticulously organized system for distributing provisions to the Levitical and priestly families who served in the house of the LORD. It emphasizes that every male in these households, from the tender age of three years old and upward, received a portion from the dedicated offerings. This provision was administered daily, specifically tied to their assigned duties and rotations of service in the Temple, ensuring thorough support for all engaged in sacred ministry and their dependents.

2 Chronicles 31 18 Context

This verse is set within 2 Chronicles chapter 31, which details the comprehensive religious reforms enacted by King Hezekiah of Judah after the celebration of a momentous Passover. Having cleansed the Temple and reinstituted proper worship practices in chapters 29 and 30, Hezekiah now focuses on establishing the sustained support system for the priests and Levites, without whom the Temple service could not function. The people, in their renewed fervor, brought in abundant first fruits and tithes, exceeding expectations. Chapter 31 describes the orderly receiving, storage, and distribution of these provisions. Verse 18, in particular, highlights the meticulous planning of Hezekiah and his officials in ensuring that every person due a portion, from the youngest children to the actively serving ministers, received their designated allowance according to their official record, household status, and scheduled duties. This illustrates the restoration of both spiritual zeal and practical administration necessary for faithful service to God, reflecting the Chronicler's emphasis on adherence to the Law and the centrality of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 31 18 Word analysis

• And to the register:

  • Implies systematic record-keeping and formal enumeration. The Hebrew word mityachasim (מִתְיַחֲשִׁים) refers to those "enrolled by genealogy" or "registered by their descent," emphasizing that distribution was based on official family records of priests and Levites.
  • Significance: This was not an ad hoc distribution but an orderly, accountable system, crucial for fair and accurate allocation, preventing neglect or corruption.

• of all their males:

  • "Their" refers to the families of the priests and Levites dedicated to Temple service.
  • Focus on "males" was typical in a patriarchal society, likely indicating headship of families or general population count where males determined family unit numbers, though the provision extended to the entire household.

• from three years old and upward:

  • A striking detail, demonstrating the extensive and thorough nature of the provision. It shows God's care, implemented through Hezekiah, extended even to very young children dependent on those in ministry.
  • The age of three is significant as a child might begin to attend Temple functions with parents or be more formally identified as part of the community receiving instruction, but primarily highlights comprehensive family support. This implies the burden of supporting children did not fall solely on the minister's income.

• even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD:

  • Refers to all qualified individuals designated for service in the Temple – specifically the priests and Levites as detailed in David's organizational structure (1 Chr 23-26).
  • "Entereth into the house of the LORD" signifies active and authorized participation in sacred duties within the Temple.

• his daily portion:

  • The Hebrew leyom beyomo (לְיוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ) means "day by day," or "for a day in its day." This indicates consistent, uninterrupted provision, rather than infrequent bulk allocations.
  • Significance: Assurance of continuous sustenance for the minister and his family, preventing periods of want and allowing full dedication to ministry without distraction of finding food. This mirrored God's daily provision of manna.

• for their service:

  • Highlights the direct link between the provision and their consecrated duties. The support was given because of and for the purpose of enabling their unhindered ministry.
  • It undergirds the biblical principle that those who minister spiritually are to be supported materially (e.g., 1 Cor 9:13-14).

• in their charges:

  • The Hebrew l'mas'otam (לְמַשְׂאֹתָם) refers to their "tasks," "responsibilities," or "burdens" of service. This refers to the specific duties assigned to different divisions of priests and Levites.
  • Implies distribution according to the nature and demands of their particular roles.

• according to their courses:

  • The Hebrew l'machlekoham (לְמַחְלְקוֹתָם) means "according to their divisions" or "rotations." These were the established turns of duty for priests and Levites, instituted by King David (1 Chr 23-24).
  • Emphasizes the highly structured, orderly, and fair system of Temple service and corresponding support, ensuring equity and efficiency.

Word-groups/Phrases Analysis:

• "from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD": This phrase spans the entire spectrum of beneficiaries. It emphasizes the broad inclusivity of the Temple's care system, covering the minister's entire household from youngest children to the active minister, all of whom are, in some sense, dedicated to the service of God's house by virtue of their familial ties to the clergy.
• "his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses": This captures the administrative brilliance and theological depth of Hezekiah's reform. It combines the reliability ("daily portion"), the purpose ("for their service"), and the structured nature ("in their charges according to their courses") of the Temple provision. It ensures accountability, fairness, and sustained support essential for a well-functioning worship system.

2 Chronicles 31 18 Bonus section

The systematic recording of recipients ("the register") was crucial not only for fair distribution but also for accountability, preventing favoritism and ensuring that the offerings were used precisely as intended by God's law. This stood in stark contrast to previous periods of spiritual decline where offerings dwindled and the Levites were forced to abandon their service to find sustenance. Hezekiah's reforms here ensure a well-resourced, effective ministry. This verse exemplifies the ideal Chronicler's theology: when God's people faithfully provide for His servants and order the Temple according to His commands, blessing follows. It sets a powerful precedent for the New Testament principle that those who teach the Word are worthy of financial support (1 Cor 9:13-14).

2 Chronicles 31 18 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:18 reveals the depth of King Hezekiah's commitment to restoring true worship by establishing robust, organized support for those consecrated to the LORD's service. The careful provisioning for priests and Levites, down to children as young as three, signifies a complete and systematic care for ministry households, removing financial burdens so they could fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties. This system, aligned with Mosaic Law and David's administrative blueprint, underscores that vibrant worship necessitates practical, consistent support for those who lead it. It teaches the principle that those who faithfully serve the Lord are to be cared for meticulously, with daily, assigned provisions, ensuring that neither neglect nor lack hinders their sacred work or impoverishes their families.