2 Chronicles 31 5

2 Chronicles 31:5 kjv

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

2 Chronicles 31:5 nkjv

As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.

2 Chronicles 31:5 niv

As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.

2 Chronicles 31:5 esv

As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.

2 Chronicles 31:5 nlt

When the people of Israel heard these requirements, they responded generously by bringing the first share of their grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a large quantity ? a tithe of all they produced.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 5 Meaning

2 Chronicles 31:5 describes the immediate and abundant response of the people of Israel and Judah to King Hezekiah's command regarding the support of the Levitical priests. As soon as the king's directive went out, the people brought a vast amount of offerings: the firstfruits of their agricultural produce such as grain, new wine, oil, and honey, along with other field products. Furthermore, they faithfully contributed the tithe, or a tenth, of everything they produced, signifying a widespread restoration of obedience to God's prescribed system for the maintenance of those serving in the temple.

2 Chronicles 31 5 Context

Chapter 31 follows immediately after Hezekiah's extensive reforms in Jerusalem. In Chapters 29-30, Hezekiah restores true worship in Judah, cleanses and dedicates the temple after generations of neglect and idolatry, and leads a joyous, extended Passover celebration that encompasses all Israel, uniting northern and southern tribes in devotion to the Lord. Following this spiritual awakening, a strong sense of zeal for God's house takes hold of the people (2 Chron 31:1). Seeing their newfound commitment and observing the Levitical priests and singers faithfully executing their duties in the temple, Hezekiah recognized the necessity of establishing a proper system for their maintenance. This ensured they could fully devote themselves to service without needing to return to their fields for livelihood (2 Chron 31:4). Verse 5, therefore, is the direct response of the people—a spontaneous, enthusiastic, and abundant outflow of obedience and generosity, reflecting the deep spiritual revival that had swept through the land.

2 Chronicles 31 5 Word analysis

• As soon as the word spread abroad, (וְכִפְרֹץ הַדָּבָר, wə·khif·rōtz had·dā·ḇār)

  • וְכִפְרֹץ (wə·khif·rōtz): "And when it spread out, broke forth." The root פרץ (pāraṭz) means to break through, burst forth, spread abroad. This suggests the swiftness, force, and immediate impact of Hezekiah's command reaching the people. It implies enthusiastic compliance.
  • הַדָּבָר (had·dā·ḇār): "The word," referring to Hezekiah's command or decree to provide for the priests and Levites (2 Chron 31:4). The definitive article "the" emphasizes it as a specific, known proclamation.

• the people of Israel provided in abundance (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הִרְבּוּ מַטֶּה, bə·nê yis·rā·’êl hir·bū mat·ṭeh)

  • בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (bə·nê yis·rā·’êl): "Sons of Israel" or "people of Israel." Here, it likely encompasses both Judah and those from the northern kingdom who had joined in the Passover, showing widespread unity and devotion.
  • הִרְבּוּ (hir·bū): From the root רבה (rāḇāh), "to be great, to multiply, to become many." In the Hiphil, it means "to increase, to multiply, to provide in abundance." It highlights the quantity and generosity of their contribution—it was not minimal or begrudging.
  • מַטֶּה (mat·ṭeh): This word is tricky here. While usually meaning "rod, tribe," in this context (and possibly a unique usage related to 'offering') or an understood elliptical form for 'offering/portion' it's understood contextually as providing, bringing. Scholars note some LXX versions or a different understanding where it relates to what they provided from their stored produce.

• the firstfruits of grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field.

  • בִּכּוּרַת (bikkūrath): "Firstfruits," from the root בכר (bāḵar), meaning "firstborn." The first and best portion of the harvest, consecrated to God. This signifies that God is prioritized and honored as the source of all blessing. Bringing firstfruits was an act of faith, trusting God for the rest of the harvest (Prov 3:9-10). It distinguished Israel from surrounding nations who offered their first to pagan gods.
  • דָּגָן (dāgān): "Grain," primarily referring to staple cereal crops like wheat and barley.
  • תִּירוֹשׁ (tîrôš): "New wine," the fresh juice or fermenting wine from grapes, symbolizing abundance and joy.
  • יִצְהָר (yitz·hār): "Oil," specifically olive oil, a crucial commodity for food, light, anointing, and medicine.
  • וּדְבַשׁ (uḏ·ḇaš): "And honey," both from bees and possibly date honey (syrup). Symbol of a rich and fruitful land. These are foundational elements of the biblical understanding of a fertile, blessed land.
  • וְכֹל תְּבוּאַת הַשָּׂדֶה (wə·ḵōl tə·ḇū·’aṯ has·śā·ḏeh): "And all produce of the field." A comprehensive term extending beyond the specific categories listed, emphasizing that the people generously brought various other yields from their farms.

• And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. (וּמַעְשַׂר מִכֹּל בָּאוּ בָרֹב, ū·ma‘aśar mik·kōl bā·’ū ḇā·rōḇ)

  • וּמַעְשַׂר (ū·ma‘aśar): "And tithe," meaning "a tenth part," from the root עשר (ʿāśar), "to be rich, to take a tenth." This was a fixed, statutory proportion dedicated to the Lord, primarily for the Levites' support (Num 18:21, 24; Lev 27:30). Unlike firstfruits, which were typically a representative offering, tithes were a precise percentage of the total produce.
  • מִכֹּל (mik·kōl): "Of everything," emphasizing that no part of their produce was withheld from tithing. It demonstrates a holistic obedience to the Law.
  • בָּאוּ בָרֹב (bā·’ū ḇā·rōḇ): "They brought in abundantly/much." This phrase echoes hirbu matteh from the beginning of the verse, reinforcing the sheer volume and overflow of the contributions. The act of bringing them "in" likely refers to the designated storehouses in the temple courts (2 Chron 31:11).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "As soon as the word spread abroad, the people...provided in abundance": This phrase captures the immediate, willing, and overflowingly generous response of the populace to a divinely inspired command. It highlights genuine revival leading to tangible actions of devotion and obedience. This was not a forced collection, but a spontaneous outpouring.
  • "the firstfruits...and of all the produce of the field...the tithe of everything": This combination reveals comprehensive obedience. Bringing "firstfruits" demonstrates prioritizing God, trusting His provision, and sanctifying the entire harvest. Bringing "tithes of everything" signifies strict adherence to the Law regarding God's portion, demonstrating honesty and faithfulness in supporting the priesthood, and recognizing God's ownership over all possessions. The combination indicates devotion that went beyond the minimum required, reaching an abundant level.

2 Chronicles 31 5 Bonus section

The abundant giving described in 2 Chron 31:5 suggests a deep communal conviction and zeal that had not been seen in generations. This went beyond mere compliance; it was a heartfelt offering of gratitude and dedication to the Lord. The specific inclusion of "honey" among the firstfruits, while often mentioned as a product of the Promised Land, was typically forbidden in altar offerings (Lev 2:11), highlighting that this was an offering of general produce for the support of the Levites and priests, consumed by them, rather than strictly for burnt offerings. This widespread participation and generosity stand as a testament to the powerful impact of true revival, changing hearts and actions, and demonstrates God's desire for His people to provide bountifully for those who serve Him, trusting in His greater provision for themselves.

2 Chronicles 31 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:5 illustrates the vital link between spiritual revival and practical obedience. After Hezekiah’s initiatives for temple cleansing and restored worship, the people's hearts were genuinely turned towards the Lord. This spiritual transformation was not merely emotional but manifested in tangible, widespread, and abundant actions of faith. They readily brought both firstfruits, acknowledging God as the supreme Provider and consecrating their produce to Him, and the tithe of all their produce, recognizing their duty to support the consecrated ministry of the Levites and priests. This act of overflowing generosity and obedience secured the sustenance of those dedicated to God's service, allowing them to remain at their posts rather than tending to their own livelihood, thereby sustaining the vibrant worship and instruction that Hezekiah had painstakingly restored. It showcases how a people's renewed relationship with God naturally translates into faithful stewardship and cheerful giving, securing God's blessings and ensuring the continuous function of His appointed work.