2 Chronicles 31 6

2 Chronicles 31:6 kjv

And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:6 nkjv

And the children of Israel and Judah, who dwelt in the cities of Judah, brought the tithe of oxen and sheep; also the tithe of holy things which were consecrated to the LORD their God they laid in heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:6 niv

The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the LORD their God, and they piled them in heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:6 esv

And the people of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of the dedicated things that had been dedicated to the LORD their God, and laid them in heaps.

2 Chronicles 31:6 nlt

The people who had moved to Judah from Israel, and the people of Judah themselves, brought in the tithes of their cattle, sheep, and goats and a tithe of the things that had been dedicated to the LORD their God, and they piled them up in great heaps.

2 Chronicles 31 verses

2 Chronicles 31 6 Meaning

This verse describes the enthusiastic and abundant response of the people of Judah, and even some from the northern kingdom of Israel who had come to settle or reside within Judah's territories, to King Hezekiah's reforms. They willingly and generously brought forth their tithes from their livestock (oxen and sheep), and also consecrated various "holy things" that were specifically dedicated to the Lord their God. These offerings were so plentiful that they were piled up into massive heaps, demonstrating their devotion, obedience, and support for the renewed temple worship and the sustenance of the priests and Levites.

2 Chronicles 31 6 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 31 falls within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically detailing the outcomes of his widespread religious reforms. Having previously cleansed and reconsecrated the temple (chapter 29) and then reinstituted the Passover celebration on an unprecedented scale (chapter 30), Hezekiah recognized the necessity of establishing proper support for the Levitical priesthood and those who served in the temple. This support was prescribed in the Mosaic Law through tithes and offerings. Chapter 31:4 explicitly records Hezekiah's command to the people to provide the portions due to the priests and Levites, so they could dedicate themselves wholly to their spiritual service. Verse 6 describes the people's immediate and overwhelming response to this decree, showcasing a profound revival and a renewed spirit of obedience that swept through the land of Judah and amongst the Israelite remnants residing there, contrasting sharply with the apostasy and neglect of previous kings like Ahaz.

2 Chronicles 31 6 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel and Judah: This phrase signifies a national, rather than merely a provincial, response. "Children of Israel" here refers to the people who were remnants of the northern kingdom, indicating a level of unity and national participation in Hezekiah's reforms, even if residing within Judah's borders. It shows Hezekiah's vision for a united covenant people, as seen in his invitation for the Passover (2 Chron 30).
• that dwelt in the cities of Judah: Clarifies that these "Israelites" were not those in the defunct northern kingdom's territories, but those who had fled or returned and now lived within the administrative boundaries of the southern kingdom.
• brought in also: The word "also" (gam) suggests this action was an additional, perhaps even surprising, aspect of their obedience and devotion, demonstrating an exceeding liberality beyond what might have been strictly anticipated.
• the tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma'aser): The required tenth part, an ancient and fundamental precept of the Mosaic Law (e.g., Lev 27:30, Num 18:21) meant to support the Levites and the temple worship. Its restoration after neglect signifies renewed adherence to the covenant.
• of oxen and sheep: This specifies a type of tithe – livestock. While tithing often focused on grain and produce, this emphasizes valuable and living assets, underscoring the wealth and sacrifice involved in their giving.
• and the tithe of holy things (קָדָשִׁים, qodashim): This is a critical addition. Qodashim means "holy things" or "consecrated things." It goes beyond just the tenth of livestock/produce and includes gifts specially dedicated to God, perhaps firstfruits, or voluntary freewill offerings designated as sacred. This signifies an overflowing generosity and piety, exceeding the bare requirements of the Law. It implies gifts specifically set apart for sacred use.
• which were consecrated unto the LORD their God: Reinforces the sacred nature and divine purpose of these offerings. These items were not just material possessions, but gifts set apart exclusively for Yahweh, showing their theological understanding and devotion.
• and laid them by heaps (חִצְבַּע, khitsba): The term "heaps" implies an immense volume, overflowing quantities. This was not merely systematic collection but a demonstration of overwhelming generosity. The physical sight of these "heaps" would have been a powerful visual testament to the spiritual revival occurring among the people, indicating that the spirit of giving was not merely sufficient but lavish. This abundance necessitates further organization, which Hezekiah then arranges (2 Chron 31:11ff).

2 Chronicles 31 6 Bonus section

This act of overwhelming generosity in 2 Chronicles 31:6 served multiple purposes. Spiritually, it demonstrated the people's repentance and their renewed commitment to the covenant with the Lord, believing in His promise of provision for those who honor Him. Practically, it secured the necessary sustenance for the hundreds of priests and Levites and their families, ensuring that the restored temple services could continue uninterrupted and that the Levitical teachers were freed from agricultural labor to educate the people in the Law. This event mirrors other periods of great dedication, such as the giving for the tabernacle in Exodus (Exod 35:20-29) and for Solomon's temple (1 Chron 29:9), setting a high standard for communal participation in God's work. The visible "heaps" also served as a powerful testimony to both the people and foreign observers of God's blessing on a nation that diligently seeks and obeys Him, underscoring the principle that when His people are faithful stewards, He pours out blessings until there is not room enough to receive it (Mal 3:10).

2 Chronicles 31 6 Commentary

2 Chronicles 31:6 paints a vibrant picture of spiritual revival. Following Hezekiah's earnest call for repentance and the restoration of proper worship, the people's hearts were genuinely stirred. This verse demonstrates a spontaneous, collective, and generous obedience to God's commandments regarding tithes and holy offerings. The sheer volume of contributions, evident in the "heaps," signifies not just mere compliance but an overflowing and cheerful liberality (2 Cor 9:7). This lavish giving was essential for the support of the priests and Levites, enabling them to devote themselves entirely to their ministry and the spiritual welfare of the nation. It reflects the truth that true spiritual renewal always manifests in tangible acts of worship, generosity, and obedience to God's appointed means of sustaining His work on earth.