2 Chronicles 34 13

2 Chronicles 34:13 kjv

Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

2 Chronicles 34:13 nkjv

were over the burden bearers and were overseers of all who did work in any kind of service. And some of the Levites were scribes, officers, and gatekeepers.

2 Chronicles 34:13 niv

had charge of the laborers and supervised all the workers from job to job. Some of the Levites were secretaries, scribes and gatekeepers.

2 Chronicles 34:13 esv

were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers.

2 Chronicles 34:13 nlt

were put in charge of the laborers of the various trades. Still others assisted as secretaries, officials, and gatekeepers.

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 13 Meaning

This verse details the crucial administrative and supervisory roles undertaken by some of the Levites during King Josiah's widespread repair of the Lord's Temple. It shows them as overseers of all laborers, including the burden-bearers and those engaged in various skilled tasks. Furthermore, a segment of the Levites functioned as scribes, recording and managing documents, as administrative officials, and as gatekeepers, maintaining order and security within the sacred precincts. This highlights their multifaceted contributions to the temple restoration project beyond their traditional cultic duties, ensuring the work was conducted with diligence and order.

2 Chronicles 34 13 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 34 describes the momentous reforms initiated by King Josiah, a young and zealous monarch who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chr 34:2). Beginning his reforms early in his reign, Josiah set about purifying Judah and Jerusalem from idolatry, systematically tearing down altars, Asherah poles, and images of foreign gods (2 Chr 34:3-7). After this widespread spiritual cleansing, the king focused on restoring the neglected Temple of the Lord. Verses 8-13 detail the commencement of these extensive repair efforts. Verse 13 specifically elaborates on the human organization of this crucial project, highlighting the comprehensive administrative and supervisory roles assumed by the Levites. The Chronicler, known for emphasizing the central role of the Temple, priesthood, and particularly the Levites in maintaining covenant fidelity and proper worship, deliberately showcases the Levites' significant contributions to all facets of the temple service, not just the cultic. Their involvement as supervisors, scribes, officials, and gatekeepers underscores their vital role in bringing order and efficacy to the divine work, implicitly contrasting with the disarray of previous idolatrous reigns.

2 Chronicles 34 13 Word analysis

• "also over the burden-bearers"
  • Original Hebrew: `וְהֵם מְנַצְּחִים עַל־הַסַּבָּלִים` (wəhēm mənaṣṣᵉḥîm ʿal-ha-sabbālîm)
  • `מְנַצְּחִים` (mənaṣṣᵉḥîm): This participle derives from the root `נצח` (naṣaḥ), meaning "to excel, oversee, superintend." In Psalms, it often refers to a choirmaster or music director, but in contexts of work, it consistently means "overseer" or "supervisor." This highlights the Levites' managerial capacity and their responsibility for guiding and directing others. Their role was one of leadership and effective management, not mere manual labor.
  • `הַסַּבָּלִים` (ha-sabbālîm): "The burden-bearers." This term refers to manual laborers, those who carried heavy materials like stones or wood for construction. Their oversight by the Levites indicates a hierarchical structure where sacred personnel supervised general labor, ensuring efficiency and possibly proper conduct.
• "supervising all who did work in every kind of service"
  • Original Hebrew: `וּלְכֹל עֹשֵׂה הַמְּלָאכָה לְכֹל עֲבוֹדָה וַעֲבוֹדָה` (wələḵōl ʿōśēh hamməlāʾḵâ ləḵōl ʿăvôḏâ waʿăvôḏâ)
  • `עֹשֵׂה הַמְּלָאכָה` (ʿōśēh hamməlāʾḵâ): "Doers of the work" or "the workmen." `מְלָאכָה` (mela'ḵâ) generally refers to labor, work, business, or craftsmanship. It encompasses more than just brute strength, pointing to various skills involved in construction and repair.
  • `לְכֹל עֲבוֹדָה וַעֲבוֹדָה` (ləḵōl ʿăvôḏâ waʿăvôḏâ): "For every kind of service/work." The repeated `עֲבוֹדָה` (ʿăvôḏâ) emphasizes the comprehensiveness of their supervision. `עֲבוֹדָה` means service, labor, or worship. Here, it underscores that the Levites' oversight extended to all categories of labor, implying artisans, craftsmen, and perhaps logistical work, not just the "burden-bearers." This dispels any notion of their role being limited to simple oversight and points to a full managerial purview over the complex temple restoration.
• "and some of the Levites were scribes, and officials, and gatekeepers"
  • Original Hebrew: `וּמִן־הַלְוִיִּם סֹפְרִים וְשֹׁטְרִים וְשֹׁעֲרִים` (ûmin-halwiyyim sōfərîm wəšōṭərîm wəšōʿărîm)
  • `הַלְוִיִּם` (halwiyyim): "The Levites." Members of the tribe of Levi, consecrated for divine service. This verse highlights their diversity of roles, demonstrating their invaluable contribution beyond the priestly functions of the sons of Aaron.
  • `סֹפְרִים` (sōfərîm): "Scribes." Individuals skilled in writing, copying texts (especially the Torah), and often involved in administrative and legal affairs. This was a highly intellectual and influential position (e.g., Ezra). Their presence indicates that record-keeping, documentation, and legal aspects were integral to the temple administration.
  • `וְשֹׁטְרִים` (wəšōṭərîm): "Officials" or "officers." These were administrators or magistrates responsible for maintaining order, executing decrees, and overseeing practical affairs. They could act as public notaries or supervisors, ensuring procedures were followed correctly. This demonstrates the Levites' involvement in secular as well as sacred administration.
  • `וְשֹׁעֲרִים` (wəšōʿarîm): "Gatekeepers." Levites assigned to guard the entrances of the Temple. Their role was critical for security, controlling access to sacred areas, and ensuring purity. This practical duty shows their commitment to maintaining the sanctity and order of God's house.
• Words-group Analysis: Levitical Administration & Multi-faceted Service
  • This verse collectively paints a picture of the Levites as indispensable personnel in King Josiah's temple repair and reform. It dismantles any narrow view of their role, showing them to be versatile administrators, supervisors, intellectuals, and guardians. Their active participation across various departments – from managing manual labor to handling sensitive documentation and providing security – emphasizes their crucial role in orchestrating divine service effectively. This structured approach mirrors God's desire for order and excellence in worship and all service to Him. The Chronicler underscores that successful reform and spiritual restoration required not only priestly sacrifice but also highly organized, dedicated administrative and practical support, primarily supplied by the Levites.

2 Chronicles 34 13 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's particular emphasis on the Levites throughout 1 and 2 Chronicles is notable. Compared to the books of Kings, the Chronicler elevates the Levites' status and expands on their responsibilities, showcasing them not merely as support staff but as central figures in Israel's worship and administrative structure. This aligns with the Chronicler's post-exilic concerns about proper Temple worship and the importance of an established, active Levitical order.
• This verse, along with others detailing Levitical administrative roles, foreshadows later developments, particularly in the post-exilic period (as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah), where Levites took on expanded responsibilities as teachers, judges, and municipal officials, bridging the gap between sacred and secular administration in a society where the Temple was central.
• The organizational structure depicted here underscores a biblical principle: effective ministry and worship are not just spontaneous spiritual fervor but require careful planning, diligent management, and a diversity of gifts and roles working in harmony. All who serve the Lord contribute significantly, whether by carrying burdens, overseeing projects, maintaining records, or guarding sacred spaces.

2 Chronicles 34 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:13 unveils the meticulously organized effort behind King Josiah's ambitious temple repair. Far from being merely cultic assistants, the Levites are presented as pivotal figures in the administration of this national endeavor. Their roles ranged from direct supervision of all workers, encompassing the most physically demanding "burden-bearers" as well as craftsmen engaged in "every kind of service," to holding distinct professional positions. As "scribes," they handled the vital documentation and possibly the financial accounts, demonstrating their intellectual and record-keeping proficiency. As "officials," they exercised broader administrative oversight and ensured order and compliance within the large workforce. Finally, as "gatekeepers," they maintained the physical security and sanctity of the Temple precincts, controlling access and preventing desecration. This verse thereby accentuates the Levites' comprehensive involvement and specialized skills in the efficient, orderly, and God-honoring restoration of the house of the Lord, reflecting the Chronicler's high regard for their diverse contributions to Israel's spiritual well-being and practical function. It illustrates that spiritual renewal is often accompanied by diligent, well-organized practical work.