Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every man according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of Yahweh’s camp. He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in Yahweh’s law. Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to Yahweh’s law. As soon as the commandment went out, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the increase of the field; and they brought in the tithe of all things abundantly. The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their God, and laid them in heaps.
In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh and his people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites about the heaps. Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since people began to bring the offerings into Yahweh’s house, we have eaten and had enough, and have plenty left over, for Yahweh has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.”
Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in Yahweh’s house, and they prepared them. They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully. Conaniah the Levite was ruler over them, and Shimei his brother was second. Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house. Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper at the east gate, was over the free will offerings of God, to distribute Yahweh’s offerings and the most holy things. Under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brothers by divisions, to the great as well as to the small; in addition to those who were listed by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into Yahweh’s house, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions; and those who were listed by genealogy of the priests by their fathers’ houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions; and those who were listed by genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation; for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness. Also for the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the pasture lands of their cities, in every city, there were men who were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all who were listed by genealogy among the Levites.
Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he did that which was good, right, and faithful before Yahweh his God. In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 18 That is, in the Temple, where they assembled as…
That is, in the Temple, where they assembled as in a tent.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20 2Ch 31:2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the…
2Ch 31:2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.
Ver. 2. In the gates of the tents of the Lord,] i.e., Of the temple, fitly compared to a camp, for the watch and ward there kept by the priests, and for the convention of the people thither, as to their rendezvous, to pray, which is the chief service of our spiritual warfare.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19 i.e. Within the gates of the house of the…
i.e. Within the gates of the house of the Lord; which is here called
tents, partly because all houses are oft so called, as Jdg 19:9; 20:8; Psa 69:25; and partly because the host of the Lord, to wit, the priests and Levites, frequently so called, encamped there, and kept their stations and orders there by course.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v11 Here we have,
Here we have,
I. Two particular instances of the care of Hezekiah concerning church matters, having put them into good order, to keep them so. The tithes and other holy things being brought in, he provided, 1. That they should be carefully laid up, and not left exposed in loose heaps, liable to be wasted and embezzled. He ordered chambers to be made ready in some of the courts of the temple for store-chambers (Ch2 31:11), and into them the offerings were brought and there kept under lock and key, Ch2 31:12, Ch2 31:13. Treasures or store-keepers were appointed, who had the oversight of them, to see that moth and rust did not corrupt them nor thieves break through to steal. This wisdom of laying up the surplus in days of plenty we may learn from the ant, who provideth meat in summer. The laying up in store what was brought in was an encouragement to people to pay in their contributions. That will be given cheerfully by the public which appears to be well husbanded. 2. That they should be faithfully laid out, according to the uses they were intended for. Church treasures are not to be hoarded any longer than till there is occasion for them, lest even the rust should be a witness against those who hoard them. Officers were appointed, men (no doubt) of approved wisdom and faithfulness, to distribute the oblations of the Lord and the most holy things among the priests (Ch2 31:14), and to see that they all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families. The law provided sufficient for them all, and therefore, if some had too little, it must be because others had too much; to prevent such inequality these officers were to go by some certain rule of proportion in the disposal of the incomes of the temple. It is said of the priests here (Ch2 31:18) that in their set office they sanctified themselves; in faith they sanctified themselves (so the word is), that is, as bishop Patrick explains it, they attended their ministry at the house of God, not doubting but they should be provided with all things necessary. Now, because they served God in that confidence, care was taken that they should not be made ashamed of their hope. Note, Those that sanctify themselves to God and his service in faith, believing that he will see them want for nothing that is good for them, shall certainly be fed. Out of the offerings of the Lord distribution was made, (1.) To the priests in the cities (Ch2 31:15), who staid at home while their brethren went to Jerusalem, and did good there in teaching the good knowledge of the Lord. The preaching priests were maintained as well as the sacrificing priests, and those that abode by the stuff as well as those that warred the warfare. (2.) To those that entered into the house of the Lord, all the males from three years old and upwards; for the male children even at that tender age, it seems, were allowed to come into the temple with their parents, and shared with them in this distribution, Ch2 31:16. (3.) Even the Levites from twenty years old and upwards had their share, Ch2 31:17. (4.) The wives and children of the priests and Levites had a comfortable maintenance out of those offerings, Ch2 31:18. In maintaining ministers, regard must be had to their families, that not they only, but theirs, may have food convenient. In some countries where ministers have their salary paid them by the state an addition is made to it upon the birth of a child. (5.) The priests in the country, that lived in the fields of the suburbs, were not overlooked in this ministration, Ch2 31:19. Those also had their share who were inhabitants of the villages, though they might be supposed to live at a less expense.
Read full note →
II. A general character of Hezekiah's services for the support of religion, Ch2 31:20, Ch2 31:21. 1. His pious zeal reached to all the parts of his kingdom: Thus he did throughout all Judah; every part of the country, and not those only that lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. 2. He sincerely designed to please God, and approved himself to him in all he did: He wrought that which was good before the Lord his God; all his care was to do that which should be accepted of God, which was right (that is, agreeable to natural equity), and truth (that is, agreeable to divine revelation and his covenant with God), before the Lord; to do according to that law which is holy, just, and good. 3. What he began he went through with, prosecuted it with vigour, and did it with all his heart. 4. All his good intentions were brought to a good issue; whatever he did in the service of the house of God, and in the government of his kingdom, he prospered in it. Note, What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv2–20 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests, and…
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests, and the Levites after their courses,.... As they were fixed by David, and were in the times of Jehoshaphat, and had been since interrupted, and which Hezekiah now restored, and placed them in their regular order:
every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings, and for peace offerings, to minister and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord; or camp of the Lord, where they were posted, and lay as an host encamped, to keep the watch of the house of the Lord; the priests, they were appointed to offer the sacrifices of every sort; the Levites to minister to them in what they needed and required of them, and others of them to be singers in time of service, and others to be porters at the gate.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 18 The tents - Within the gates of the house…
The tents - Within the gates of the house of the Lord: which is here called tents, because the host of the Lord, the priests and Levites, encamped there. And perhaps to intimate, that it was shortly to be removed.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21 Verse 2. In the gates of the tents of…
Verse 2. In the gates of the tents of the Lord.] That is, in the temple; for this was the house, tabernacle, tent, and camp, of the Most High.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20 2Ch 31:2. In the gates of the tents of…
2Ch 31:2. In the gates of the tents of the Lord — That is, within the gates of the house of the Lord: which is here called tents, either because all houses are often so called, (see Jdg 19:9; Jdg 20:8; Psalm 79:25,) or because the host of the Lord, the priests and Levites, encamped there, and kept their stations and orders there by course: and perhaps also to intimate that it was shortly to be removed.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 The tents - literally, “the camps.” The temple is…
The tents - literally, “the camps.” The temple is called the “camp of Yahweh” by an apt metaphor: the square enclosure, with its gates and stations, its guards and porters, its reliefs, its orderly arrangement, and the tabernacle, or tent, of the great commander in the midst, very much resembled a camp.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Praise: literally, "confess." H. --- There is a confession…
Praise: literally, "confess." H. --- There is a confession of God’s perfections, as well as of sin. W. --- Gates, within their respective courts. C. --- The Turks style the palace of their emperor, "the sublime porte." H. --- Camp, or temple. Sept. "in the gates, in the courts of the house of the Lord." M. --- Grabe has not in the gates. H. --- We know that they did not sing there, but in the courts, (C.) or halls. H.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 20 Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests, &c.--The king…
Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests, &c.--The king now turned his attention to provide for the orderly performance of the temple-worship--arranging the priests and Levites in their courses, assigning to every one his proper place and functions--and issuing edicts for the regular payment of those dues from which the revenues of the sanctuary were derived. To set a proper example to his subjects, his own proportion was announced in the first instance, for to the king it belonged, out of his privy purse, to defray the expenses of the altar, both stated and occasional (Num 28:3-4, Num 28:9, Num 28:11, Num 28:19); and in making this contribution from his own means, Hezekiah followed the course which David and Solomon had taken before him (see Ch2 8:14; Kg1 9:25). Afterwards he reappointed the people's dues to the temple; and from its being necessary to issue a royal mandate in reference to this matter, it appears that the sacred tribute had been either totally neglected, or (as the idolatrous princes were known to appropriate it to their own purposes) the people had in many cases refused or evaded the duty. But with the improved state of public feeling, Hezekiah's commandment was readily obeyed, and contributions of first-fruits and tithes were poured in with great liberality from all parts of Judah, as well as from Israel. The first-fruits, even of some articles of produce that were unfit for sacrifice (Lev 2:11), such as honey (Margin, "dates"), were appropriated to the priests (Num 18:12-13; Deu 18:4). The tithes (Lev 27:31) were intended for the support of the whole Levitical tribe (Num 18:8, Num 18:20, Num 18:24).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16 REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2Ch_31:2-21.
REORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES, 2Ch_31:2-21.
2. The priests and the Levites after their courses — The suspension of the temple service by Ahaz had disarranged the courses and work of the Levites, and so it behoved Hezekiah to re-organize these courses according to the divisions and arrangements which David had made. 1Ch_23:6; 1Ch_24:1.
Read full note →
In the gates of the tents of the Lord — Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah; that is, the gates leading to the temple and its courts. The courts and chambers of the temple are spoken of as a fortified camp, even a group of camps, in which Jehovah’s ministers constantly watched and worshipped.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 2–21 (not in 2 Kin.). Organisation of the Priests,…
2–21 (not in 2 Kin.). Organisation of the Priests, Tithe
2. the courses] Cp. 1Ch_24:1 ff.
Read full note →
the priests and Levites] R.V. both the priests and the Levites.
in the gates] Cp. Deu_16:5.
the tents of the Lord] R.V. the camp of the LORD, i.e. (in the language of Deut.) “the place which the Lord chose,” Jerusalem or, more exactly, the Temple area. Cp. 1Ch_9:18, note.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 (2) The courses . . . their courses.—Hezekiah restored…
(2) The courses . . . their courses.—Hezekiah restored the system of service in rotation, ascribed to David. (Comp. 2Ch_8:14, “according to the order of David.”)
Every man according to his service.—See the same phrase in Num_7:5; Num_7:7. Literally, after the mouth (i.e., rule, prescription) of his service.
Read full note →
The priests and Levites.—Literally, to the priests and Levites. The words depend upon those which immediately precede. LXX., καὶ τὰς ἐφημερίας ἑκάστου κατὰ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ λειτουργίαν τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς Λευίταις.
To minister . . . praise.—The chronicler’s usual definition of the Levitical functions.
In the gates . . . Lord.—Literally, in the gates of the camps of Jehovah. Comp. 1Ch_9:18-19, where the phrase is explained.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 And Hezekiah appointed the courses. The twenty-fourth and following…
And Hezekiah appointed the courses. The twenty-fourth and following two chapters of 1 Chronicles give in full the appointment and arrangement of these courses, now again thrown out of order. Appointed; Hebrew, rme) It is equivalent to saying Hezekiah re-established the courses. Of the tents. The word is not "tents," but the expressive and emphatic "camps" (twOgj) Order of the divinest kind, discipline of the most perfect sort, are the glory of the temple and temple service of old, of the Church, her ministers, her members, and all her pious work of more modern date.
Vers. 2-10.
Read full note →
The service of the consecrated life, and of the substance.
Hezekiah, as soon as the excitement of the great Passover and of the subsequent destruction of all idolatrous symbols was over, made wise arrangements for the regular service of Jehovah. And this included
I THE SERVICE OF THE CONSECRATED LIFE; that, namely, of the priests and the Levites (ver. 2). This service was threefold:
1. Discharging sacred functions at the altar; doing for the people that which only consecrated men could do presenting their sacrifices to Jehovah, thus standing between their fellows and their God, and constituting a medium of communion between them and him.
2. Inquiry into and acquisition of all possible knowledge of the Law (2Ch_17:9; Deu_33:10)
3. Conducting the service of song (ver. 2), and teaching the people the Law which they had themselves learned. There are many in the Christian Church who have undertaken to offer to their Divine Lord a consecrated life; and it devolves on them to yield to him their strength in these three ways.
(1) Ministration in his house or elsewhere; the special service which the minister of Christ, as such, can render; praying to God for his people, or helping them to draw nigh to God a very valuable, indeed inestimable, service.
(2) Earnest thought and inquiry; becoming more and more fully acquainted with the mind of Christ as that is revealed in his Word or in his providence, or through the experience or research of other servants of his.
(3) Utterance of the truth thus acquired; by teaching or preaching, in the sanctuary, or the school, or the house, personally or instrumentally. For the advancement of the kingdom of Christ it is needful that there should be a large number of men, answering to the priests and Levites, who shall regularly give a consecrated life to the service of the Lord.
II THE SERVICE OF THE SUBSTANCE. We have a very interesting instance here recorded of the full and cheerful dedication of the substance to the cause of God. Led as well as taught by Hezekiah, the people responded with tithes and firstfruits, so that there were "heaps "in the temple courts, even when everything had been taken that was required (Ver. 10). Even the remainder was "this great store." The scene suggests the truths:
1. That the offer of our substance is a most appropriate method of sacred service. How can we better express our gratitude to the great Giver of every good thing of every kind than by dedicating to him and to his service some serious proportion of the produce of our strength and skill?
2. That those who urge others to show this grace should be forward toillustrate it themselves (ver. 3).
3. That from those who have the greater privileges may be expected a veryclear encouragement by example (ver. 4).
4. That, if rightly addressed, the people of God may be trusted to make alair and even a liberal response (vers. 5, 6).
5. That such service, rendered in a religious spirit, will draw down theDivine blessing in abundance C.. (ver. 10; and see Mal_3:10)
The camp of the Lord.
I To WHAT THIS DESIGNATION BELONGED?
1. TO the tabernacle. (1Ch_9:19) The religious centre in Israel from the days of the conquest till the times of David and Solomon.
2. To the temple. (Ver. 2.) On Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, which Ahaz had closed during the latter years of his reign, (2Ch_28:24) but Hezekiah had now opened, cleansed, and rededicated to the worship of Jehovah (ch. 29., 30.).
3. To the Church of God.
(1) Under the Old Testament dispensation (Lev_14:8; Num_5:2 Deu_23:10) and
(2) under the New Testament dispensation. (Rev_20:9)
II WHAT THIS DESIGNATION MEANT.
1. That the Lord had pitched his tent there. This was true
(1) of the tabernacle, which was usually styled the dwelling, (Exo_25:9) and, when finished, was filled with the symbol of the Divine presence, the glory of the Lord; (Exo_40:34, Exo_40:35)
(2) of the temple of Solomon, which also was similarly named (2Ch_6:2) and inhabited; (2Ch_5:13, 2Ch_5:14)
(3) of the Old Testament Church as distinguished from its institutions; (Psa_132:13, Psa_132:14) and (4) of the New Testament Church or assembly of believers (Mat_18:20 Mat_28:20; 2Co_6:16)
2. That those amongst whom the Lord dwelt were warriors. This, again, was true
(1) of Israel, in the wilderness and in Canaan, her principal occupation in the latter place being fighting, not always with the Lord"s enemies, as should have been the case, but frequently with one another; and worshipping, though much oftener idols than Jehovah. So should it be true
(2) of Christian believers, as it is when they in any degree realize the ideal of their vocation to fight the good fight of faith, (1Ti_6:12) and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. W. (2Ti_2:3)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought…
2Ch_31:20-21
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good.
Read full note →
Hezekiah-an example for young men
I. Hezekiahs religion.
1. It was expensive. He set about reforming the national religion. The spirit of such a life should be, must be, respected in every one of us if the religion we possess is to be worth anything. The young man whose mind is that of Jesus Christ has learned to live, not for himself, but for others. Harlan Page was a house joiner at Coventry, in America. His social position gave him but little influence, but what he had he gave to God. He was the living missionary wherever he went. See how Gods grace brought him out of self. He wrote: When I first obtained a hope I felt that I must labour for souls. I prayed, year after year, that God would make me the means of saving souls. Is your position that of a clerk? Imitate David Nasmith, who without talent or money sanctified the desk by working for Christ and perishing souls. He was the founder of City Missions, and the home heathen owe more to the Glasgow clerk than to any man who ever lived. Is your position that of a military officer? Imitate Hadley Vicars. The soldier of the Queen became the soldier of Christ. He had hard work to stand his ground at mess, but he did stand it; and one of the soldiers said, Since Mr. Vicars became so good he has steadied about four hundred men in the regiment. Is your position that of a merchant? Imitate George Moore, who rose to his partnership by sterling integrity, high principle, and hard work. He had no idea of growing rich and forgetting those by whose labours he accumulated his wealth. Every clerk and servant in his employment knew, in a very tangible way, that a good years business had been done. In a word, young men, whatever you may be, peer or peasant, professional man or tradesman, merchant or mechanic--come out in Gods strength as a religious man, and live for others. Let your sympathies embrace suffering bodies and perishing souls. Never mind being poor. Much of Gods work in this world has been done by men of little education, slender means, and few advantages. Do your duty for Christ and your influence will reach further than you think. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah.
2. It was sound. He wrought that which was good and right, and truth before the Lord his God.. A young mans religion, to be worth anything, must be sound. If he is to do anything which is good and right and truth, he must--
(1) Be able to give some account of the hope which is in him; he must get out of the company of those who understand neither what they say, nor what they affirm.
(2) Base his religion on a personal study of the Bible.
(3) Support his religion by the plain lessons of history; the religious history of our own country.
(4) Continually submit to the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
(5) Above all, his religion must be centred in a personal Saviour.
3. It was whole-hearted.
II. Hezekiahs reward. And prospered.
1. His reward was of God.
2. He had his reward in his country. What a benefactor he must have appeared in the eyes of his subjects.
3. He had his reward in himself. (John Burbidge.)
Life in earnest
I. The sphere which Christian earnestness occupies in the Divine life.
1. It will make a man think very earnestly for his Lord and Master. In the diary of Jonathan Edwards we find the following account of his feelings towards the Lords work: I had great longing for the advancement of Christs kingdom in the world; my secret prayer used to be in great part taken up in praying for it. If I heard the least hint of anything that had happened in any part of the world which appeared to me in some respect or other to have favourable aspect on the interest of Christs kingdom, my soul eagerly caught at it, and it would much animate and refresh me. I used to read public news letters, mainly to see if I could find some news favourable to the interest of religion in the world. When we are full of zeal for God it is the same with us.
2. It will make a man plan and purpose for the cause of Christ.
3. It will show itself in perseverance.
4. It will show its zeal in an entire dependence upon God, and in intensely fervent prayer for Gods help and for Gods blessing.
II. Arguments which provoke to this earnestness.
1. The greatness of the work we have to deal with.
2. The earnestness of Satan.
3. The responsibilities which lie upon us as a Church.
4. The onflowing of the stream of death.
5. The love which we have received of Jesus.
III. May god give me fresh grace while i undertake the solemn work of dealing with careless and unconverted souls. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The character of Hezekiah
Every man who wishes to do good in his generation, who would bless others and be blessed himself, must cultivate the same principle of goodness that Hezekiah did. In every work that he began, he did it with all his heart.
I. Inducements which should lead us to adopt this prudent and decisive conduct.
1. It saves time; or at least it leads us to apply every part of it to the best advantage. It prevents our life being abridged by years of irresolution and delay. It gives us the assurance that we are husbanding our talent well.
2. It secures our continual happiness.
3. Its beneficial effects on society are incalculable.
II. Examples of this principle are to be found--
1. In the Bible. Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, etc.
2. In general history.
The origin and progress of almost everything great and good in society has been achieved by the zeal and active virtues of a few individuals. The advancement of the arts and sciences; the extension of commerce; the blessings and security of a legal government; the inestimable value of a pure and reformed religion, etc. (J. Hewlett, B.D.)
Hezekiahs good reign
A beautiful lily laid in your hand would show you nothing of the mud and slime of the river bed from which it sprung. Like such a lily is Hezekiah, the flower of kings. Some natures seem to grow strong in virtue, by contact with its opposite. Joseph, Moses, end Daniel ripened in strange gardens, and Hezekiah must have sucked honey out of thistles. Consider--
I. His reverence. Victor Hugo affirms that neither Wellington nor Blucher won the battle of Waterloo. Napoleon conquered himself. His own excessive weight destroyed the equilibrium. He vexed God by his importance, and so his fall was decreed. Hezekiah began his reign by exalting God and humbling himself.
II. His religious zeal.
III. His public spirit.
IV. His sincerity of heart. (Monday Club Sermons.)
How to succeed in life
There are three lessons we may learn from Hezekiah.
I. He was not afraid of work. He did not seek success without toil. Depend upon it, said Sir Walter Scott, there is nothing to be had without labour. Horace Greely said to the youth of America, The darkest day in any mans earthly career is that wherein he first fancies that there is some easier way of gaining a dollar than by squarely earning it. When I was a telegraph operator in Pittsburgh, said Andrew Carnegie, I knew all the men who speculated. I have lived to see all of them ruined--bankrupt in money and bankrupt in character. There is scarcely an instance of a man who has made a fortune by speculation and kept it.
II. Hezekiah concentrated his effort. What he did, he did with all his heart. The one prudence in life is concentration, says Emerson, the one evil is dissipation. There is a proverb which says, A canoe is paddled on both sides, which means that to succeed you must do one thing at a time, and do it with all your heart and all your powers.
III. Hezekiah aimed at thoroughness in his work. (A. F. Forrest.)
Hezekiahs thoroughness in God s service
I. We learn from Hezekiah a lesson of concentration of energy.
II. Method and punctuality, too, seem to be hinted at in the text, and they are almost indispensable to prosperity.
III. The great lesson is the value of thoroughness in doing whatever we undertake, and doing it well. Do nothing as if it were trifling.
IV. Emulate Hezekiahs ardent and consistent piety. He stands in the front rank among the saints of Scripture as a man of prayer. (J. Thain Davidson.)
Concentration
A number of tiny brooklets will turn no mill, and will probably dry up when the sun is hot, but all the water turned into one channel will move the wheel to grind the corn which may supply a town with bread. All apostles of progress in religion, or science, or philosophy, have been men whose aims have all converged to one great centre, and whose forces have been thrown upon one sublime purpose. (Handbook of Illustration.)
The objective point
In military operations there is always what is called the objective point. The objective point is the point to be made, the thing to be done; all the forces in the army are concentrated on the making of that point, and when that is made, success follows. In one sense life is a warfare, and every one should have his objective point, a clearly defined purpose, and work up to it with undeviating persistency. This is the only way he can succeed.
Enthusiastic service
A dealer in pictures who makes it his business to find as many new painters as possible, both in this country and abroad, was asked recently in regard to his methods of selecting pictures to buy. He was very frank in his talk, and one thing which he said is shrewd enough to be worth quoting. Of course, he said, with my experience I am able to judge whether there is promise in a painters work, but I never buy with any idea of putting the painter on my list until I have seen the man and talked with him myself. I always watch him closely, and I never buy his pictures unless his eye lights up when I talk to him about his work and about his profession. The artist whose heart was really in his work could not discuss it without kindling, and the man who did not paint from the heart was not the one whose pictures the dealer wanted. The remark was not only one which showed insight and shrewdness on the part of the dealer, but it is one of a good deal of significance in regard to all work. The man who does anything worth doing is the man who cannot talk about what he has accomplished or what he hopes to accomplish without enthusiasm, no matter how far short of his ideals what he has actually done may seem to him to fall.
National righteousness
From Hezekiahs conduet, and from Gods approval of it, we learn--
I. That to establish religion in a land is the duty of every righteous government.
II. That to employ the power and appliances of the state in order to extend the knowledge of God, is beneficial both to the individual and to the nation at large. (Louis Stenham, M.A.)
Impassioned men
It is the impassioned men that have made history always, religious and secular both. They are the torch to the heaped-up combustibles; they are the pulse to the general body that is listless and waiting. No man has moved the world like Jesus Christ, because no man besides Him has embodied so wide, so profound, and so Divine enthusiasm. People are passionate in everything but their passion for men; and that is the one Christian passion. (C. H. Parkhurst.)
.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v7 third month i.e. June.
third month i.e. June.
seventh month i.e. October.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v11 The Tithes And The Dedicated Things
The Tithes And The Dedicated Things
v. 11. Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers, special rooms for storage, in the house of the Lord; either the old ones were repaired or additional ones were built. And they prepared them,
Read full note →
v. 12. and brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully, with conscientious care; over which Cononiah, the Levite, was ruler, and Shimei, his brother, was the next, these two men having charge of all the stores as deposited in the Temple under this arrangement.
v. 13. And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei, his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah, the ruler of the house of God. These two having given the orders, the appointments were made at once.
v. 14. And Kore, the son of Imnah, the Levite, the porter toward the east, where the main entrance of the Temple was, was over the free-will offerings of God, the portion of the peace-offerings belonging to Jehovah, and by Him designated for the use of the priests, to distribute the oblations of the Lord and the most holy things, the part of the sin and trespass-offerings to be eaten by the priests in the Temple.
v. 15. And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, as his assistants, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, rather, "in faithfulness," for they also worked with conscientious application, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small, with absolute fairness to all;
v. 16. beside their genealogy of males, the register of all male children, from three years old and upward, even unto everyone that entereth into the house of the Lord, consecrated to the Temple service, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses; each one who was entitled to it received his share of the income of the Temple;
v. 17. both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, those registered in the genealogical lists, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;
v. 18. and to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation, all these being registered in the lists of the tribe of Levi; for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness, that is, in their faithfulness they sanctified themselves in the holy thing, righteously distributing the offerings which they were entitled to receive for that purpose;
v. 19. also of the sons of Aaron, the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, the pasturelands of the priestly cities being assigned to them, Deu 25:19; Num 35:5, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites. All those who were included in the tribe of Levi were provided for in accordance with the precept of Jehovah.
v. 20. And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah and wrought that which was good, of real value, and right, in agreement with the Law, and truth, done in all faithfulness, before the Lord, his God.
v. 21. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the cause of true religion, and in the Law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, while he made it his object to set the kingdom on the old footing in its relation to the covenant God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 16, 17, 20 Hezekiah assigned the divisions of the priests and the…
Hezekiah assigned the divisions of the priests and the Levites organized by their divisions, each man assigned to his work, both the priests and the Levites
This can be stated in active form. AT: "Hezekiah organized the priests and the Levites into groups. He assigned each priest and Levite to their duties" (See: Active or Passive)
Read full note →
assigned the king's portion for the burnt offerings from his own possessions
Hezekiah took the meat and grain used for the burnt offerings out of his own possessions.
the new moons
This was a festival coinciding with the movement of the moon.
the fixed festivals
This refers to festivals which occur on specific dates.
as it was written in the law of Yahweh
This can be stated in active form. AT: "just as Moses wrote in the law of Yahweh" or "just as Yahweh commanded in his law" (See: Active or Passive)
translationWords
Hezekiah
priest
works
burnt offering
fellowship offering
servant
gate
temple
possess
Sabbath
new moon
written
law
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv3, 6, 10, 14 31:3-10 Provisions for the Temple came from both the…
31:3-10 Provisions for the Temple came from both the king and his subjects. Israel united in its support of the Temple, and the response was far greater than anticipated or required.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.