2 Chronicles 31 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Chronicles 31 Short Summary:

After celebrating the Passover Feast in chapter 30, 2 Chronicles 31 documents how Hezekiah organized the priests and Levites who were to serve at the Temple in Jerusalem. He also reinstituted the tithe, which was a collection of money and possessions from the people that had been commanded by God in His law. These tithes/contributions were used to support the priests as they worked at the Temple.

2 Chronicles 31 Extended Summary

WHEN:

• Hezekiah reigned in Judah for 29 years. His reign likely fits within the years 730-695 B.C.

KEY CHARACTERS:

• Hezekiah – Son of Ahaz. He became king of Judah after his father died. He reformed Judah and led the people back to God.

• The People of Israel and Judah – They assembled in the Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast.

WHERE:

• Jerusalem – The capital of the Kingdom of Judah and the location of God’s Temple.

OUTLINE:

• HEZEKIAH REORGANIZES THE PRIESTS AND THE TITHES (31:1-21):

  • After the Passover Feast had been observed (see chapter 30), the people of God went through the territory of Judah and part of Israel and tore down the places devoted to idol worship. Afterwards, they returned to their homes.

  • Hezekiah then set to work organizing the priests and Levites for Temple service.

  • He also commanded the people to start tithing as God’s law instructed.

  • The priests lived off these contributions, since they couldn’t work regular jobs during their service at the Temple.

  • Rather than considering it a burden, the people gave joyfully and generously to the Lord.

  • For 4 months the people brought offerings to the Temple, and the abundance of tithes were piled up in heaps.

  • Hezekiah instructed the priests to make storage chambers in the Temple to store the contributions.

  • Verses 12-15 give us the names of the men responsible for managing and distributing the tithes.

  • Hezekiah made a registry of all the priests by their father’s houses.

  • A great compliment is given to Hezekiah at the end of chapter 31. It reads, “Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered” (31:20-21).
    

APPLICATION:

• While we aren’t commanded to tithe like the Israelites, when we have an opportunity to give money or possession to contribute to God’s work, we should do it joyfully, knowing that we are investing in the Kingdom of Heaven.

• Paul wrote this to the Corinthian church, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7).

• The early Church was marked by incredible generosity. The modern church should be known for the same thing.

• Keep in mind, God is more interested in the heart of the giver than the monetary value of their offering. Our generosity should flow from a heart in love for God.

• God would rather have 2 pennies offered by a person with a pure heart, than a check for a million dollars offered by a person with the wrong heart (Mark 12:41).