2 Chronicles 31:14
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It's easy to overlook, but Kore's role wasn't just about collecting; he was entrusted with "apportioning" the sacred gifts. This highlights that true faithfulness isn't just about giving, but also about the wise and just distribution of what's been given for God's purposes.
And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the east gate, was over the freewill offerings to God, to apportion the contribution reserved for the LORD and the most holy offerings.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Hezekiah has just commanded a thorough cleansing and re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem, culminating in a grand Passover celebration. This verse is part of the description of how the renewed system of worship and temple service is being organized and funded following that revival. It highlights the specific roles assigned to Levites to manage the influx of gifts and offerings that poured in after the people’s renewed commitment.
In King Hezekiah's revival, everyone had a role. But what was this Levite's specific job, and why was it so important?
A Task of Trust
Kore, a Levite, was stationed at the "east gate," a significant location. His primary responsibility wasn't just collecting gifts, but specifically overseeing the freewill offerings given to God. This wasn't about mandatory tithes, but the voluntary, generous gifts poured out by the people. His role was to ensure these precious offerings were properly managed, distinguishing between those set aside for the LORD (likely for the Temple's upkeep and the priests' support) and the "most holy offerings" (perhaps specific sacrifices or items dedicated to God's service).
This highlights a crucial aspect of worship: stewardship. It wasn't enough for people to give; their giving needed to be handled with integrity and purpose. Kore's faithfulness ensured that the people's hearts, expressed through their gifts, were honored and that God's work was sustained.
Why did the text specifically mention 'apportioning' the offerings? What does this tell us about God's perspective on His people's generosity?
Order in Generosity
The word 'apportion' (or 'distribute' in some translations) is key here. Kore wasn't just a vault keeper; he was a manager. He had the responsibility to carefully divide the incoming gifts into their designated categories: the general 'contribution reserved for the LORD' and the 'most holy offerings.'
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This implies that God's work isn't chaotic. There's an order and a plan. The freewill offerings weren't meant to be a free-for-all, but a divinely organized system to support His purposes. Kore's meticulous work ensured that resources flowed to where they were needed most, honoring the sacredness of both the giver's intent and the Lord's requirements for His service.
Understand the original words
nedabah · Hebrew Noun
Voluntary gifts given out of a heart of gratitude beyond what is commanded. In the Old Testament, these represented a person’s spontaneous desire to honor God or participate in His work.
qodesh ha-qodashim · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Items or sacrifices that possess a unique, supreme level of holiness, being fully devoted to the LORD. Such items were restricted for specific, consecrated use and were not for common consumption.
This verse details the administrative structures put in place during Hezekiah's reign to manage temple resources, directly following his massive religious reforms and the successful, though threatened, defense of Jerusalem against the Assyrians.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the scattering of the ten tribes.
c. 715-686 BC
Reign of King Hezekiah
Hezekiah, a righteous king, ascends to the throne of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He actively promotes religious reform and centralization of worship.
c. 710 BC
Hezekiah's Passover Celebration
Hezekiah purges the temple and reinstitutes the Passover observance, inviting all of Israel (including those from the former northern kingdom) to celebrate. This marks a significant religious revival.
c. 705-690 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in Judah
Under King Sennacherib, the Assyrian army invades Judah, conquering many fortified cities. Jerusalem itself is besieged.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib lays siege to Jerusalem, but miraculously, the city is spared after a divine intervention. This event solidifies Hezekiah's reign and Judah's national identity.
This passage echoes the principle of setting aside offerings regularly, showing that the New Testament also emphasizes diligent and planned giving for God's people and His work.
Exodus 25:2This verse establishes the origin of God's people bringing freewill offerings, highlighting that the practice of giving gifts for God's service, as seen in 2 Chronicles, has deep roots in the Old Testament covenant.
Nehemiah 10:38-39This passage shows the renewed commitment of the people to bring their tithes and contributions to the temple, illustrating a similar spirit of organized worship and support for the Levites' service.
Malachi 3:10This prophecy calls for bringing the full tithes into the storehouse, reinforcing the importance of faithful giving and the promise of blessing that accompanies it, just as seen in the organized system described in Chronicles.
It's easy to overlook, but Kore's role wasn't just about collecting; he was entrusted with "apportioning" the sacred gifts. This highlights that true faithfulness isn't just about giving, but also about the wise and just distribution of what's been given for God's purposes.
King Hezekiah has just commanded a thorough cleansing and re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem, culminating in a grand Passover celebration. This verse is part of the description of how the renewed system of worship and temple service is being organized and funded following that revival. It highlights the specific roles assigned to Levites to manage the influx of gifts and offerings that poured in after the people’s renewed commitment.
King Hezekiah has just commanded a thorough cleansing and re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem, culminating in a grand Passover celebration. This verse is part of the description of how the renewed system of worship and temple service is being organized and funded following that revival. It highlights the specific roles assigned to Levites to manage the influx of gifts and offerings that poured in after the people’s renewed commitment.
"And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the east gate, was over the freewill offerings to God, to apportion the contribution reserved for the LORD and the most holy offerings." — It's easy to overlook, but Kore's role wasn't just about collecting; he was entrusted with "apportioning" the sacred gifts. This highlights that true faithfulness isn't just about giving, but als…
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Last reviewed October 2026
