2 Chronicles 31:4-5
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What's so beautiful here is that Hezekiah doesn't just ask the people to support the worship leaders; he commands it. This highlights that true worship isn't just about individual devotion, but also about a community's structured provision, enabling those dedicated to God's Word to focus on it fully without being burdened by daily needs.
And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD. As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hezekiah has just celebrated a monumental Passover, a revival of faith after years of neglect under his father. This verse is about the practical follow-through of that spiritual awakening, as Hezekiah mandates that the people generously support the priests and Levites. This support was crucial, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to teaching and upholding God's law throughout the land, thus solidifying the renewed covenant community.
When we think of worship, we often focus on our personal prayers or songs. But this verse shows us something much bigger!
Hezekiah’s reform in 2 Chronicles 31 wasn't just about the priests; it started with the people.
Shared Responsibility
King Hezekiah didn't just issue a decree; he commanded the people in Jerusalem. This wasn't a tax levied by a distant king, but a call to action for the community. The success of worship and service to God hinged on the people’s active participation.
The "Due Portion"
This wasn't charity; it was a debt owed. The 'portion due' refers to the tithes and offerings God Himself had ordained. It was essential for the sustenance of those dedicated to full-time ministry.
Empowering God's Servants
By providing for them, the people enabled the priests and Levites to 'give themselves to the Law of the LORD.' Their financial support freed up the spiritual leaders to focus on teaching, prayer, and maintaining the Temple’s operations. It was a partnership for the sake of God's kingdom.
Imagine being able to dedicate all your energy to studying and teaching God's Word without worrying about how to pay your bills. This verse highlights that very ideal.
The ultimate goal of the people’s provision was to free up the Levites and priests.
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Dedicated Service
The priests and Levites were set apart for a specific purpose: serving God in the Temple and teaching His Law. However, like anyone else, they had physical needs.
The Blessing of Provision
When the people faithfully gave their 'portion due,' it meant the spiritual leaders didn't have to divide their time between ministry and manual labor for survival. They could fully 'give themselves to the Law of the LORD.'
A Modern Parallel
This principle still applies today. When the church body supports its leaders through tithes and offerings, those leaders can dedicate themselves more fully to prayer, study, discipleship, and preaching, enriching the spiritual lives of everyone.
Understand the original words
reshith · Hebrew Noun
The first or best portion of the harvest dedicated to God as an act of faith and acknowledgement that all provision comes from Him. It sanctified the remainder of the produce for the people's use.
maaser · Hebrew Noun
A tenth part of one’s produce or income dedicated to the Lord. It was a required act of worship, supporting the work of the Levites and the poor, and expressing trust in God’s ongoing providence.
This verse unfolds during Hezekiah's sweeping reforms, a bold move to restore proper worship in Jerusalem after years of neglect and idolatry under his father, King Ahaz.
c. 796-767 BC
Reign of King Uzziah
King Uzziah, a righteous but later prideful ruler, reigned for 52 years. He expanded Judah's territory and military might, but his later actions eventually led to his leprosy and exclusion from the Temple.
c. 750 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Isaiah
Isaiah begins his ministry during the late reign of Uzziah, prophesying during times of both peace and impending judgment for Judah and surrounding nations.
c. 740 BC
King Ahaz's Idolatrous Reign
Following Uzziah's son Jotham, King Ahaz ushered in a period of extreme religious corruption, even sacrificing his own sons and closing the Temple doors.
c. 715-686 BC
Hezekiah's Reforms Begin
King Hezekiah, Ahaz's son, ascended the throne and immediately began a radical spiritual and religious reformation, reopening and cleansing the Temple.
c. 715 BC— this verse
Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship
Hezekiah orchestrates a massive Passover celebration and commands the return of proper Temple service, including the provision for priests and Levites.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion under Sennacherib
The mighty Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and eventually besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah's reforms and reliance on God are tested.
This passage echoes the principle of honoring God's servants by asking 'Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions!' showing the importance of supporting those who minister.
Matthew 23:23Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting 'the more weighty matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness' while tithing, but still affirms that they ought to 'not neglect the latter' – demonstrating that proper support for religious workers is a vital aspect of God's commands.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul argues for the right of those who proclaim the gospel to live from it, stating, 'Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service eat what the temple gives them, and those who serve at the altar share in what the altar gives them? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.'
Nehemiah 13:10-11This passage shows a similar situation where the people had failed to provide for the Levites, leading Nehemiah to restore the practice of giving their portions so they could return to their duties in the temple.
What's so beautiful here is that Hezekiah doesn't just ask the people to support the worship leaders; he commands it. This highlights that true worship isn't just about individual devotion, but also about a community's structured provision, enabling those dedicated to God's Word to focus on it fully without being burdened by daily needs.
Hezekiah has just celebrated a monumental Passover, a revival of faith after years of neglect under his father. This verse is about the practical follow-through of that spiritual awakening, as Hezekiah mandates that the people generously support the priests and Levites. This support was crucial, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to teaching and upholding God's law throughout the land, thus solidifying the renewed covenant community.
Hezekiah has just celebrated a monumental Passover, a revival of faith after years of neglect under his father. This verse is about the practical follow-through of that spiritual awakening, as Hezekiah mandates that the people generously support the priests and Levites. This support was crucial, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to teaching and upholding God's law throughout the land, thus solidifying the renewed covenant community.
"And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD. As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abund…" — What's so beautiful here is that Hezekiah doesn't just ask the people to support the worship leaders; he commands it. This highlights that true worship isn't just about individual devotion, but a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
