2 Chronicles 31:5
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What's striking here is the immediate and abundant response from the people. It wasn't just a few people giving a little; the text emphasizes that as soon as the decree went out, the "people of Israel gave in abundance" and brought in the "tithe of everything." This highlights how readily people responded to clear, God-honoring leadership, with generosity that exceeded expectations.
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)
Following King Hezekiah's bold cleansing of the Temple and his courageous stand against Assyria, he issues a decree for Israel to return to God's commands, specifically regarding tithing and bringing the firstfruits. This leads to a remarkable outpouring of generosity from the people, who, inspired by his reforms and the renewed focus on worship, begin to bring offerings in abundance, filling the storehouses. This renewed faithfulness sets the stage for God to bless Judah and Jerusalem, even amidst ongoing threats from the surrounding nations.
A king issues a command, and suddenly, people are bringing in the very best of everything. How does that happen?
The Power of a Godly Leader
King Hezekiah didn't just tell the people to give; he led by example and genuine reform. His command wasn't just a bureaucratic order; it was part of a spiritual revival. When leaders are aligned with God's will, it sparks a contagious response in the community.
The 'Firstfruits' Principle
Notice the quality of their giving: "the firstfruits." This wasn't just leftover stuff; it was the very best, the initial harvest. This shows a heart that prioritizes God, offering Him the prime of their labor and abundance.
What does it really mean to give the tithe of everything?
Beyond Just Crops and Cash
The list in verse 5 – "grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field" – paints a picture of a thriving agricultural society. But the phrase "and of all the produce of the field" and the subsequent "tithe of everything" expands the scope.
A Holistic Approach to Giving
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This means generosity wasn't limited to specific agricultural products. It encompassed all aspects of their lives and livelihoods that God blessed. In our context, this calls for a generous spirit that extends beyond mere money – it includes our time, talents, and resources, recognizing that everything we have comes from God.
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 passage highlights the immediate, positive response of the people to a divinely inspired call for renewed obedience and generosity, directly following the rediscovery of God's Law and Josiah's commitment to reform.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many of its people and the disruption of traditional worship and tithing.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, devastating many cities and besieging Jerusalem, causing widespread fear and upheaval.
c. 698–642 BC
Reign of Manasseh
King Manasseh's long reign was marked by a return to idolatry and the suppression of true worship, which likely led to a decline in religious observance and giving among the people.
c. 640–609 BC
Reign of Josiah
King Josiah began his reign as a child and would later initiate a major religious reformation throughout Judah.
c. 622 BC— this verse
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During renovations of the Temple, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered a scroll of the Law (likely Deuteronomy). This discovery sparked Josiah's sweeping reforms.
c. 621 BC
Josiah's Covenant and Passover
Following the discovery of the Law, Josiah led the nation in renewing their covenant with God and celebrating a Passover festival unprecedented since the days of the judges, emphasizing restored obedience and worship.
This passage establishes the divine command for tithing, showing that the people's response in 2 Chronicles was obedience to God's ancient law regarding the dedication of produce.
Matthew 23:23Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for tithing but neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, highlighting the importance of the *heart* behind the giving, a principle mirrored in the widespread, enthusiastic response in 2 Chronicles.
Nehemiah 10:35-37This passage describes a similar renewal of covenant and commitment to bring tithes and offerings, demonstrating a recurring pattern of national repentance and restored obedience in Israel's history.
Malachi 3:10This verse issues a direct challenge to 'bring the full tithe into the storehouse' and promises blessings for obedience, directly supporting the abundant giving described in 2 Chronicles as a pathway to God's favor.
What's striking here is the immediate and abundant response from the people. It wasn't just a few people giving a little; the text emphasizes that as soon as the decree went out, the "people of Israel gave in abundance" and brought in the "tithe of everything." This highlights how readily people responded to clear, God-honoring leadership, with generosity that exceeded expectations.
Following King Hezekiah's bold cleansing of the Temple and his courageous stand against Assyria, he issues a decree for Israel to return to God's commands, specifically regarding tithing and bringing the firstfruits. This leads to a remarkable outpouring of generosity from the people, who, inspired by his reforms and the renewed focus on worship, begin to bring offerings in abundance, filling the storehouses. This renewed faithfulness sets the stage for God to bless Judah and Jerusalem, even amidst ongoing threats from the surrounding nations.
Following King Hezekiah's bold cleansing of the Temple and his courageous stand against Assyria, he issues a decree for Israel to return to God's commands, specifically regarding tithing and bringing the firstfruits. This leads to a remarkable outpouring of generosity from the people, who, inspired by his reforms and the renewed focus on worship, begin to bring offerings in abundance, filling the storehouses. This renewed faithfulness sets the stage for God to bless Judah and Jerusalem, even amidst ongoing threats from the surrounding nations.
"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." — What's striking here is the immediate and abundant response from the people. It wasn't just a few people giving a little; the text emphasizes that as soon as the decree went out, the "people of I…
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Last reviewed October 2026
