Scripture reading – 2 Chronicles 31,
This is the second of two Bible studies for today.
2 Chronicles 31
A Fervor of Revival and Sacrificial Giving (2 Chronicles 31:1)
The spiritual zeal for the LORD did not diminish when the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread were ended. When the people departed Jerusalem, they began to go throughout the cities of Judah and Israel, breaking down idols and cutting down the groves that had been places of worship contrary to God’s Law (2 Chronicles 31:1). When all the idol places were destroyed, every man returned to his city and possession (2 Chronicles 31:1).
Regular Worship Restored (2 Chronicles 31:2-4)
Hezekiah continued the reformation and revived the work of the priests and Levites and assigned them their daily duties in the Temple (2 Chronicles 31:2). Setting an example of giving, the king brought his portion to be offered “as it is written in the law of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 31:3). He also commanded the people to give to support those who ministered in the Temple, the priests, Levites, and their families (2 Chronicles 31:4).
The People’s Enthusiastic Giving (2 Chronicles 31:5-10)
The people brought their tithes and offerings to the Temple for seven months (2 Chronicles 31:5-7). So much was given that the offerings were in “heaps” (2 Chronicles 31:7). When Hezekiah and the leaders “saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel” (2 Chronicles 31:8). So much was given, that the chief priest confessed, “we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty” (2 Chronicles 31:9-10).
Storage Chambers Established (2 Chronicles 31:11-19)
So much was given that Hezekiah ordered chambers to be prepared to store the offerings of the people (2 Chronicles 31:11). Supervisors and assistants were chosen to oversee the storage of grain and oils (2 Chronicles 31:1-15). Then, the gifts were distributed to support the Levites’ families and priests (2 Chronicles 31:16-19).
Hezekiah’s Enduring Testimony (2 Chronicles 31:20-21)
The king’s zeal for the LORD was known throughout Judah. We read that he was “good [generous] and right[obeying the Law], and truth [faithful] before the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 31:20). Hezekiah’s zeal was summed up in this: “In every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21).
Closing thoughts –
Isn’t that an inspiring epitaph? Everyone wants to be successful, but how many will sacrifice to please the LORD in everything they do? Let us not be numbered among the doubleminded (James 1:8), half-hearted, and lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). Let us live and serve in such a way that it will be said of us:
We lived with one heart, one mind, and one desire to serve the LORD, obey His Word, and seek Him with all our hearts (2 Chronicles 31:21).
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
* You can subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.