2 Chronicles 31:10

KJV

And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since [the people] began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left [is] this great store.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Azariah {H5838} the chief {H7218} priest {H3548} of the house {H1004} of Zadok {H6659} answered {H559} him, and said {H559}, Since the people began {H2490} to bring {H935} the offerings {H8641} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, we have had enough {H7646} to eat {H398}, and have left {H3498} plenty {H7230}: for the LORD {H3068} hath blessed {H1288} his people {H5971}; and that which is left {H3498} is this great store {H1995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Azaryahu the chief cohen, from the house of Tzadok, answered him, "Ever since the people began bringing offerings into the house of ADONAI, we have had enough to eat and plenty left over; for ADONAI has blessed his people, and what is left over is this massive supply."

Berean Standard Bible

and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.”

American Standard Version

And Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, Since the people began to bring the oblations into the house of Jehovah, we have eaten and had enough, and have left plenty: for Jehovah hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 31:10 captures a pivotal moment during King Hezekiah's spiritual reformation, as Azariah, the chief priest, testifies to the overwhelming abundance of provisions brought into the Temple. His declaration confirms that the people's renewed obedience in bringing their tithes and offerings resulted in a miraculous overflow, far exceeding the needs of the priests and Levites, serving as undeniable evidence of the Lord's blessing upon His faithful people. This verse underscores the divine principle that God honors and multiplies the generosity of those who faithfully support His work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms in Judah, detailed from [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin") through [2 Chronicles 31](/2_chronicles/31 "2 Chronicles 31 - Organization of Priests and Levites"). Following the spiritual decline under his father Ahaz, Hezekiah initiated a sweeping revival, beginning with the cleansing and rededication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 29), the restoration of the Passover celebration (2 Chronicles 30), and the re-establishment of the Levitical courses for service. Crucially, Hezekiah also commanded the people to bring their portions for the priests and Levites, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law (2 Chronicles 31:4). The people responded with overwhelming generosity, bringing in vast quantities of produce and animals. Azariah's statement in 2 Chronicles 31:10 is a direct answer to Hezekiah's inquiry in [2 Chronicles 31:9](/2_chronicles/31-9 "2 Chronicles 31:9 - Hezekiah Asks About the Piles"), where the king asks about the immense piles of offerings. Azariah's response confirms that the abundance is a direct result of the people's faithful and generous giving, demonstrating God's immediate and tangible blessing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) followed a time of significant spiritual apostasy and national decline under King Ahaz, who had closed the Temple and promoted idolatry. Hezekiah's reforms represented a radical return to the covenant stipulations of Yahweh worship. Culturally, the support of the Levitical priesthood through tithes and offerings was a foundational aspect of Israelite society, ensuring the proper functioning of the Temple and the spiritual instruction of the people. The Law stipulated specific provisions for the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance and were wholly dedicated to Temple service (e.g., [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites' Portion")). The overflowing response described in 2 Chronicles 31:10 indicates a deep societal repentance and renewed commitment to God's commands, contrasting sharply with the neglect of these duties in previous generations. The "storehouses" mentioned reflect the practical necessity of gathering and managing these contributions to sustain the large number of priests and Levites serving in Jerusalem and throughout the land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theology and Hezekiah's reforms. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Blessing in Response to Obedience**. The abundance described is not merely a natural harvest but a direct, supernatural outpouring of God's favor, explicitly stated by Azariah: "for the LORD hath blessed his people." This echoes the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God's commands leads to blessing and prosperity (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")). Another significant theme is the **Power of Generosity and Faithfulness**. The people's willing hearts and sacrificial giving, prompted by Hezekiah's leadership, unleashed this divine provision. This demonstrates that human faithfulness in stewardship opens the channels for God's overflowing supply, a principle also found in later prophetic appeals like [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe"). Finally, the verse highlights **God's Abundant Provision**, emphasizing that His supply is not merely sufficient but often superabundant ("enough to eat, and have left plenty," "great store"), demonstrating His boundless goodness and ability to provide beyond human expectation when His people honor Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offerings (Hebrew: תְּרוּמוֹת, _tᵉrûmôt'_):** This term refers to "heave offerings" or "contributions," specifically those portions of agricultural produce (grain, wine, oil) and livestock designated for the support of the priests and Levites, as mandated by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Heave Offering for the Priests")). The use of this plural noun emphasizes the vast quantity and variety of the contributions, reflecting the people's comprehensive and enthusiastic obedience to the covenant stipulations.
* **Blessed (Hebrew: בָּרַךְ, _bārak'_):** This verb signifies "to bless," "to praise," or "to kneel." In this context, it denotes divine favor and empowerment that results in prosperity and abundance. Azariah's direct attribution of the overflow to the Lord's blessing ("for the LORD hath blessed his people") is crucial. It elevates the situation beyond mere human effort or good harvest, unequivocally declaring it a supernatural act of God in response to the people's faithfulness. This blessing encompasses both the physical provision and the spiritual well-being of the nation.
* **Great Store (Hebrew: רֹב, _rov'_):** This noun means "multitude," "abundance," or "great quantity." Coupled with the preceding phrases "enough to eat" and "left plenty," "great store" serves as a powerful summation of the overwhelming surplus. It signifies an excess far beyond immediate needs, underscoring the lavishness of God's provision. The word choice emphasizes not just sufficiency, but superabundance, a testament to God's generosity and the profound impact of collective obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker's authority and the context of the statement as a direct response to King Hezekiah's inquiry (from 2 Chronicles 31:9). Azariah, as the chief priest from the esteemed line of Zadok, holds a position of spiritual and administrative leadership, lending weight and credibility to his testimony. His answer is not a casual observation but an official report.
* **"Since [the people] began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD,"**: This phrase identifies the specific action that initiated the remarkable outcome. It highlights the people's renewed obedience and commitment to their covenant obligations, particularly in supporting the Temple ministry. The temporal marker "since... began" emphasizes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the people's faithfulness and the subsequent blessing.
* **"we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty:"**: This clause describes the immediate and tangible result of the people's offerings. It indicates that the provisions were not merely sufficient for the sustenance of the priests and Levites ("enough to eat") but also yielded a significant surplus ("left plenty"). This demonstrates God's immediate and generous provision, exceeding basic needs.
* **"for the LORD hath blessed his people;"**: This is the theological lynchpin of the verse. Azariah explicitly attributes the abundance not to human ingenuity or agricultural prowess, but directly to the divine hand. This statement transforms the physical overflow into a spiritual testimony, affirming that the abundance is a direct manifestation of God's favor and blessing upon His obedient people. It underscores the principle that divine blessing is the ultimate source of true prosperity.
* **"and that which is left [is] this great store."**: This concluding clause reiterates and emphasizes the magnitude of the surplus. The "great store" refers to the vast piles of leftover provisions that prompted Hezekiah's initial inquiry. It serves as a visual and quantitative confirmation of the extraordinary abundance, solidifying Azariah's testimony of God's overflowing blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Testimony** is central, as Azariah's statement functions as a direct, authoritative witness to God's faithfulness. His words are not a mere observation but a declaration of divine action. The repetition of terms related to abundance—"enough," "plenty," and "great store"—creates **Emphasis** and underscores the overwhelming nature of God's provision. This cumulative effect highlights the extraordinary blessing. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: the people's obedience in bringing offerings (cause) directly leads to God's blessing and abundant provision (effect). This reinforces the Deuteronomic theology of blessings for covenant faithfulness. Finally, the verse contains an explicit **Attribution of Agency**, directly naming "the LORD" as the one who "hath blessed his people," leaving no doubt about the divine source of the prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to the principle that God responds to the obedience and generosity of His people with abundant blessing. It illustrates the covenant faithfulness of God, who delights in providing for those who honor Him with their substance and prioritize His kingdom. The overflowing storehouses are not just a physical phenomenon but a visible sign of an invisible divine hand at work, affirming that God is not outdone in generosity. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that true security and provision come from trusting in God's promises and actively participating in His work, rather than relying solely on human effort or resources. It emphasizes that when God's people are faithful in their stewardship, He ensures that His work is sustained and His servants are well-provided for, often beyond their expectations.

* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "The Lord will command the blessing")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bring the Whole Tithe into the Storehouse")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Honor the Lord with your substance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 31:10 offers a timeless and encouraging message for believers today, underscoring the profound connection between faithful stewardship and divine provision. It challenges us to consider our own generosity and obedience, reminding us that our giving is not merely a financial transaction but an act of worship and trust that God honors. When we faithfully contribute to the work of God's kingdom—whether through our tithes, offerings, time, or talents—we create channels for His blessings to flow, not only into our own lives but also into the ministries and people we support. This verse encourages us to give cheerfully and expectantly, knowing that God is able to provide "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). It calls us to trust that God's economy operates on principles of generosity and multiplication, ensuring that His work never lacks resources when His people are obedient. Ultimately, it invites us to experience the joy and security of living under the open windows of heaven, where God's provision is not just sufficient, but overflowing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Azariah's testimony challenge my understanding of God's provision in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding back, preventing God's full blessing from flowing?**
* **What does "bringing the offerings into the house of the LORD" look like for me in a contemporary context?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of greater generosity and trust in God's abundant provision?**

### FAQ

**What does 2 Chronicles 31:10 teach us about God's character?**

Answer: 2 Chronicles 31:10 reveals several key aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly those related to blessing obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses")). Second, it showcases His **generosity** and **abundance**, as He provides not just "enough" but "plenty" and a "great store," far exceeding human expectations. Third, it highlights His **responsiveness** to His people's sincere repentance and obedience. The overflow is a direct, tangible result of the people's renewed commitment to Him. Finally, it underscores His **sovereignty** as the ultimate source of all blessing, explicitly stated by Azariah: "for the LORD hath blessed his people."

**How does this verse relate to the concept of tithing today?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 31:10 describes the specific context of Old Testament offerings for the Temple, it powerfully illustrates the underlying principle of tithing and generous giving: that God blesses His people when they faithfully support His work. Just as the offerings sustained the priests and Levites then, our giving today supports the church and various ministries that carry out God's mission. The verse affirms that God is not dependent on our resources, but He chooses to involve us in His provision, and in doing so, He demonstrates His faithfulness to provide for us in return. It echoes the challenge in [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bring the Whole Tithe") to "test me in this... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." It encourages a spirit of cheerful and trusting generosity, knowing that God will ensure His work is sustained and His people are cared for.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:10 describes a physical blessing under the Old Covenant, it powerfully foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "offering" who, through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, provided an immeasurable and eternal "great store" of spiritual blessings for His people, far exceeding any earthly provision. Just as the people's obedience unlocked physical abundance, faith in Christ unlocks spiritual abundance—salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing"). The New Covenant principle of giving, rooted in grace and love rather than law, leads to a different kind of "plenty" – an abundance of grace that enables us to be generous in turn, as [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "God is Able to Make All Grace Abound") declares, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." Christ Himself is our ultimate provision, the bread of life who ensures we will never hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and the living water who ensures we will never thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "Jesus, the Living Water")). In Him, the promise of God's abundant blessing for His people is fully realized, not merely in temporal provision, but in eternal life and spiritual riches beyond measure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

1 Chronicles 6:8

And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz,

Matthew 15:37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets full.

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Ezekiel 44:15

But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:

2 Kings 4:43

And his servitor said, What, should I set this before an hundred men? He said again, Give the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave [thereof].

2 Kings 4:44

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.