TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
KJV (with Strong's)
And Jehiel H3171, and Azaziah H5812, and Nahath H5184, and Asahel H6214, and Jerimoth H3406, and Jozabad H3107, and Eliel H447, and Ismachiah H3253, and Mahath H4287, and Benaiah H1141, were overseers H6496 under the hand H3027 of Cononiah H3562 and Shimei H8096 his brother H251, at the commandment H4662 of Hezekiah H3169 the king H4428, and Azariah H5838 the ruler H5057 of the house H1004 of God H430.
Complete Jewish Bible
Hizkiyahu the king and 'Azaryahu the ruler of the house of God appointed Yechi'el, 'Azazyahu, Nachat, 'Asah'el, Yerimot, Yozavad, Eli'el, Yismachyah, Machat and B'nayahu as supervisors to serve under Konanyah and Shim'i his brother.
Berean Standard Bible
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God.
American Standard Version
and Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
World English Bible Messianic
Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iehiel, and Azariah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Ierimoth, and Iozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah were ouerseers by the appointment of Conaniah, and Shimei his brother, and by the commandement of Hezekiah the King, and of Azariah the chiefe of the house of God.
Young's Literal Translation
and Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, are inspectors under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah leader of the house of God.
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In the KJVVerse 11,868 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31 verses 11–21
11 ¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,
12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.
13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.
15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:
16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;
18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:
19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.
20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
21 And 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.
Here we have,
I. Two particular instances of the care of Hezekiah concerning church matters, having put them into good order, to keep them so. The tithes and other holy things being brought in, he provided, 1. That they should be carefully laid up, and not left exposed in loose heaps, liable to be wasted and embezzled. He ordered chambers to be made ready in some of the courts of the temple for store-chambers (Ch2 31:11), and into them the offerings were brought and there kept under lock and key, Ch2 31:12, Ch2 31:13. Treasures or store-keepers were appointed, who had the oversight of them, to see that moth and rust did not corrupt them nor thieves break through to steal. This wisdom of laying up the surplus in days of plenty we may learn from the ant, who provideth meat in summer. The laying up in store what was brought in was an encouragement to people to pay in their contributions. That will be given cheerfully by the public which appears to be well husbanded. 2. That they should be faithfully laid out, according to the uses they were intended for. Church treasures are not to be hoarded any longer than till there is occasion for them, lest even the rust should be a witness against those who hoard them. Officers were appointed, men (no doubt) of approved wisdom and faithfulness, to distribute the oblations of the Lord and the most holy things among the priests (Ch2 31:14), and to see that they all had a competent maintenance for themselves and their families. The law provided sufficient for them all, and therefore, if some had too little, it must be because others had too much; to prevent such inequality these officers were to go by some certain rule of proportion in the disposal of the incomes of the temple. It is said of the priests here (Ch2 31:18) that in their set office they sanctified themselves; in faith they sanctified themselves (so the word is), that is, as bishop Patrick explains it, they attended their ministry at the house of God, not doubting but they should be provided with all things necessary. Now, because they served God in that confidence, care was taken that they should not be made ashamed of their hope. Note, Those that sanctify themselves to God and his service in faith, believing that he will see them want for nothing that is good for them, shall certainly be fed. Out of the offerings of the Lord distribution was made, (1.) To the priests in the cities (Ch2 31:15), who staid at home while their brethren went to Jerusalem, and did good there in teaching the good knowledge of the Lord. The preaching priests were maintained as well as the sacrificing priests, and those that abode by the stuff as well as those that warred the warfare. (2.) To those that entered into the house of the Lord, all the males from three years old and upwards; for the male children even at that tender age, it seems, were allowed to come into the temple with their parents, and shared with them in this distribution, Ch2 31:16. (3.) Even the Levites from twenty years old and upwards had their share, Ch2 31:17. (4.) The wives and children of the priests and Levites had a comfortable maintenance out of those offerings, Ch2 31:18. In maintaining ministers, regard must be had to their families, that not they only, but theirs, may have food convenient. In some countries where ministers have their salary paid them by the state an addition is made to it upon the birth of a child. (5.) The priests in the country, that lived in the fields of the suburbs, were not overlooked in this ministration, Ch2 31:19. Those also had their share who were inhabitants of the villages, though they might be supposed to live at a less expense.
II. A general character of Hezekiah's services for the support of religion, Ch2 31:20, Ch2 31:21. 1. His pious zeal reached to all the parts of his kingdom: Thus he did throughout all Judah; every part of the country, and not those only that lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. 2. He sincerely designed to please God, and approved himself to him in all he did: He wrought that which was good before the Lord his God; all his care was to do that which should be accepted of God, which was right (that is, agreeable to natural equity), and truth (that is, agreeable to divine revelation and his covenant with God), before the Lord; to do according to that law which is holy, just, and good. 3. What he began he went through with, prosecuted it with vigour, and did it with all his heart. 4. All his good intentions were brought to a good issue; whatever he did in the service of the house of God, and in the government of his kingdom, he prospered in it. Note, What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–21. Public domain.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:13 meticulously enumerates ten specific individuals—Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah—who were formally appointed as overseers within the meticulously structured administrative system established by King Hezekiah. These men operated under the direct supervision of Cononiah and his brother Shimei, with their authority ultimately stemming from the command of King Hezekiah himself and Azariah, who served as the chief ruler of the house of God. Their essential function was to manage the vast quantities of tithes and consecrated offerings brought by the people, ensuring their proper storage and equitable distribution to the priests and Levites, thereby facilitating the full and sustained restoration of legitimate Temple worship and service.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's profound religious reforms and the subsequent spiritual revival that swept through Judah, following a period of deep apostasy under previous monarchs. The preceding chapters chronicle Hezekiah's initial, decisive actions: the thorough cleansing and reconsecration of the defiled Temple, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 29, followed by the restoration of proper sacrificial worship and the joyous, albeit belated, celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30. The overwhelming generosity and faithfulness of the people, who brought an abundance of firstfruits, tithes, and dedicated offerings, are vividly described in 2 Chronicles 31:5-6. This immense influx of provisions necessitated a robust and highly organized system for their storage and equitable distribution, leading directly to the appointment of the chief administrators in 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 and the specific list of subordinate overseers detailed in 2 Chronicles 31:13. The subsequent verses, 2 Chronicles 31:14-19, further elaborate on the precise responsibilities and the various beneficiaries of this meticulously structured system, thereby underscoring the comprehensive and thorough nature of Hezekiah's reforms.
Historical & Cultural Context: King Hezekiah's reign (c. 715–686 BC) represented a critical turning point for the Kingdom of Judah, emerging from the spiritual decline, idolatry, and neglect of the Temple that had characterized the reigns of his father Ahaz and other predecessors. The Temple, once the vibrant spiritual epicenter of Israelite worship, had fallen into disrepair and defilement. Hezekiah's reforms were not merely ceremonial or ritualistic; they were deeply practical and administrative, aiming to fully restore the Levitical priesthood to their prescribed, full-time service. This restoration fundamentally depended on a reliable and continuous system of support for the priests and Levites, who, unlike other tribes, had no tribal land inheritance and were sustained by the tithes and offerings of the people. The sheer volume of contributions, described earlier in 2 Chronicles 31:5-10, would have presented an enormous logistical challenge. This required dedicated personnel and a robust infrastructure for the efficient collection, secure storage, and equitable distribution of these provisions. Such administrative foresight was absolutely crucial for the long-term sustainability of the restored Temple worship and the livelihood of its ministers, ensuring that the spiritual revival could endure.
Key Themes: This verse, though seemingly a mere list of names, powerfully illustrates several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's theological narrative and broader biblical principles. It highlights the paramount importance of order and organization in divine service, demonstrating unequivocally that spiritual fervor, no matter how genuine, must be accompanied by sound and diligent administration to be truly sustainable and effective. The detailed listing of names and the clear chain of command reflect a meticulous and responsible approach to managing God's sacred resources, preventing waste, ensuring fairness, and fostering integrity—a principle echoed in the New Testament's call for all things to be done "decently and in order" (compare 1 Corinthians 14:40). Furthermore, the appointment of these overseers underscores diligent and righteous leadership as a hallmark of Hezekiah's reign; his commitment to restoring proper worship extended far beyond mere ritual to encompass practical, detailed administration, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to doing what was good and right and true before the Lord. The primary purpose of this intricate administrative structure was to ensure the support for ministry, providing for the Levites and priests who served full-time in the Temple, a foundational principle of sustaining those dedicated to spiritual work that resonates throughout Scripture (e.g., Numbers 18:21; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Finally, the established hierarchy, from the king down to the specific overseers, emphasizes a robust system of accountability and stewardship, as these men were entrusted with sacred provisions and were responsible for their proper and faithful distribution, acting as faithful stewards of God's blessings.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several effective literary devices in 2 Chronicles 31:13 to convey the significance and thoroughness of King Hezekiah's far-reaching reforms. The most prominent is Cataloguing or Listing, evident in the extensive enumeration of ten specific names. This detailed list serves not merely as a dry record but as a rhetorical device, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the administrative structure and the vast number of dedicated individuals involved in the Temple's complex operations. It lends an air of historical verisimilitude and underscores the comprehensiveness and scale of Hezekiah's efforts to restore order. Furthermore, the verse clearly demonstrates Hierarchy and Chain of Command, meticulously delineating the reporting structure from the ultimate authority of the king and the chief Temple official, down through the immediate supervisors (Cononiah and Shimei), and finally to the specific overseers. This structured presentation highlights the order, efficiency, and accountability that characterized Hezekiah's reign, standing in stark contrast to the disarray and neglect of previous periods. The inclusion of such precise details also functions as Emphasis through Detail, drawing the reader's attention to the critical importance of sound administration and the biblical principle that every role, no matter how seemingly administrative or mundane, is vital and sacred to the flourishing of God's work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative verse carries profound theological and thematic weight, illustrating God's inherent desire for order, His faithful provision for His servants, and the imperative of faithful stewardship within His covenant community. The meticulous organization of the Temple's resources and the systematic support for its ministers reflect a foundational divine principle: that spiritual work, to be sustained, effective, and honorable, requires practical, diligent, and accountable administration. God is inherently a God of order, not chaos, and He expects His people to manage His blessings—whether spiritual gifts, material resources, or time—with wisdom, integrity, and foresight. The divinely ordained system of provision for the Levites and priests through tithes and offerings underscores God's chosen method for sustaining those dedicated to full-time ministry, ensuring they could focus on their sacred duties without distraction or material want. This system not only provided for their physical needs but also reinforced the community's collective responsibility to honor God with their firstfruits and to support those who ministered on their behalf. The robust accountability embedded within the hierarchy, from the king to the appointed overseers, further emphasizes the biblical call to faithful stewardship of all resources, recognizing that ultimately, everything belongs to God and is to be managed for His glory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative structure outlined in 2 Chronicles 31:13 offers timeless and potent lessons for believers and spiritual communities today. It profoundly reminds us that genuine spiritual revival, like that experienced under King Hezekiah, is not solely about emotional fervor, grand worship services, or charismatic leadership; it must be firmly grounded in practical, orderly, and accountable administration. Just as the abundance of God's provision necessitated careful and wise management in ancient Judah, so too do modern ministries, churches, and even our personal lives require sound stewardship of time, talents, and financial resources. Every role within God's kingdom, whether highly visible or seemingly behind-the-scenes, is vital for the flourishing of His work, and faithfulness in administration is as much an act of worship and obedience as any other spiritual discipline. This verse challenges us to critically examine how we contribute to the order, efficiency, and effective functioning of our spiritual communities, and how we actively support those who are dedicated to full-time ministry, recognizing that our contributions enable the work of God to continue unhindered. Ultimately, it calls us to embody integrity, accountability, and diligent stewardship in all areas of life, thereby reflecting the character of a God who delights in order, provision, and faithful management of His blessings.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible meticulously list so many names in this verse?
Answer: The meticulous listing of names in 2 Chronicles 31:13 serves several important and interconnected purposes. Firstly, it lends historical authenticity and precision to the Chronicler's account, demonstrating that these were real individuals involved in a significant and verifiable historical event. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the comprehensive and highly organized nature of King Hezekiah's sweeping reforms; the sheer number of appointed officials highlights the immense scale of the task involved in managing the vast quantities of tithes and offerings. Thirdly, it emphasizes the crucial principle of accountability: each person named was entrusted with a specific, vital role within a clear and established chain of command, from the king down to these individual overseers. This level of detail shows that every position, even administrative ones, was considered important and required faithful, diligent stewardship. Finally, it subtly conveys the Chronicler's theological message that God delights in order and that effective, sustainable spiritual service is consistently supported and enabled by diligent, responsible administration.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:13 meticulously details the administrative structure of the Old Covenant Temple, it subtly yet profoundly foreshadows the perfect order, ultimate provision, and divine administration found in Christ and His New Covenant Church. The meticulous care for the physical Temple and its ministers in ancient Israel points to God's unwavering commitment to His people and the spiritual sustenance of those who serve Him. Christ Himself is the ultimate "overseer" and perfect "administrator" of God's true house, the Church, which He built through His sacrifice and over which He reigns as its supreme Head (Hebrews 3:6; Ephesians 1:22-23). The Old Testament system of tithes and offerings, diligently managed by these overseers, ensured the physical sustenance of the Levitical priesthood for their service; in the New Covenant, Christ Himself is our spiritual provision, sustaining His ministers and all believers through His boundless grace and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:19). The emphasis on order, good management, and accountability within Hezekiah's reforms finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual application in the New Testament's call for the Church to operate "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40), with leaders who are exemplary managers of God's household and their own families (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Thus, this seemingly administrative verse ultimately points to the perfect, divine administration of Christ, who flawlessly stewards His people and His eternal kingdom, ensuring every spiritual need is met and every aspect of His redemptive plan is executed with perfect wisdom and flawless order.