2 Chronicles 31:15

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And next him were Eden {H5731}, and Miniamin {H4509}, and Jeshua {H3442}, and Shemaiah {H8098}, Amariah {H568}, and Shecaniah {H7935}, in the cities {H5892} of the priests {H3548}, in their set office {H530}, to give {H5414} to their brethren {H251} by {H3027} courses {H4256}, as well to the great {H1419} as to the small {H6996}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Under him were 'Eden, Minyamin, Yeshua, Sh'ma'yahu, Amaryahu and Sh'khanyahu, in the cities of the cohanim, faithfully making the distributions to their kinsmen by divisions, to great and small alike.

Berean Standard Bible

Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike.

American Standard Version

And under him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:15 details the appointment of specific Levites—Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah—who were entrusted with the vital administrative responsibility of distributing the consecrated offerings and tithes. This meticulous system, established by King Hezekiah, ensured that all priests and Levites, regardless of their status or assigned course of duty, received their rightful provisions equitably within their respective cities, thereby sustaining their service to God and preventing neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms and restoration of true worship in Judah, particularly following the cleansing of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple"). After the people's renewed faithfulness led to an overwhelming abundance of tithes and offerings (as described in [2 Chronicles 31:5-10](/2_chronicles/31-5 "2 Chronicles 31:5-10 - Abundance of Offerings")), there arose a practical need for an organized system to manage and distribute these provisions. Verses [2 Chronicles 31:11-19](/2_chronicles/31-11 "2 Chronicles 31:11-19 - Appointment of Overseers") detail the establishment of storehouses and the appointment of key overseers and administrators. Verse 15 specifically names some of the trusted individuals responsible for the equitable, decentralized distribution of these provisions "in the cities of the priests," ensuring that "their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small" were cared for. This highlights the transition from spiritual revival to practical, sustained administration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) followed a period of severe spiritual decline under his father, King Ahaz, who had promoted idolatry and neglected the Temple. Hezekiah's reforms aimed to reverse this apostasy and restore the Mosaic covenant. Central to this restoration was the proper support of the Levitical priesthood, who, unlike other tribes, had no land inheritance and were dependent on the tithes and offerings of the people for their livelihood, as stipulated in [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - The Levites' Portion"). The "cities of the priests" refer to the Levitical cities scattered throughout Israel, where priests and Levites resided when not on duty at the Temple. The phrase "by courses" refers to the long-established system of priestly and Levitical divisions (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Divisions of Priests and Levites")) that rotated service at the Temple, ensuring that all had a turn and were provided for. This verse underscores the cultural importance of administrative integrity in supporting religious institutions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Organized Administration and Stewardship** in God's kingdom. Hezekiah's reforms were not merely spiritual but also involved meticulous practical arrangements to ensure the proper management of sacred resources, reflecting God's desire for order and accountability, as seen in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship"). Secondly, it highlights **Equity and Care for God's Servants**. The directive "to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small" underscores a profound commitment to fairness, impartiality, and comprehensive provision for all who served God, preventing neglect and upholding the biblical principle of supporting those dedicated to spiritual service, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithing for Levites and the Needy"). Lastly, it speaks to **Faithfulness in Appointed Roles**. The individuals listed were "in their set office," indicating they were formally appointed and faithfully discharged their responsibilities, demonstrating that individual diligence is crucial for the sustained operation of God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set office (Hebrew, _misrah'_):** This term (מִשְׂרָה) denotes a "charge," "office," or "appointment." It signifies a formally established and designated position of responsibility, implying authority and a specific duty to be discharged. It indicates that these individuals were not merely volunteers but held official, recognized roles within the administrative structure of the Temple and its support system.
* **courses (Hebrew, _machaloqeth_):** This word (מַחֲלֹקֶת) refers to "divisions," "classes," or "courses." It points to the pre-existing, organized system of priestly and Levitical families who served in rotating shifts at the Temple in Jerusalem. This system, established by King David (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests")), ensured that all eligible priests and Levites had an opportunity to serve and that their needs were met during their time of service and when they returned to their home cities.
* **great as to the small (Hebrew, _gadol katan_):** This phrase (גָּדוֹל קָטָן) is an idiom emphasizing inclusivity and impartiality. It means "both great and small," or "without distinction." It underscores the principle that the distribution of provisions was to be fair and equitable to all priests and Levites, regardless of their rank, seniority, or perceived importance, ensuring that none were overlooked or neglected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And next him [were] Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah":** This clause provides a specific list of six individuals. These men were prominent Levites, likely chosen for their integrity and administrative capability, who served under the chief overseers (Kore and his assistants mentioned in [2 Chronicles 31:14](/2_chronicles/31-14 "2 Chronicles 31:14 - Kore, the Gatekeeper")). Their naming highlights the meticulous organization and accountability within Hezekiah's reforms, emphasizing that specific persons were entrusted with significant responsibilities.
* **"in the cities of the priests":** This specifies the geographical scope of their work. The distribution was not solely centralized at the Temple in Jerusalem but extended to the various Levitical cities throughout Judah where the priests and Levites resided. This decentralized approach ensured that provisions reached the ministers and their families where they lived, recognizing their dispersed nature and preventing hardship due to distance from Jerusalem.
* **"in [their] set office":** This phrase reiterates that these men were formally appointed to their roles. Their work was not informal or ad-hoc but was part of an established, authorized administrative structure. This underscores the importance of order, official designation, and accountability in managing the sacred resources of the community.
* **"to give to their brethren by courses":** This defines the primary duty of these administrators: the systematic and equitable distribution of the offerings. "Their brethren" refers to the other priests and Levites. The phrase "by courses" indicates that the distribution followed the established divisions or rotations of service, ensuring that those who served received their due portion according to the pre-arranged schedule and structure of the Levitical ministry.
* **"as well to the great as to the small":** This final phrase encapsulates the principle of impartiality and comprehensive care. It means that the distribution was to be fair and inclusive, without favoritism or discrimination based on rank, status, or perceived importance. Every priest and Levite, from the most senior to the most junior, was to receive their rightful share, ensuring that the entire body of those serving God was adequately provided for.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 31:15 is **Enumeration** or **Listing**, as evidenced by the specific naming of six individuals: Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah. This detailed listing serves to lend historical authenticity and precision to the narrative, emphasizing the concrete, practical nature of Hezekiah's reforms. It also highlights the importance of individual accountability within the larger administrative structure. Furthermore, the verse employs **Emphasis through Detail**, meticulously outlining not only *who* was appointed but also *where* ("in the cities of the priests"), *how* ("in their set office" and "by courses"), and *to whom* ("as well to the great as to the small"). This granular detail underscores the thoroughness and integrity of the system established by Hezekiah, reflecting a divine value for order, justice, and comprehensive care for those dedicated to sacred service. The **Juxtaposition** of "great as to the small" is a rhetorical device that powerfully conveys the principle of impartiality and inclusivity in the distribution, ensuring no one was overlooked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 31:15 beautifully illustrates God's concern for order, justice, and the well-being of those who serve Him. It reveals that spiritual revival is not merely an emotional or ritualistic experience but must translate into practical, organized systems that uphold righteousness and care for the community. The meticulous administration of tithes and offerings reflects a divine principle: that God's people are called to be faithful stewards of the resources He provides, ensuring that those dedicated to ministry are adequately supported. This support is not to be arbitrary but systematic, equitable, and impartial, reflecting God's character of fairness and His valuing of every individual, regardless of their perceived status. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that the health of a spiritual community depends not only on fervent worship but also on diligent and just administration that extends care to all its members.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - The Levites' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers")
* [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithing for Levites and the Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly administrative verse offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that our faith is not just about personal piety but also about communal responsibility and practical stewardship. Just as Hezekiah ensured meticulous management of the people's offerings to support those serving God, we are called to be diligent stewards of all resources—time, talents, and finances—that God entrusts to us, both personally and corporately. This involves establishing clear systems, promoting accountability, and ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and fairly to advance God's kingdom. Furthermore, the principle of caring for "great as to the small" challenges us to practice radical impartiality and generosity, ensuring that all members of our spiritual communities are valued, supported, and have their needs met, especially those who dedicate their lives to ministry. It calls us to consider how our churches and organizations can embody this same spirit of equitable provision and administrative integrity, fostering environments where all can thrive in their service to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "set office" and organized administration in this verse apply to the structure and operations of the church today?**
* **In what specific ways can we, as individuals and as a community, better practice faithful stewardship of the resources God has given us?**
* **How can we ensure that our support for those in ministry (pastors, missionaries, church workers) is equitable and comprehensive, reflecting the "great as to the small" principle?**
* **What steps can we take to foster greater impartiality and care for all members within our own spiritual communities, especially those who might be overlooked?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific names listed in 2 Chronicles 31:15?**

Answer: The listing of specific names—Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah—serves several important purposes. Firstly, it lends historical authenticity and precision to the biblical narrative, demonstrating that Hezekiah's reforms were not vague ideals but concrete actions involving real people. Secondly, it highlights the importance of individual accountability within the administrative structure. These men were entrusted with significant responsibility, and their names memorialize their faithful service. It underscores that the success of God's work often depends on the integrity and diligence of specific individuals in their appointed roles, emphasizing that God notices and values the faithful service of His servants, even in administrative capacities.

**What does "by courses" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "by courses" refers to the established system of priestly and Levitical divisions or rotations for service in the Temple. King David had organized the descendants of Aaron and Levi into specific "courses" or groups (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests")) that would take turns serving at the Temple in Jerusalem throughout the year. When not on duty, these priests and Levites would return to their designated Levitical cities. Therefore, "to give to their brethren by courses" means that the administrators were to distribute the provisions to the priests and Levites according to their assigned divisions and where they resided, ensuring that all were provided for systematically, whether they were actively serving in Jerusalem or living in their home cities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:15 describes the administrative care for Old Testament priests and Levites, it subtly foreshadows the perfect and ultimate provision found in Christ. The Old Covenant system of tithes and offerings provided for the earthly ministers who facilitated access to God through sacrifices; this system, with its meticulous administration, pointed to the divine order and God's desire to sustain those who serve Him. In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is the [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, rendering the Levitical sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Yet, the principle of equitable provision and care for God's servants endures and is fulfilled in Christ's body, the Church. Just as the Levites were dependent on the offerings of the people, New Testament ministers are supported by the generosity of the church, enabling them to devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer ([Acts 6:4](/acts/6-4 "Acts 6:4 - Devotion to Word and Prayer")). Ultimately, Christ Himself is the source of all provision for His people, ensuring that every member of His body, "great as to the small," is nurtured, equipped, and sustained by His grace ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). The administrative order seen in Hezekiah's reforms finds its perfect expression in the divine order of God's kingdom, where Christ perfectly cares for His church, guaranteeing that all who serve Him are ultimately sustained by His unfailing grace and provision.

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

Joshua 21:9

¶ And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are [here] mentioned by name,

Joshua 21:19

All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.

1 Chronicles 6:54

¶ Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

1 Chronicles 6:60

And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.

2 Chronicles 31:13

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.

2 Chronicles 29:12

¶ Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

1 Chronicles 25:8

¶ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.