2 Chronicles 31:16

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside their genealogy {H3187} of males {H2145}, from three {H7969} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, even unto every one that entereth {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, his daily {H3117}{H3117} portion {H1697} for their service {H5656} in their charges {H4931} according to their courses {H4256};

Complete Jewish Bible

Every male three years and older entitled to enter the house of ADONAI was given his daily share for performing his duties according to his division, regardless of how he was recorded in the genealogies.

Berean Standard Bible

In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions—

American Standard Version

besides them that were reckoned by genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even every one that entered into the house of Jehovah, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their courses;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:16 meticulously details King Hezekiah's administrative reforms for the Levitical priesthood, specifically outlining the system for distributing daily provisions to all male Levites, from three years old and upward, based on their genealogical records, assigned duties, and established courses of service within the House of the LORD. This verse underscores the king's commitment to restoring proper, well-ordered, and comprehensively supported worship in Judah after generations of neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 31, which describes King Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms following the cleansing of the temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple") and the national Passover celebration in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - National Passover Celebration"). Chapter 31 specifically addresses the re-establishment of the temple service, including the destruction of idolatrous objects, the organization of priestly and Levitical duties, and crucially, the provision for their sustenance through tithes and offerings. Verses [2 Chronicles 31:4-5](/2_chronicles/31-4 "2 Chronicles 31:4-5 - Command for Offerings") highlight Hezekiah's command for the people to bring their offerings, and subsequent verses describe the overwhelming response and the appointment of treasurers to manage the influx of provisions. Verse 16, therefore, fits into the larger administrative framework of ensuring that the Levites, now freed from secular labor, could fully dedicate themselves to their sacred responsibilities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period marked by significant spiritual decline under his father, Ahaz, who had closed the temple and promoted idolatry. Hezekiah's reforms represent a zealous return to Mosaic Law and Davidic ordinances, aiming to purify worship and restore the covenant relationship with God. In ancient Israel, genealogy was paramount, particularly for the priestly and Levitical tribes, as their lineage determined their roles and rights within the religious system. The concept of "courses" for priests and Levites, established by King David (as seen in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests")), ensured that temple service was continuous and orderly throughout the year, with different groups serving in rotation. Providing for the Levites through tithes and offerings was a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Provision for Levites")), as they had no tribal land inheritance. Hezekiah's meticulous administration ensured this divine command was faithfully executed, supporting not just the active ministers but their entire households, reflecting a holistic view of communal dedication to the LORD.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles and the broader historical books. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Reform**, showcasing Hezekiah's commitment to re-establishing proper worship after a period of apostasy. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Administration**, demonstrating that God's work is to be conducted with precision, accountability, and careful planning, not chaos. The detailed record-keeping and structured distribution reflect God's character of order. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Provision for God's Servants**, illustrating the biblical principle that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service should be adequately supported, allowing them to focus entirely on their sacred duties. This theme resonates with earlier commands regarding the Levites' sustenance through the tithes of the people, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for Levites and the Poor"). Finally, it subtly touches upon **Covenant Fidelity**, as Hezekiah's actions were a direct response to God's covenant commands, ensuring the well-being of those consecrated to maintain the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Genealogy (Hebrew, _yaḥaṣ_):** This term refers to a genealogical register, a meticulously kept record of lineage and family descent. In ancient Israel, especially for the Levites and priests, genealogical purity and accuracy were paramount. It determined eligibility for service, inheritance, and tribal identity. The reliance on such a register here signifies a commitment to proper order and accountability, ensuring that provisions were distributed only to those legitimately entitled to them by birth and calling.
* **Daily portion (Hebrew, _dəvar-yom bəyomo_):** Literally meaning "the matter of day in its day," this phrase emphasizes the regularity and consistency of the provision. It was not a sporadic or arbitrary distribution but a fixed, daily allocation, ensuring continuous sustenance for the Levites and their families. This highlights a commitment to reliable and ongoing support, allowing the temple servants to focus on their duties without concern for their daily bread.
* **Courses (Hebrew, _maḥalāqōṯ_):** This refers to the divisions or shifts of priests and Levites established by King David (e.g., [1 Chronicles 24:1](/1_chronicles/24-1 "1 Chronicles 24:1 - Divisions of Priests")). These courses ensured that temple service was maintained year-round by rotating groups, each serving for a specific period. The distribution of provisions "according to their courses" means that the allocation was tied to their active duty periods, ensuring equitable and efficient support based on their assigned responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside their genealogy of males":** This phrase indicates that the distribution of provisions was based on an official, meticulously maintained register of all male Levites. This genealogical record served as the authoritative list for determining who was eligible to receive support, emphasizing the importance of lineage and order in the temple administration. It ensured accountability and prevented unauthorized individuals from receiving benefits.
* **"from three years old and upward":** This is a remarkable detail, revealing the comprehensive nature of the support system. It signifies that the provision extended beyond just the actively serving Levites to include all male members of their households, even very young children. This holistic approach recognized that the entire family unit was dedicated to the LORD's service, and thus, the entire family required sustenance, ensuring that no one in the Levitical household was overlooked.
* **"[even] unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD":** This clause likely refers to all those who were designated or consecrated for service within the temple, whether actively serving at that moment or part of the larger body of Levites eligible for future duties. It underscores that the provision was for the entire community of those set apart for God's service, not just a select few.
* **"his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses":** This specifies the nature and basis of the provision. It was a "daily portion," indicating a regular, consistent supply. This supply was given "for their service," meaning it was directly tied to their sacred duties. These duties were organized into "charges" (assigned responsibilities) and "courses" (rotational shifts), ensuring that the distribution was fair, orderly, and directly proportional to their commitment and time spent in temple service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 31:16 is **Meticulous Detail** and **Administrative Language**. The verse is not poetic or metaphorical; rather, it employs precise, almost bureaucratic language to convey the thoroughness and order of Hezekiah's reforms. The enumeration of specific criteria—"genealogy of males," "from three years old and upward," "daily portion," "charges," "courses"—serves to emphasize the king's commitment to exactness and accountability. This detailed enumeration functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the gravity and comprehensive nature of the re-established temple system. The very specificity of the language highlights the contrast with the previous periods of neglect and disorder, signaling a return to the divinely ordained structure for worship and the support of its ministers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, provision, and justice, and how human leaders, when faithful, reflect these attributes in their administration. The meticulous care for the Levites, from the youngest to the oldest, underscores the biblical principle that those dedicated to God's service are to be fully supported, allowing them to devote themselves entirely to their sacred duties without the distraction of worldly labor. This system of provision was not merely a human invention but a direct fulfillment of God's commands in the Law, ensuring the sanctity and continuity of worship. It speaks to the importance of a community's responsibility to care for its spiritual leaders, recognizing their unique calling and the communal benefit derived from their dedicated service.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Provision for Levites") - "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation."
* [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for Levites and the Poor") - "At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest."
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers") - "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 31:16 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and church communities. It reminds us that true spiritual revival is not merely emotional but extends to practical, disciplined administration and faithful stewardship. Just as Hezekiah ensured the physical sustenance of those dedicated to God's house, so too are believers called to support those who minister among them, whether pastors, missionaries, or other full-time servants. This support allows them to focus on their spiritual calling, ensuring the continuous and effective proclamation of the Gospel and the care of the flock. Furthermore, the emphasis on order, accountability, and comprehensive care, even for the youngest members of the Levitical families, challenges us to consider how our own church structures and ministries reflect God's character of precision and holistic concern for every member of the spiritual household. It prompts us to ask whether our support for ministry is merely reactive or if it is a proactive, systematic, and generous commitment, reflecting the orderly and abundant provision of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous administration of Hezekiah's reforms challenge our approach to organization and stewardship within our own spiritual lives and church communities?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, better embody the principle of holistic care and provision for those who serve in ministry, considering not just their immediate needs but also their families?**
* **What does the inclusion of children "from three years old and upward" in the provision teach us about the communal nature of faith and the responsibility of the collective body for all its members?**

### FAQ

**Why were children as young as three years old included in the provision count?**

Answer: The inclusion of children "from three years old and upward" highlights the comprehensive nature of the support system for the Levitical families. It demonstrates that the provision was not just for the active, adult male ministers but for the entire household consecrated to the LORD's service. This ensured that the Levites could fully dedicate themselves to their temple duties without needing to seek secular employment to feed their families. It reflects a holistic understanding of communal dedication, where the entire family unit, including its youngest members, was recognized as part of the body serving God, and thus, deserved full sustenance.

**What were "courses" and why were they important for the Levites?**

Answer: The "courses" (Hebrew: _maḥalāqōṯ_) refer to the divisions or rotational shifts of priests and Levites established by King David, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"). These courses ensured that temple service could be maintained continuously throughout the year, with different groups serving for specific periods in rotation. This system brought order, efficiency, and equity to the sacred duties, preventing burnout and ensuring that all eligible Levites had the opportunity to participate in the temple ministry. The distribution of provisions "according to their courses" meant that support was tied directly to their periods of active service, ensuring fair and timely allocation.

**How does this verse about ancient temple administration apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the specific administrative details pertain to the Old Testament temple, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Firstly, it underscores the importance of **order and good stewardship** in all aspects of God's work, whether in personal spiritual disciplines or church governance. Secondly, it emphasizes the biblical principle of **providing for those who serve in ministry**. Just as the Levites were supported to focus on their duties, so too are those who preach the Gospel or serve full-time in ministry today to be adequately cared for (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Preachers")). Finally, the holistic care for the entire Levitical household reminds us of the importance of **supporting the families of those in ministry**, recognizing the communal nature of their dedication and the sacrifices involved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 31:16, with its meticulous details of provision and order for the Levitical priesthood, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. The Old Testament system, with its temple, priests, and sacrifices, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Jesus. He is the ultimate and perfect [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice, forever ending the need for daily animal offerings and the Levitical system of atonement (cf. [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Perfection through Christ's Sacrifice")). While the physical temple and its daily provisions are no longer central, the principles of divine order and comprehensive provision continue in the spiritual reality of the Church. Believers, as a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), are called to spiritual service, and God, through Christ, provides for all their needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—often through the body of Christ itself (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The meticulous care for the Levites foreshadows God's perfect and complete provision for His people in Christ, who ensures that His spiritual house, the Church, is well-ordered, sustained, and equipped for its mission, not by human genealogies but by divine grace and the indwelling Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")).

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

Ezra 3:4

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

1 Chronicles 23:3

Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.

Leviticus 21:22

He shall eat the bread of his God, [both] of the most holy, and of the holy.

Leviticus 21:23

Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.