2 Chronicles 31:21

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.

And in every work {H4639} that he began {H2490} in the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, and in the law {H8451}, and in the commandments {H4687}, to seek {H1875} his God {H430}, he did {H6213} it with all his heart {H3824}, and prospered {H6743}.

Every project that he undertook in order to seek his God, whether in the service of the house of God or in connection with the Torah and the mitzvot, he did with all his heart; and so he succeeded.

He was diligent in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

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.

2 Chronicles 31:21 encapsulates the exemplary reign of King Hezekiah, highlighting the core principle behind his success and God's favor. Following a period of spiritual decline under his father, Ahaz, Hezekiah embarked on a monumental task of religious restoration in Judah.

Context

This verse serves as a powerful summary statement concerning the character and actions of King Hezekiah. After ascending the throne, he immediately initiated sweeping reforms to reverse the idolatry and neglect of the previous reign. He reopened and cleansed the Temple, reinstituted the Levitical services, and commanded the people to bring their tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites. This verse emphasizes that Hezekiah's diligence was not merely outward action but stemmed from a deep, internal commitment to God, which ultimately led to his prosperity.

Key Themes

  • Wholehearted Devotion: The phrase "with all his heart" is central, signifying complete sincerity and dedication. It wasn't a half-hearted effort or a mere fulfilling of religious duty, but a genuine, passionate commitment to God and His commands. This echoes the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might.
  • Diligence in Service: Hezekiah applied himself fully to "every work that he began in the service of the house of God." This includes the restoration of Temple worship, the organization of its personnel, and the adherence to the Mosaic Law. His commitment extended beyond mere ritual to practical, administrative efforts for God's glory.
  • Obedience and Seeking God: The verse explicitly states his dedication "in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God." This underscores the importance of God's revealed Word as the guide for action and the pursuit of a relationship with Him. Hezekiah understood that true worship involved both outward observance and inward seeking.
  • Divine Prosperity: The result of Hezekiah's wholehearted devotion was that he "prospered." This prosperity wasn't necessarily just material wealth, but comprehensive success, divine favor, and effectiveness in his reign and reforms, as God blessed his diligent efforts. This concept of blessing for obedience is a recurring theme throughout scripture, as seen in Joshua 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "with all his heart" is b'khol-levavo (בְּכָל־לְבָבוֹ). This expression is used frequently in the Old Testament to denote complete and unreserved commitment, emphasizing that the inner disposition is paramount. The word "prospered" comes from the Hebrew root tsalach (צָלַח), which means to advance, be successful, or be profitable. It implies divine enablement and blessing on one's endeavors.

Practical Application

Hezekiah's example in 2 Chronicles 31:21 provides timeless lessons for believers today. It teaches us the profound importance of bringing our whole selves—our energy, intellect, and emotions—to our service to God and our daily walk. Whether in spiritual disciplines, vocational work, or relationships, true prosperity, in God's eyes, often follows genuine devotion and obedience. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts: Are we serving God and living according to His Word with all our heart, or are we holding back? When we seek God wholeheartedly, we can anticipate His blessing and success in the areas He calls us to.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 6:33

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:13

    And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

  • Joshua 1:7

    Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

  • Joshua 1:8

    This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

  • Deuteronomy 6:5

    And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

  • Deuteronomy 10:12

    ¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

  • 1 Chronicles 22:13

    Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
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