2 Chronicles 31:3

KJV

[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He appointed also the king's {H4428} portion {H4521} of his substance {H7399} for the burnt offerings {H5930}, to wit, for the morning {H1242} and evening {H6153} burnt offerings {H5930}, and the burnt offerings {H5930} for the sabbaths {H7676}, and for the new moons {H2320}, and for the set feasts {H4150}, as it is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He determined a portion of the king's property to be given for the burnt offerings, that is, for the morning and evening burnt offerings and for burnt offerings on Shabbats, Rosh-Hodesh and the designated times, as prescribed by the Torah of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD.

American Standard Version

He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt-offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt-offerings, and the burnt-offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, in a profound demonstration of personal piety and royal stewardship, meticulously allocated a significant portion of his personal wealth to ensure the continuous and proper functioning of the Temple's sacrificial system. This provision covered the daily morning and evening burnt offerings, as well as those prescribed for the Sabbaths, new moons, and all the set annual feasts, thereby upholding the precise requirements stipulated in the Law of the LORD and setting a powerful example for the nation of Judah in their renewed commitment to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, detailed in [2 Chronicles 29-32](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin"). Following a period of profound apostasy and neglect under his predecessors, particularly King Ahaz, Hezekiah initiated a sweeping spiritual revival. The preceding chapters describe the cleansing and consecration of the Temple, the reinstitution of Levitical service, and a grand, nation-wide celebration of Passover, marking a return to covenant faithfulness (see [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple")). Chapter 31 then outlines the organizational and financial aspects of sustaining this revived worship. Verse 3 specifically details the king's personal, financial commitment, which immediately follows the people's enthusiastic contributions of firstfruits and tithes, illustrating a top-down and bottom-up commitment to supporting the divine service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a tumultuous period marked by the Assyrian Empire's dominance and the recent fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BC). Judah itself had been heavily influenced by Assyrian cults under Ahaz, leading to the desecration of the Temple and a widespread abandonment of Mosaic worship. Hezekiah's reforms were a radical departure, seeking to re-establish Judah's identity as God's covenant people. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, kings often played a crucial role in the maintenance and funding of religious institutions, viewing it as a divine mandate and a means of securing divine favor for the kingdom. Hezekiah's personal provision, rather than merely levying taxes, underscored his genuine devotion and set a powerful precedent for his subjects, reinforcing the idea that the king was not above the Law but subject to it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Stewardship and Piety**, showcasing Hezekiah as a model king who used his position and resources to honor God, demonstrating that true leadership involves personal sacrifice and devotion to sacred purposes. Secondly, it emphasizes **Adherence to Mosaic Law**, as the phrase "as it is written in the law of the LORD" underscores Hezekiah's meticulous commitment to restoring worship precisely according to the divine blueprint given in the Torah (e.g., [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Prescribed Offerings")). This included the prescribed daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Support for Divine Service**, illustrating that proper worship requires tangible resources and dedicated provision, ensuring that the necessary materials and personnel were available for the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Substance (Hebrew, _rekhush'_):** This term refers to one's accumulated wealth, possessions, or property. In this context, it emphasizes that Hezekiah's contribution was not merely a token gesture or a portion of the national treasury, but a significant personal allocation from his own private resources. It highlights the depth of his commitment and generosity, indicating that he was giving from his true "riches" or "estate."
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _‘olah'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to go up," the _‘olah_ was a sacrifice where the entire animal (except for the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a "soothing aroma" to the LORD. It symbolized complete dedication, atonement for unintentional sin, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. The meticulous listing of specific occasions for these offerings (morning, evening, Sabbaths, new moons, set feasts) underscores their centrality and continuous nature in Israelite worship, as prescribed by the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings":** This clause establishes Hezekiah's personal initiative and financial commitment. Unlike the tithes and contributions expected from the people (mentioned in the preceding verses), this was the king's own designated allocation from his personal wealth, demonstrating a leadership that gives sacrificially rather than merely demanding from others. This provision was specifically earmarked for the _‘olah_ sacrifices, which were foundational to Israelite worship.
* **"[to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings":** This specifies the daily, perpetual sacrifices. The "morning and evening" offerings (also known as the "continual burnt offering" in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")) were crucial for maintaining the constant communion between God and His people, symbolizing an unceasing dedication and atonement. Hezekiah's provision ensured these fundamental acts of worship would not cease due to lack of resources.
* **"and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts":** This expands the scope of Hezekiah's provision to include the regular cyclical and annual holy days. The Sabbaths (weekly), new moons (monthly), and "set feasts" (annual festivals like Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) all had specific burnt offerings prescribed by the Law. By funding these, Hezekiah ensured the entire liturgical calendar, with its rich theological significance, could be observed fully and properly, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his reforms.
* **"as [it is] written in the law of the LORD":** This concluding phrase is pivotal. It serves as Hezekiah's ultimate justification and guiding principle for his actions. It underscores his unwavering commitment to scriptural authority and divine revelation. His reforms were not arbitrary or innovative but a faithful restoration of what God had already commanded through Moses, demonstrating a profound respect for the covenant and the divine blueprint for Israel's worship.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse to highlight Hezekiah's exemplary piety. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the meticulous listing of the various occasions for burnt offerings: "morning and evening," "Sabbaths," "new moons," and "set feasts." This detailed cataloging emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of Hezekiah's provision, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling every aspect of the Mosaic Law. Furthermore, the phrase "as it is written in the law of the LORD" functions as a powerful **Allusion** and **Intertextual Reference**, grounding Hezekiah's actions firmly in the divine commands found in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Prescribed Offerings")). This not only validates the king's reforms but also serves a **Didactic** purpose, teaching the audience about the importance of strict adherence to God's revealed will in matters of worship and life. The Chronicler's focus on the king's personal "substance" also highlights **Emphasis** on Hezekiah's personal devotion and sacrificial leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 31:3 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that true worship is costly and requires intentional, generous provision. Hezekiah's personal allocation of his "substance" for the Temple's offerings underscores that supporting God's work is not merely a communal obligation but a deeply personal act of devotion, reflecting a heart aligned with divine priorities. His meticulous adherence to the "law of the LORD" demonstrates that genuine piety is expressed through obedience to God's revealed will, not through human innovation or convenience. This verse reminds us that God's commands, even concerning seemingly mundane details of ritual, are foundational for maintaining a right relationship with Him, and that leadership, especially, carries the responsibility to facilitate and exemplify such obedience.

* [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Continual Burnt Offering")
* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Duty to the Law")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Hezekiah's commitment in 2 Chronicles 31:3 serves as a timeless model for believers today, particularly those in positions of leadership or influence. His willingness to personally invest his "substance" in the worship of God challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to supporting spiritual endeavors. This isn't just about financial giving, but about dedicating our time, talents, and resources—our very "substance"—to God's kingdom. It teaches us that true devotion is practical and sacrificial, ensuring that the means for corporate worship and ministry are not only available but are provided cheerfully and intentionally, in accordance with God's Word. Just as Hezekiah meticulously followed the Law, we are called to align our lives, our giving, and our service with the principles and commands found in Scripture, demonstrating a deep reverence for God's revealed will and a desire to see His purposes fulfilled in our communities and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Hezekiah's personal commitment to funding Temple worship challenge my own understanding of generosity and stewardship?**
* **How does the phrase "as it is written in the law of the LORD" inform my approach to obedience and adherence to biblical principles in my own life and in supporting my faith community?**
* **What "substance" (time, talent, treasure) am I personally allocating to ensure the flourishing of God's work in my sphere of influence?**
* **How can leaders today emulate Hezekiah's example of leading by sacrificial giving rather than merely by demand?**

### FAQ
**Why was the king's personal contribution so significant, given that the people also tithed?**

Answer: The king's personal contribution was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his personal piety and devotion to God, setting a powerful example for the entire nation. It wasn't merely a tax or a national budget allocation but a voluntary offering from his "substance," highlighting genuine commitment. Secondly, it underscored the king's role as a spiritual leader who actively participated in and supported the religious life of the nation, rather than just overseeing it. This personal investment would have inspired confidence and encouraged the people in their own giving, reinforcing the idea that everyone, from the highest to the lowest, was accountable to God's law. It mirrored the principle of leading by example, which is crucial for moral and spiritual authority (see [1 Peter 5:3](/1_peter/5-3 "1 Peter 5:3 - Shepherds Leading by Example")).

**What were the "burnt offerings" and why were they so central to Israelite worship?**

Answer: Burnt offerings (Hebrew: *‘olah*) were a type of sacrifice where the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar. They were central to Israelite worship because they symbolized complete dedication and atonement. The ascending smoke was considered a "soothing aroma" to the LORD, signifying acceptance. These offerings served multiple purposes: expressing devotion, making atonement for unintentional sins, and symbolizing the worshiper's complete surrender to God. The consistent "morning and evening" burnt offerings (as detailed in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering") and [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Burnt Offering")) were especially vital, representing the perpetual communion between God and His people and the ongoing need for atonement. Hezekiah's provision ensured this continuous, foundational aspect of worship could be maintained.

**What does "as it is written in the law of the LORD" imply about Hezekiah's reforms?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful affirmation of Hezekiah's commitment to divine authority and scriptural fidelity. It implies that his reforms were not arbitrary innovations or personal preferences, but a meticulous restoration of the worship practices precisely as commanded by God through Moses in the Torah. This highlights a key theme in Chronicles: the prosperity and well-being of the nation are directly tied to obedience to God's covenant and His Law. By grounding his actions in "the law of the LORD," Hezekiah demonstrated a profound respect for God's revealed will, providing a blueprint for righteous governance and worship that was rooted in divine revelation rather than human tradition or political expediency. It underscores the importance of a "back to the Bible" approach in spiritual renewal (compare [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Hezekiah's diligent provision for the burnt offerings, ensuring the continuous and proper functioning of the Temple's sacrificial system "as it is written in the law of the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision made by Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's efforts sustained a system of temporary, animal sacrifices that merely covered sin, Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for the sins of humanity. Hezekiah's adherence to the Mosaic Law points to Christ's perfect obedience, who came not to abolish the Law but to [fulfill it](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law"). Furthermore, Hezekiah, as a righteous king, provided the means for his people to approach God; similarly, Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), has provided eternal access to God through His own body, which was the ultimate "burnt offering" of complete dedication and atonement. Through His finished work on the cross, Christ has secured a [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") and a [perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") that permanently cleanses us from sin, making all other provisions and rituals obsolete.

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

Ezekiel 45:17

And it shall be the prince's part [to give] burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

2 Chronicles 35:7

And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king's substance.

Colossians 2:16

¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:

Colossians 2:17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Leviticus 23:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, [Concerning] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, [even] these [are] my feasts.

Leviticus 23:44

And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.

Psalms 81:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.