2 Chronicles 31:4

KJV

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover he commanded {H559} the people {H5971} that dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389} to give {H5414} the portion {H4521} of the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, that they might be encouraged {H2388} in the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also ordered the people living in Yerushalayim to contribute the portion meant for the cohanim and L'vi'im, so that they would be submitting themselves to the Torah of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:4 captures a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's spiritual reformation, demonstrating his commitment to restoring proper worship and divine order in Judah. Following a widespread national Passover celebration and the people's spontaneous outpouring of tithes and offerings, Hezekiah issued a formal command to ensure the sustained provision for the priests and Levites. This royal decree was not merely an administrative act but a strategic spiritual initiative designed to empower the temple ministers, freeing them from secular concerns so they could fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties and the diligent study and teaching of God's law, thereby fostering national spiritual health.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, particularly his comprehensive spiritual reforms detailed in [2 Chronicles 29-32](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin"). After his father Ahaz's idolatrous rule, Hezekiah immediately moved to cleanse and reopen the temple ([2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah Reopens the Temple")), reinstate proper worship, and celebrate a long-neglected national Passover ([2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - The Great Passover")). The immense spiritual fervor generated by these events led to the spontaneous destruction of idolatrous altars and high places throughout Judah and Israel ([2 Chronicles 31:1](/2_chronicles/31-1 "2 Chronicles 31:1 - Destruction of Idols")). Furthermore, the people, in their renewed devotion, brought in vast quantities of firstfruits, tithes, and offerings, exceeding all expectations ([2 Chronicles 31:5-10](/2_chronicles/31-5 "2 Chronicles 31:5-10 - Abundant Offerings and Their Distribution")). Verse 4, therefore, serves as Hezekiah's official command to formalize and sustain this provision, ensuring the ongoing viability of the Levitical system that had been neglected for so long.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC, a period marked by significant political and spiritual challenges, including the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. His reign was a stark contrast to that of his father, Ahaz, who had actively promoted idolatry and even closed the temple. Culturally, the support of the priesthood and Levites was a foundational aspect of Israelite society, deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law. The Levites, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan ([Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their sustenance was divinely ordained to come from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, enabling them to dedicate themselves entirely to temple service, teaching the law, and mediating between God and His people. Hezekiah's command was thus a restoration of this crucial, divinely mandated system, vital for the spiritual health and stability of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Support for Ministry**, underscoring the biblical principle that those who minister in spiritual capacities should be adequately provided for by the community they serve. This provision was essential for the priests and Levites to fulfill their unique, full-time roles without distraction. Secondly, it exemplifies **Obedience to God's Law** and **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Hezekiah's command was a direct re-establishment of the Mosaic ordinances regarding the sustenance of the priestly class, which had been neglected during previous reigns. This act demonstrated a commitment to living according to God's established order. Finally, and most profoundly, the verse emphasizes **Encouragement in God's Word**. The ultimate purpose of this support was "that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD," meaning they would be strengthened and enabled to diligently study, teach, and live out God's commandments, thereby fostering spiritual growth and knowledge throughout the nation, echoing the importance of God's Word found in passages like [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **portion (Hebrew, _manah'_):** This term refers to a "share," "allotment," or "prescribed due." In the context of the Old Testament, it specifically denotes the divinely ordained share of tithes and offerings that was to be given to the priests and Levites for their sustenance, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites' Inheritance from Tithes") and [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for Levites and Others"). Hezekiah's command was not an arbitrary tax but a restoration of this ancient, God-given right and responsibility, ensuring the ministers received what was lawfully due to them.
* **encouraged (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This versatile Hebrew verb means "to be strong," "to be firm," "to be resolute," "to be strengthened," or "to be enabled." Here, it implies that by receiving their necessary provisions, the priests and Levites would be empowered and freed from the anxieties of daily sustenance. This "strengthening" would allow them to steadfastly devote their full time, energy, and mental faculties to their sacred duties, particularly the study, teaching, and application of God's law, without being distracted by the need to engage in secular labor for their livelihood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem":** This opening clause highlights King Hezekiah's proactive leadership and royal authority. The phrase "commanded" (וַיְצַו, _wayṣaw'_) signifies a formal, authoritative decree, not merely a suggestion. The specific mention of "the people that dwelt in Jerusalem" suggests the initial focus of this command, likely because Jerusalem was the center of worship and where the temple personnel primarily resided. However, the subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 31:5-6) indicate that this command was extended throughout all the cities of Judah.
* **"to give the portion of the priests and the Levites":** This specifies the action required of the people and the beneficiaries of that action. "The portion" refers to the established tithes and offerings, which were the divinely appointed means of support for the Levitical priesthood. This command was a direct implementation of Mosaic Law, which had been largely neglected during previous, unfaithful reigns. It was a call to restore the covenantal obligation of the people to sustain those dedicated to God's service.
* **"that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD":** This crucial teleological clause reveals the ultimate purpose and spiritual benefit of the king's command. The material support was not an end in itself but a means to a greater spiritual end. By being "encouraged" or strengthened, the priests and Levites would be enabled to fully immerse themselves in "the law of the LORD"—studying it, teaching it to the people, and living by its precepts. This dedicated focus on God's Word was vital for the spiritual revival and ongoing health of the entire nation, ensuring that divine instruction remained central to Judah's life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Didacticism**, serving as a clear instruction and principle for the proper functioning of God's people and their relationship with those in spiritual leadership. There is a strong element of **Cause and Effect**: the people's giving (cause) directly leads to the priests and Levites being "encouraged in the law of the LORD" (effect), highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the congregation and its ministers. The phrase "the law of the LORD" acts as a **Metonymy** for the entire body of divine revelation and instruction, emphasizing its centrality to the spiritual life of the nation. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching **Restoration Motif** prevalent throughout Hezekiah's reign, as it details the re-establishment of a divinely ordained system that had fallen into disuse, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a timeless theological principle: the responsibility of God's people to provide for those who minister in His name. It underscores the divine wisdom in establishing a system where certain individuals are set apart for full-time spiritual service, and the community is called to support them, thereby enabling their dedication to sacred duties. This principle ensures that those who teach and lead spiritually are not burdened by secular concerns, allowing them to fully devote themselves to prayer, study, and the care of the flock. It reflects God's orderly nature and His provision for His work, emphasizing that supporting ministry is not merely charity but an act of obedience and participation in God's ongoing redemptive plan. The spiritual health of a nation or a church is intrinsically linked to the ability of its spiritual leaders to be "encouraged in the law of the LORD."

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 31:4 offers profound and enduring principles for believers and the church today. It compels us to consider our role in sustaining those who are called to full-time ministry, whether they are pastors, missionaries, evangelists, or other spiritual leaders. Just as Hezekiah understood that the spiritual vitality of Judah depended on a well-supported and dedicated priesthood, so too does the spiritual health of our communities and churches rely on ministers who are freed to focus on prayer, the diligent study and teaching of God's Word, and pastoral care. Our financial contributions, whether through tithes, offerings, or specific gifts, are not merely charitable acts but investments in the kingdom of God. When we generously support those in ministry, we are actively participating in their work, enabling them to be "encouraged in the law of the LORD" and faithfully carry out their God-given tasks, ultimately strengthening the entire body of Christ and extending the reach of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of supporting those in ministry, as seen in 2 Chronicles 31:4, challenge or affirm my current giving practices?**
* **In what practical ways can I help "encourage" my spiritual leaders, beyond financial support, to be more fully devoted to God's Word and service?**
* **What are the potential consequences for a church or community if its spiritual leaders are not adequately supported or are distracted by worldly concerns?**
* **How does my participation in supporting ministry contribute to the overall spiritual health and growth of my local church and the broader Christian mission?**

### FAQ

**What was "the portion" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The portion" refers to the prescribed share or allotment of tithes and offerings that was legally and divinely due to the priests and Levites according to the Mosaic Law. Since the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan, God ordained that they would be sustained by the tithes and offerings of the other eleven tribes. This provision, detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Levites' Inheritance from Tithes") and [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for Levites and the Needy"), allowed the priests and Levites to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the temple, teaching the law, and mediating between God and His people, without needing to engage in secular labor for their livelihood. Hezekiah's command was a restoration of this essential, God-given system.

**Why was it important for the priests and Levites to be "encouraged in the law of the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "encouraged in the law of the LORD" signifies being strengthened, enabled, or made resolute in their commitment to God's Word. It was crucial because their primary function was to minister in the temple and to teach God's law to the people. If they were burdened by the need to secure their own sustenance, they would be distracted from their spiritual responsibilities. By providing for them, the people freed the priests and Levites to diligently study, meditate upon, teach, and live out God's commandments. This dedicated focus on the Law ensured the spiritual instruction and health of the entire nation, preventing spiritual decline and promoting covenant faithfulness. Their encouragement in the Law directly translated to the spiritual flourishing of Judah.

**Does this verse apply to Christian giving today?**

Answer: Yes, the principle embedded in 2 Chronicles 31:4 carries significant application for Christian giving today. While the specific Levitical system of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of providing for those who dedicate themselves to full-time spiritual ministry remains foundational in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul explicitly affirms this in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Paul on Supporting Gospel Preachers"), stating, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." Similarly, [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Instructor") instructs, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." Therefore, just as the Levites were supported to focus on the Law, so too are pastors, missionaries, and other full-time Christian workers to be supported by the church so they can be "encouraged" and enabled to devote themselves to prayer, the study and teaching of God's Word, and the work of the Gospel without undue financial distraction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:4 details the restoration of the Old Covenant system of supporting the Levitical priesthood, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ and the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests who offered daily sacrifices, offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). He is also the very embodiment of "the law of the LORD," being the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. In the New Covenant, the support for ministry shifts from a tribal inheritance to a voluntary, Spirit-empowered giving by believers to sustain those called to proclaim the Gospel and build up the Church. The "encouragement in the law of the LORD" for New Testament ministers is now an empowerment by the Holy Spirit to faithfully preach Christ, the living Word, and to teach His commands, enabling the church to grow into the "fullness of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Unity in the Faith")). Thus, the principle of supporting ministry continues, not to maintain a shadow, but to advance the reality of God's kingdom through the proclamation of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and the perfect Law of God.

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

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Numbers 18:8

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Numbers 18:21

And, 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.

Nehemiah 13:10

¶ And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given [them]: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

Nehemiah 13:13

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?