2 Chronicles 31:5

KJV

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as soon as the commandment {H1697} came abroad {H6555}, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} brought {H935} in abundance {H7235} the firstfruits {H7225} of corn {H1715}, wine {H8492}, and oil {H3323}, and honey {H1706}, and of all the increase {H8393} of the field {H7704}; and the tithe {H4643} of all things brought {H935} they in abundantly {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As soon as the order was issued, the people of Isra'el gave in abundance from the firstfruits of the grain, wine, olive oil, honey and other agricultural produce; they brought the required tenth and more.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything.

American Standard Version

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first-fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 31:5 vividly portrays the immediate and overwhelming response of the Israelites to King Hezekiah's decree concerning the provision for the Temple priests and Levites. Following a profound period of spiritual decline and subsequent national revival, the people's spontaneous and abundant bringing of firstfruits and tithes signifies a deep, heartfelt repentance and a renewed commitment to God's covenant. This joyful obedience and active participation demonstrate their sincere desire to restore the divinely ordained system of worship and ministry, marking a significant turning point in Judah's spiritual history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 2 Chronicles, detailing King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms aimed at reversing generations of apostasy and neglect in Judah. Chapters 29 and 30 meticulously describe the cleansing and rededication of the Temple, a long-overdue act of purification, followed by the celebration of a belated but deeply significant Passover, which remarkably drew participants from both Judah and the remnant of Israel. Having meticulously restored the physical space for worship and the communal act of worship itself, Hezekiah then turned his attention to the practical sustenance of those dedicated to Temple service. [2 Chronicles 31:4](/2_chronicles/31-4 "2 Chronicles 31:4 - Hezekiah's Command to Support the Levites") explicitly records Hezekiah's command for the people to provide the portions due to the priests and Levites, ensuring they could devote themselves fully to the Lord's law and service. Verse 5, therefore, serves as the immediate and enthusiastic fulfillment of this royal and divine mandate, showcasing the tangible fruit of the spiritual revival that had swept through the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah's reign (c. 715–686 BC) succeeded the dark and idolatrous period under his father, Ahaz, who had actively promoted pagan worship and closed the Temple doors. The nation was in profound spiritual disarray and politically vulnerable. Hezekiah's reforms were not merely religious but were a comprehensive act of national restoration, seeking to re-establish Judah's identity as God's covenant people. The system of firstfruits and tithes was a foundational element of Mosaic Law, designed to acknowledge God's sovereignty over the land and its produce, and crucially, to provide for the Levites and priests who had no tribal land inheritance but were consecrated for Temple service. The people's abundant bringing of these offerings indicates a profound societal and cultural shift, moving from widespread disobedience and neglect of God's commands to a fervent embrace of their covenant responsibilities, reflecting a deep cultural memory of God's provisions and the laws of the land. This act was a public declaration of their renewed allegiance to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The prompt and generous response of the people in [2 Chronicles 31:5](/2_chronicles/31-5 "2 Chronicles 31:5 - The Abundant Offerings of Israel") powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. First, it highlights **Obedience and Revival**, demonstrating that true spiritual awakening is not merely an emotional experience but manifests in tangible acts of obedience to God's commands, contrasting sharply with the spiritual apathy and disobedience of previous reigns. Second, the repeated emphasis on "abundance" speaks to **Generosity and Abundance**, indicating that the giving was not grudging compliance but an overflowing, joyful response, reflecting a heart transformed by revival and a recognition of God's prior generosity. This echoes principles found in passages like [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). Third, the verse emphasizes **Support for Ministry**, illustrating the crucial biblical principle that those dedicated to full-time spiritual service should be sustained by the community they serve, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties without distraction, a concept later affirmed in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers"). Finally, the mention of "firstfruits" and "tithes" reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness and Stewardship**, reminding the people of their obligation under the Mosaic Law to acknowledge God as the ultimate provider by offering Him the best and a tenth of all their increase, as outlined in laws like [Deuteronomy 26:2](/deuteronomy/26-2 "Deuteronomy 26:2 - Offering of Firstfruits") and [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Tithes for the Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." In this context, it specifically denotes a decree or an authoritative instruction issued by King Hezekiah, reflecting his divine mandate to restore proper worship. The "commandment" was not merely a suggestion but a binding directive that elicited a widespread and immediate response, highlighting the king's spiritual authority and the people's readiness to obey God's revealed will through their leader.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** From H7225, this term signifies "the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)." It refers to the initial, choicest produce of the harvest—the very first ripe grains, fruits, or livestock. Offering the _rêʼshîyth_ was a deeply symbolic act of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessing and provision. It represented giving God the "first and best" as an act of faith that He would bless the remainder of the harvest, demonstrating trust and devotion before the full harvest was even gathered.
* **Tithe (Hebrew, _maʻăsêr'_):** From H4643, this word means "a tenth; especially a tithe." The _maʻăsêr_ was a fixed percentage (10%) of one's agricultural produce or livestock, designated by Mosaic Law for specific purposes. The primary tithe was given to the Levites for their sustenance, as they had no tribal land inheritance and were consecrated for Temple service. The bringing of the tithe was a fundamental act of obedience and a practical means of supporting the religious infrastructure of Israel, ensuring that those dedicated to God's service were adequately provided for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as soon as the commandment came abroad":** This phrase emphasizes the remarkable immediacy and widespread dissemination of King Hezekiah's decree. The verb "came abroad" (H6555, _pârats_) implies a breaking forth or spreading out, indicating that the command was not confined to Jerusalem but rapidly reached throughout the land, highlighting the swift and effective communication of the king's will and the people's readiness to respond. It underscores the promptness of their obedience to the newly re-established divine order.
* **"the children of Israel brought in abundance":** This clause highlights the active participation of the entire nation, "the children of Israel," signifying a collective and unified response. The phrase "brought in abundance" (H7235, _râbâh_, "to increase") emphasizes the generous and overflowing nature of their giving. This was not a grudging compliance but an outpouring of willing hearts, demonstrating a quantity that exceeded mere obligation, reflecting the depth of their spiritual revival.
* **"the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field;":** This detailed enumeration lists the specific types of agricultural produce offered as firstfruits. "Corn" (grain), "wine," and "oil" were staple agricultural products, representing the basic sustenance and wealth derived from the land. The inclusion of "honey" is notable, as it was generally excluded from altar offerings but permissible as firstfruits, signifying the sweetness and richness of the land's bounty. "All the increase of the field" serves as a comprehensive category, ensuring that every type of agricultural yield was included in this offering of the best, demonstrating the thoroughness of their dedication.
* **"and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.":** This final clause specifies the second major category of offering: the tithe. The phrase "of all [things]" confirms that the tithe was a tenth of *all* their produce, not just the specified firstfruits, underscoring the comprehensive nature of their obedience to the Mosaic Law. The repetition of "abundantly" (H7230, _rôb_, "abundance, multitude") reinforces the extraordinary generosity and overflowing nature of their giving, emphasizing that both firstfruits and tithes were brought in copious amounts, far exceeding the bare minimum required by law, indicative of a joyful and willing heart.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 31:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound impact of Hezekiah's reforms and the people's renewed devotion. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, vividly expressed through the repeated use of "abundance" (H7235, _râbâh_) and "abundantly" (H7230, _rôb_). While the people's response was genuinely generous, the doubling of this descriptor emphasizes the extraordinary, overflowing nature of their giving, signifying a spiritual fervor that went beyond mere duty. This serves to highlight the dramatic contrast with previous periods of neglect and spiritual apathy. **Repetition** of the concept of "abundance" also serves to underscore the central message of overwhelming generosity and willing obedience, impressing upon the reader the depth of the revival. Furthermore, the detailed **Enumeration** of "corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field" provides vivid imagery, making the offerings tangible and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the people's giving from every aspect of their agricultural livelihood. This specific listing contributes to the sense of a complete and thorough restoration of covenant practices, painting a picture of a nation fully engaged in honoring God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound generosity and spontaneous obedience of the Israelites in 2 Chronicles 31:5 resonate deeply with core biblical truths about God's character and humanity's response. It underscores the principle that true spiritual revival is not merely an emotional experience but manifests in tangible acts of obedience, particularly in stewardship and support for God's work. The giving of firstfruits and tithes was an act of worship, an acknowledgment that all provision comes from God, and a demonstration of trust in His continued blessing. This passage teaches that when hearts are genuinely turned back to God, giving becomes a joyful privilege rather than a burdensome obligation, ensuring the flourishing of ministry and the proper functioning of corporate worship. It illustrates that God delights in the willing and abundant offerings of His people, which enable His kingdom purposes to advance.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6-7 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Cheerful Giving and Abundant Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 31:5 offers a powerful blueprint for contemporary believers regarding generosity, stewardship, and the support of ministry. The Israelites' immediate and abundant response was not coerced but flowed from a renewed heart, demonstrating that true giving is an overflow of gratitude and devotion to God, a joyful recognition of His prior abundant provision. This challenges us to examine the posture of our own hearts in giving—do we give out of obligation, or out of a cheerful and trusting response to God's goodness in our lives? Just as the firstfruits represented the best and the tithe a faithful proportion, our giving should reflect a commitment to honoring God with our "first and best," trusting Him with the remainder. Furthermore, this passage reminds us of our responsibility to practically support those who are dedicated to full-time ministry, ensuring that the work of the Gospel can continue unhindered. Our financial contributions are not merely donations; they are acts of worship that enable the spread of God's kingdom and the spiritual nourishment of His people, participating in God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "abundance" of the Israelites' giving challenge my own perspective on generosity and stewardship, particularly in light of God's abundant provision for me?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively support those who are dedicated to full-time ministry in my local church or broader Christian community?**
* **Beyond financial contributions, what does it mean for me to give my "firstfruits" to God in terms of my time, talents, and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What was the "commandment" that prompted such an abundant response?**

Answer: The "commandment" refers to King Hezekiah's decree, specifically mentioned in [2 Chronicles 31:4](/2_chronicles/31-4 "2 Chronicles 31:4 - Hezekiah's Command to Provide for Priests and Levites"). Following the spiritual revival and Temple rededication, Hezekiah commanded the people of Jerusalem to provide the portions due to the priests and Levites, so that these ministers could devote themselves fully to the Law of the Lord and their sacred duties. This command was rooted in the Mosaic Law, which stipulated that the Levites and priests, having no tribal land inheritance, were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. Hezekiah's decree was a re-establishment of this divine ordinance, which had been neglected for many years, indicating a comprehensive restoration of covenant practices.

**Why was honey included in the list of firstfruits, given its typical exclusion from altar offerings?**

Answer: While honey was generally prohibited from being offered on the altar as a burnt offering (as stated in [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Honey in Grain Offerings")), it was permissible and even expected as part of the firstfruits offerings brought to the Temple storehouses for the sustenance of the priests and Levites. The prohibition on the altar was likely due to its fermenting properties or its association with pagan rituals which often used honey. However, as a product of the Promised Land, honey was considered a valuable and sweet part of the land's bounty. Thus, it was appropriate to bring it as a firstfruit offering to support the priests and Levites, as it represented the "sweetness" and richness of God's provision from the "land flowing with milk and honey." It was a gift of the land, intended for the support of the ministers, not for consumption on the altar.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 31:5, with its vivid portrayal of the Israelites' abundant giving of firstfruits and tithes, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant system of offerings provided for the Levitical priesthood and pointed to the need for atonement and sustenance for worship, Christ Himself is the supreme fulfillment of all offerings. He is the ultimate "firstfruits" of the resurrection, as [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection") declares, guaranteeing the resurrection of all who believe in Him. His perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross represent the ultimate and complete offering, making all subsequent human offerings mere responses to His finished work. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the once-for-all sacrifice that perfects those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from prescribed agricultural produce to a heart transformed by grace, compelling believers to offer themselves fully to God as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), which is our spiritual act of worship. Our giving, whether of financial resources, time, or talent, is no longer a means to earn favor or maintain a system, but a joyful, Spirit-empowered response to the immeasurable abundance of God's grace revealed in Christ's ultimate provision. Just as the Israelites supported their priests, believers are now called to generously support the spread of the Gospel and the ministries that proclaim Christ, ensuring that the spiritual nourishment of God's Word reaches all nations, echoing the New Testament call to cheerful and abundant giving in light of Christ's ultimate sacrifice ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")).

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

Nehemiah 13:12

Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 24:10

And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

2 Chronicles 24:11

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that [there was] much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

Nehemiah 10:35

And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

Nehemiah 10:39

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

Exodus 36:5

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

Exodus 36:6

And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.