2 Chronicles 31:7

KJV

In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished [them] in the seventh month.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the third {H7992} month {H2320} they began {H2490} to lay the foundation {H3245} of the heaps {H6194}, and finished {H3615} them in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They began accumulating these heaps in the third month and completed them in the seventh month.

Berean Standard Bible

In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month.

American Standard Version

In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 31:7 vividly portrays the immense scale and sustained duration of the offerings brought by the people of Judah during King Hezekiah's sweeping spiritual reforms. This verse marks the culmination of a period of profound national generosity, where the contributions of firstfruits and tithes were so vast that they formed literal "heaps," requiring several months to collect and organize, underscoring the people's zealous and widespread commitment to supporting the restored temple worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of 2 Chronicles, detailing King Hezekiah's comprehensive religious reforms and revival. Following the spiritual declension of previous reigns, Hezekiah initiated a profound cleansing and rededication of the temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple"), and subsequently led a joyous, extended celebration of Passover in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Passover Celebration"). Chapter 31 then describes the practical outworking of this spiritual renewal: the people's enthusiastic response to Hezekiah's command to provide for the priests and Levites. Verses [2 Chronicles 31:5-6](/2_chronicles/31-5 "2 Chronicles 31:5-6 - People's Generosity") specifically detail the unprecedented outpouring of firstfruits and tithes from all over Judah and Israel, leading directly into verse 7, which describes the physical manifestation of these abundant contributions as "heaps." This verse, therefore, serves as a tangible testament to the depth and sincerity of the people's repentance and renewed devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of the "third month" (Sivan) and the "seventh month" (Tishri) is crucial for understanding the historical and agricultural context. The third month, Sivan, typically falls in May/June and coincides with the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), marking the wheat harvest and the presentation of firstfruits. The seventh month, Tishri, typically falls in September/October and is a period of major feasts, including the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which marked the ingathering of the final harvest. This timeframe of four months (from Sivan to Tishri) encompasses the main agricultural harvest seasons in ancient Israel. The "heaps" thus represent the culmination of the year's produce, given as firstfruits and tithes, demonstrating the people's obedience to the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:22-29](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - Laws of Tithes and Offerings")). The sheer volume indicates a widespread, national commitment, facilitated by Hezekiah's organized administration, which was necessary to manage such an immense collection from various regions.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 2 Chronicles and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Abundant Generosity**, showcasing a people whose hearts were so turned towards God that their giving far exceeded mere obligation, forming literal mountains of produce. This reflects a profound and widespread commitment to supporting God's work and His appointed ministers. Secondly, the specific timeframe underscores **Order and Diligence** in stewardship. The sustained effort from the third to the seventh month demonstrates not only the vastness of the contributions but also the efficient and organized administration put in place by Hezekiah to manage such a large undertaking. Thirdly, these physical "heaps" are a direct and tangible manifestation of **Spiritual Revival**. When the people's hearts were right with God, their obedience extended to their resources, fulfilling the principle that true worship impacts every area of life, including material possessions. Finally, the sheer volume of offerings also implicitly points to **Divine Provision and Blessing**. The ability of the people to give so lavishly suggests that God had blessed their land and their labor, enabling such an outpouring of generosity, echoing promises found in passages like [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - God's Promise Regarding Tithes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heaps (Hebrew, _'aramah'_ עֲרֵמָה):** This noun literally means "a pile," "a stack," or "a heap." Its use here is not merely descriptive but emphasizes the extraordinary volume and physical accumulation of the offerings. It conveys a sense of overwhelming abundance, suggesting that the contributions were so numerous they formed mountainous piles, far exceeding what was merely expected or easily contained. It signifies the tangible, visible evidence of the people's unprecedented devotion and generosity.
* **Third Month (Hebrew, _chodesh hashlishi_ חֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁלִישִׁי):** This refers to the month of Sivan (May/June), which was significant as it followed the Passover celebration (Nisan) and coincided with the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), a time of offering firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Beginning the collection in this month signifies an immediate and eager response to Hezekiah's call, aligning with the agricultural cycle.
* **Seventh Month (Hebrew, _chodesh hashvi'i_ חֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי):** This refers to the month of Tishri (September/October), which marked the end of the agricultural year and included major festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrating the ingathering of the final harvest. Finishing the collection in this month highlights the sustained effort over several months, encompassing the full cycle of agricultural produce and demonstrating the diligence required to manage such a massive undertaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps":** This clause indicates the precise start of the collection and organization of the offerings. The phrase "lay the foundation" suggests a deliberate, systematic, and organized effort, implying that the offerings were not haphazardly dumped but carefully managed and stacked from the very beginning. The timing in the third month (Sivan) links the beginning of this massive undertaking to the post-Passover spiritual fervor and the start of the harvest season, when firstfruits would be gathered.
* **"and finished [them] in the seventh month":** This clause marks the completion of the collection and arrangement of the offerings. The span from the third to the seventh month (Sivan to Tishri) covers approximately four months, encompassing the entirety of the primary harvest seasons. This extended duration underscores the sheer volume of the contributions and the significant administrative effort required to process, categorize, and store such an immense quantity of produce, wine, and oil. It speaks to both the people's sustained generosity and the efficiency of Hezekiah's administration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Chronological Markers** are prominently used, with the specific mention of "the third month" and "the seventh month" providing a precise temporal framework. This not only grounds the narrative in historical reality but also emphasizes the sustained effort and the significant duration required for this massive undertaking. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of "heaps," which, while likely literal in the sense of large piles, also serves to exaggerate the overwhelming abundance, underscoring the extraordinary generosity of the people. This vivid imagery creates a strong impression of overflowing provision. Furthermore, the physical "heaps" function as **Symbolism**, representing the tangible fruit of spiritual revival. They are a visible testament to the people's renewed commitment to God, demonstrating that a transformed heart leads to transformed actions, particularly in the realm of material stewardship and support for sacred institutions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Chronicles 31:7 serves as a powerful theological statement about the relationship between spiritual revival and tangible obedience. The overflowing generosity of the people, manifested in these "heaps" of offerings, is a direct result of their hearts being turned back to God under Hezekiah's leadership. It illustrates the principle that when God's people are truly devoted, their obedience extends to their resources, demonstrating trust in His provision and a desire to honor Him with their firstfruits. This act of giving was not merely a duty but a joyful, abundant response to God's goodness, reflecting a profound understanding that all blessings come from Him. It also highlights God's faithfulness to provide for His people when they are obedient, enabling them to give so lavishly.

* [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Bringing Firstfruits to the Priest")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor God with Your Wealth")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 2 Chronicles 31:7 offers a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. It reminds us that genuine spiritual renewal is rarely confined to internal feelings but often manifests in tangible acts of obedience, particularly in how we steward our resources. The "heaps" symbolize a generosity born out of a willing heart, a response to God's goodness rather than a grudging obligation. This verse calls us to examine our own giving: Is it proportionate to the blessings we have received? Do we give with diligence and joy, recognizing that our contributions support God's ongoing work in the world? Furthermore, the sustained effort from the "third month" to the "seventh month" highlights the importance of consistent, organized stewardship. It's not just about an initial burst of enthusiasm, but about sustained commitment and wise management of what God has entrusted to us for the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the abundant generosity of the people in Hezekiah's time challenge our contemporary understanding and practice of giving?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, demonstrate similar diligence and order in our contributions to God's work today?**
* **What "heaps" of spiritual or material blessings has God poured into our lives, and how might our response reflect His generosity and faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Why did it take so long to collect these offerings?**

Answer: The duration from the third month to the seventh month (approximately four months) was necessary due to the immense scale of the offerings and the logistical challenges involved. The contributions came from all over Judah and Israel ([2 Chronicles 31:6](/2_chronicles/31-6 "2 Chronicles 31:6 - Contributions from All Israel")), requiring significant time for transportation. Furthermore, the offerings consisted of agricultural produce (grain, wine, oil, honey) and livestock, which needed to be collected, measured, and stored as they were harvested throughout the agricultural season. The specific timeframe encompasses the main harvest periods, from the early wheat harvest in Sivan to the final ingathering in Tishri. This sustained effort also reflects the meticulous organization and administration put in place by King Hezekiah and his officials to manage such a massive national undertaking.

**What was the purpose of these "heaps" of offerings?**

Answer: The primary purpose of these "heaps" was to provide sustained support for the priests and Levites who served in the temple. As part of Hezekiah's reforms, he recognized the need to restore the proper functioning of the temple worship, which included ensuring that those dedicated to temple service were adequately provided for, allowing them to focus fully on their duties ([2 Chronicles 31:4](/2_chronicles/31-4 "2 Chronicles 31:4 - Hezekiah's Command to Support Priests")). These offerings, consisting of firstfruits and tithes, were mandated by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Tithes for the Levites")) to sustain the Levitical priesthood, who had no tribal land inheritance. The abundance ensured that there was more than enough, leading to the question in [2 Chronicles 31:10](/2_chronicles/31-10 "2 Chronicles 31:10 - Azariah's Report of Abundance") about the "heaps," indicating God's blessing on their obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 31:7 describes the physical "heaps" of offerings as a testament to Israel's revived obedience and God's temporal provision, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate and eternal provision found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system of tithes and offerings, while good and commanded, was a shadow of the perfect and complete sacrifice that Christ would make. The "heaps" of grain, wine, and oil, though abundant, were temporary and perishable; they foreshadow the inexhaustible spiritual riches and eternal life offered through Christ. Our giving under the New Covenant is not primarily to support a physical temple, but to participate in the spread of the Gospel and the building of His spiritual body, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with Saints")). The ultimate "foundation" laid is not of physical heaps, but Christ Himself, the [chief cornerstone](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual temple is built. Our generosity, like that of the early church in [Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32-35 - Believers Share All Things"), becomes a joyful, Spirit-empowered response to the immeasurable gift of God's Son, who, though rich, for our sakes became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). The abundance of the Old Covenant points to the superabundant grace and provision of the New, where Christ is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a spiritual feast that truly satisfies for all eternity.

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

Leviticus 23:16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.