2 Chronicles 32:28

KJV

Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.

KJV (with Strong's)

Storehouses {H4543} also for the increase {H8393} of corn {H1715}, and wine {H8492}, and oil {H3323}; and stalls {H723} for all manner of beasts {H929}, and cotes {H220} for flocks {H5739}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine and olive oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock and pens for the flocks.

Berean Standard Bible

He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks.

American Standard Version

store-houses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and flocks in folds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:28 offers a vivid depiction of King Hezekiah's immense wealth and his meticulous administrative foresight, illustrating the tangible blessings bestowed upon Judah during his reign. Following a period of miraculous divine deliverance from the Assyrian threat and a declaration of Hezekiah's great honor, this verse meticulously itemizes the extensive infrastructure he established. These "storehouses," "stalls," and "cotes" were designed to manage and preserve the kingdom's abundant agricultural output and thriving livestock, serving as a testament to God's favor and Hezekiah's diligent stewardship, which together ensured the stability and prosperity of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a concluding summary of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically detailing the "riches and honor" that God bestowed upon him ([2 Chronicles 32:27](/2_chronicles/32-27 "2 Chronicles 32:27 - God's Blessing on Hezekiah")). It immediately follows the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, a pivotal event that solidified Hezekiah's reputation and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant people (see [2 Chronicles 32:1-23](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance")). The description of Judah's prosperity in verses 27-29 serves as a direct consequence of God's intervention and Hezekiah's faithfulness, particularly his religious reforms and trust in the Lord. This section, therefore, highlights the material blessings that accompanied divine favor, contrasting with the earlier narrative of threat and siege. The subsequent verses then briefly touch upon Hezekiah's pride and humility ([2 Chronicles 32:24-26](/2_chronicles/32-24-26 "2 Chronicles 32:24-26 - Hezekiah's Illness and Humility")) before concluding his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's wealth and the prosperity of his kingdom were often seen as direct indicators of divine favor and his ability to govern effectively. Judah, though small, was strategically located between major empires, making self-sufficiency and robust defenses crucial. The "corn, wine, and oil" mentioned were the staple agricultural products of the region, representing the core of the ancient economy. "Beasts" and "flocks" signify livestock, essential for food, labor, and trade. The establishment of "storehouses," "stalls," and "cotes" reflects advanced agricultural management and infrastructure, necessary for sustaining a large population, supporting the military, and preparing for times of drought or siege. Hezekiah's reign, particularly after the Assyrian withdrawal, marked a period of rebuilding and consolidation, where such organized wealth would have been vital for national recovery and security.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, demonstrating God's tangible favor upon a faithful king and his obedient people. This echoes the covenant promises of blessing for obedience found in the Mosaic Law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Deuteronomy 28:8 - Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, it highlights **Wise Stewardship and Preparation**. Hezekiah was not merely a recipient of blessing but a diligent administrator who organized and managed the kingdom's resources with foresight. The detailed inventory of storage facilities and animal enclosures points to careful planning, ensuring the kingdom's resilience and self-sufficiency, a principle often extolled in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Wisdom of the Ant")). Lastly, the verse speaks to **National Strength and Security**. Ample provisions of food and resources were foundational for the stability and defense of any ancient kingdom, allowing Judah to sustain its populace and military, thereby contributing significantly to its post-Assyrian recovery and overall well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Storehouses (Hebrew, _miçkᵉnâh'_):** From H4543, this term refers to a magazine or treasury, implying substantial structures built for the purpose of storing agricultural produce, particularly grain, wine, and oil. Their existence signifies not just simple storage but organized infrastructure for managing a surplus, indicating a thriving economy and a king's foresight in ensuring the kingdom's long-term sustenance and wealth.
* **Increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** From H8393, this word denotes the produce or yield of the land, specifically the agricultural harvest. The phrase "increase of corn, and wine, and oil" emphasizes that these were not merely subsistence crops but a surplus, indicating abundant harvests and a flourishing agricultural economy that generated significant wealth beyond immediate consumption.
* **Cotes (Hebrew, _ʼăvêrâh'_):** From H220, this term refers to a stall or enclosure, typically for smaller livestock like sheep or goats. Unlike "stalls" which might imply more structured housing for larger animals, "cotes" suggest simpler, perhaps outdoor, but still organized and managed shelters for flocks. Their mention highlights the comprehensive nature of Hezekiah's administration, extending to all aspects of the kingdom's agricultural and pastoral wealth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil;":** This clause describes the infrastructure for managing the kingdom's agricultural wealth. "Storehouses" were essential for preserving surplus grain ("corn"), wine, and oil—the primary staples and sources of wealth in ancient Israel. The "increase" signifies a bountiful harvest, indicating divine blessing and productive land, which Hezekiah wisely managed to ensure long-term provision and economic stability for Judah.
* **"and stalls for all manner of beasts,":** This part of the verse details the facilities for larger livestock. "Stalls" implies more substantial structures for housing animals such as cattle, horses, or donkeys, which were crucial for labor, transportation, and meat. The phrase "all manner of beasts" emphasizes the diversity and extent of Hezekiah's animal husbandry, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing the kingdom's animal resources.
* **"and cotes for flocks.":** This final clause refers to enclosures for smaller, communal animals like sheep and goats. "Cotes" were typically pens or folds. The inclusion of these facilities underscores the completeness of Hezekiah's administrative oversight, ensuring that even the most common and numerous livestock were properly housed and managed, contributing to the overall prosperity and resilience of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Accumulation** to convey the vastness and comprehensiveness of Hezekiah's wealth and administrative efforts. By listing specific categories of assets—"corn, and wine, and oil," followed by "beasts, and cotes for flocks"—the text builds a detailed picture of abundance, emphasizing the totality of the kingdom's prosperity. This detailed listing also serves as a form of **Merism**, where the specific categories (agricultural produce and various types of livestock) represent the entirety of the kingdom's material wealth. Furthermore, the description of these organized provisions functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical abundance and meticulous organization symbolize God's blessing upon Hezekiah's reign and the resulting strength and stability of Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the Old Testament principle that material prosperity and national security often served as tangible signs of God's covenant faithfulness and blessing upon an obedient king and people. Hezekiah's vast wealth was not merely a result of human ingenuity but was explicitly stated to be "very much riches and honor" given to him by God ([2 Chronicles 32:27](/2_chronicles/32-27 "2 Chronicles 32:27 - God's Blessing on Hezekiah")). This divine provision, coupled with Hezekiah's diligent stewardship, created a flourishing kingdom capable of sustaining itself and withstanding external threats. It highlights the theological truth that God often blesses His people not just spiritually but also materially, enabling them to fulfill their societal and redemptive purposes. This abundance was a visible demonstration of God's care and a reward for Hezekiah's commitment to reforming Judah's worship and trusting in the Lord during times of crisis.

* [Deuteronomy 28:8](/deuteronomy/28-8 "Deuteronomy 28:8 - Blessings in Storehouses for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Brings Wealth")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bringing Tithes into the Storehouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Hezekiah's storehouses and provisions in 2 Chronicles 32:28 offers a powerful lesson in responsible stewardship and the nature of divine blessing. It reminds us that while all resources ultimately originate from God, human diligence and wise management are crucial responses to His generosity. Hezekiah's foresight in organizing and preserving the kingdom's wealth ensured its stability and resilience, providing for the needs of his people and preparing for future challenges. This example encourages believers today to cultivate a similar spirit of thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship in all areas of life—our finances, time, talents, relationships, and the natural world. It challenges us to consider how we can not only receive God's blessings but also multiply and manage them for the good of others and the glory of His kingdom, recognizing that true prosperity encompasses not just material abundance but also spiritual richness and preparedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's example of diligent stewardship challenge my own approach to managing the resources God has entrusted to me, whether material or otherwise?**
* **In what ways do I see God's provision in my life, and how can I better prepare for future needs while maintaining a posture of trust in His faithfulness?**
* **Beyond material wealth, what forms of "increase" or blessing does God provide (e.g., wisdom, peace, relationships), and how can I steward them for His glory and the good of others?**

### FAQ

**What was "corn" in ancient Israel, as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version (KJV) and other older translations, "corn" is a general term referring to grain, such as wheat or barley. It does not refer to maize (corn as we know it today), which was unknown in the ancient Near East and only introduced to the Old World after the discovery of the Americas. Wheat and barley were the staple food sources in ancient Israel, essential for bread and other basic sustenance. The mention of "corn, and wine, and oil" in [2 Chronicles 32:28](/2_chronicles/32-28 "2 Chronicles 32:28 - Hezekiah's Storehouses") represents the primary agricultural produce and the core of the ancient Israelite economy.

**How did King Hezekiah acquire such extensive wealth and resources?**

Answer: King Hezekiah's immense wealth was a multifaceted blessing. Firstly, it was a direct result of God's favor and blessing upon his faithful reign, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 32:27](/2_chronicles/32-27 "2 Chronicles 32:27 - God's Blessing on Hezekiah"). This divine blessing manifested in abundant harvests and thriving livestock. Secondly, Hezekiah was a shrewd and diligent administrator. His construction of "storehouses," "stalls," and "cotes" demonstrates careful planning and organization, maximizing the kingdom's agricultural output and ensuring its efficient management. Additionally, after the miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian invasion, surrounding nations brought gifts and tribute to Hezekiah, acknowledging his greatness and the God of Israel (see [2 Chronicles 32:23](/2_chronicles/32-23 "2 Chronicles 32:23 - Nations Bring Gifts to Hezekiah")). This combination of divine blessing, wise stewardship, and international recognition contributed to Judah's remarkable prosperity under his rule.

**Does this verse suggest that material wealth is always a sign of God's favor?**

Answer: While [2 Chronicles 32:28](/2_chronicles/32-28 "2 Chronicles 32:28 - Hezekiah's Prosperity") clearly links Hezekiah's prosperity to God's blessing, it's crucial to interpret this within the broader biblical context. In the Old Covenant, particularly under the Mosaic Law, material blessings were often promised as direct consequences of national obedience to God's commands (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). However, the Bible also presents instances where righteous individuals experienced hardship, and the wicked prospered (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Therefore, while God can and does bless materially, especially to enable His people for service, material wealth is not an exclusive or universal indicator of spiritual favor, nor is its absence a sign of disfavor. The New Testament emphasizes spiritual riches in Christ as the ultimate blessing (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly abundance and meticulous stewardship described in 2 Chronicles 32:28, though impressive, ultimately point beyond themselves to the infinitely greater and eternal provisions found in Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's diligent administration of physical resources foreshadows Christ's perfect and eternal reign over His spiritual kingdom, where He is the ultimate provider and sustainer. Just as Hezekiah gathered "corn, and wine, and oil" into storehouses to sustain his people, Christ offers Himself as the true "Bread of Life" who satisfies all spiritual hunger (as proclaimed in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" that quenches eternal thirst (revealed in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus the Living Water")). The security and prosperity of Judah under Hezekiah, sustained by physical provisions, pale in comparison to the eternal security and spiritual riches believers possess in Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Hezekiah's earthly storehouses served temporary needs; Christ, however, encourages His followers to lay up "treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), signifying that true and lasting fulfillment is found not in perishable earthly goods but in the inexhaustible spiritual blessings and eternal life secured by Him.

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

1 Kings 4:26

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

2 Chronicles 26:10

Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

2 Samuel 7:8

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: