Bible Commentary 2 Chronicles 31:4

Psalm 12&14

Table of Contents

Theme: The Power Of The Release Of First Fruits And Tithes.

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

2 Chronicles 31:4

After the death of his father, King Ahaz who turned the people heavily into idol worship, his son, Hezekiah became the King and as did Jehoshaphat, his reign was characterized by a large scale effort to return the people to the worship of the true GOD.

He began from the sanctuary. He restored the Levites and priests to their positions and their responsibilities in the temple and service of GOD and urged them to sanctify themselves accordingly.

He took particular care to make provisions for their welfare as commanded by GOD and commanded the people to give. The people were moved to give abundantly and the result was that the LORD blessed the people ABUNDANTLY.

Key Scriptures

1. 2 Chronicles 31:5,10

5. As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the *firstfruits* of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the *tithes* of everything.

10. And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance.”

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES

1. 1Corinthians 8:2-5

2. that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

3. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

4. imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the LORD, and then to us by the will of GOD.

2. Phillipians 4:15-19

15..Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

16a. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

17. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to GOD.

19. And my GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by CHRIST JESUS.

3. Romans 15:27

It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

Reflections

1i. Why did the King Hezekiah choose to differ from the ways of his father, King Ahaz?

ii. What made him single out the necessity of restoring the priesthood and their duties and also releasing their “portion” to them?

3. Why did GOD bless the people?

i. Hezekiah witnessed the evil the father did by rejecting GOD and serving idols and the consequences on the nation.

ii. He knew the law of Moses and knew what he had to do to restore glory back to the nation. He understood the need to ensure the well-being and welfare of the priests and their families in order to get them to serve with their whole hearts.

iii. When the people willingly gave of their first fruits and tithes( in obedience to the LORD’s commandment of providing the “portion” for the priests), for the upkeep of the priests and their families, the LORD blessed them.

Take Away

In this year of our walking and basking in glory, especially this month of first fruit, it becomes imperative that if we diligently and willingly release to the priests, the “portion” that is theirs by the commandment of GOD which is *our first fruits and tithes*, that the LORD will surely bless us abundantly, also the pastors will become more dedicated and focused on their duties.

As the Philippians did, even in the time of deep famine, even in their poverty, they did not withhold, they chose to release and bless the pastorate, when we do same, even in this hard times, we can be sure of great release from the throne of Grace.

Prayer Points

1. Dear LORD, grant your people the grace to release the “portion” of the Levites to them..

2. This year, 2024, dear LORD, please help us to give ourselves first to you and givwithwillingness and cheerfulness

3. Dear LORD, as you blessed the children of Israel when they gave the priests their portions, please bless us too as we do accordingly in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen.

4. Father bless our tithes and first fruits to be more than sufficient to meet every need of all our pastors and those that serve in your house in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen.

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