And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Read it in contextHezekiah's Reforms and Organization of Temple Service
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 31:1 (2 Chronicles 31:1 to 2 Chronicles 31:21).
The entire chapter details Hezekiah's reforms and the people's response, making the chapter beginning the most appropriate starting point for this discourse unit.
31:1Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
31:2And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.
31:3He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.
31:4Moreover 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.
31:5And 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.
31:6And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.
31:7In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.
31:8And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.
31:9Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
31:10And Azariah the chief priest of 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 left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
31:11Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,
31:12And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.
31:13And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
31:14And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things.
31:15And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:
31:16Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
31:17Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;
31:18And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:
31:19Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.
31:20And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
31:21And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution, while the final compiler is not known with certainty. First and Second Chronicles are parts of the same historical work. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Chronicles 29:1–31:21): Hezekiah addresses priests, Levites, and the gathered people concerning restored worship, Passover, and provision for temple service. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after exile, especially those concerned with the temple, worship, the Davidic kings, and the call to return and rebuild. Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 36:20; 2 Chronicles 36:22; 2 Chronicles 36:23. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The verse summarizes King Hezekiah's diligent and wholehearted service to God in every work he undertook, including the service of the house of God, the law, and the commandments, and states that he prospered as a result. The broader passage details his reforms in organizing the temple service, appointing priests and Levites, and ensuring the collection of tithes and offerings.
What is God revealing? God reveals that wholehearted devotion and diligent obedience to His law and commandments, in seeking Him, leads to prosperity and blessing. He honors those who serve Him with all their heart.
What is the literary style? This is a summary statement within a narrative historical account, highlighting the character and success of King Hezekiah's reign.
When
When was it written? The book was written approximately 450 to 425 B.C. book background
When does the event take place? The events described in this passage occur during the reign of King Hezekiah, which falls within the period of approximately 970 to 538 B.C. The collection of offerings mentioned in the chapter began in the third month and was finished in the seventh month. stated in the text
Where
Where did it happen? The events described took place throughout Judah, including Jerusalem (where the house of God was located), and in the cities of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh where idols were destroyed. Hezekiah's work was done 'throughout all Judah'. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author was located in Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Hezekiah's Reforms and Organization of Temple Service (2 Chronicles 31:1 to 2 Chronicles 31:21).
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 31:1. The entire chapter details Hezekiah's reforms and the people's response, making the chapter beginning the most appropriate starting point for this discourse unit.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a concluding summary of King Hezekiah's righteous actions and reforms detailed in the preceding verses of chapter 31. It follows the account of the destruction of idolatry, the restoration of the temple service, the organization of the priests and Levites, and the people's faithful giving of tithes and offerings, emphasizing that his wholehearted devotion led to his prosperity and success in these endeavors. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Hezekiah's example of seeking God and serving Him with all his heart, in obedience to the law and commandments, foreshadows the perfect devotion and obedience of Christ. Christ, as the Son, perfectly sought and obeyed the Father, fulfilling the law and demonstrating the ultimate example of wholehearted devotion to God. His perfect obedience brings true spiritual prosperity and life to those who believe in Him. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers today to serve God with all their heart in every work they undertake, seeking Him according to His word and commandments. Just as Hezekiah's wholehearted devotion led to prosperity, faithfulness and obedience to God are principles that lead to spiritual blessing and God's favor in the lives of His people. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles 31
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Major reforms are set beside the sins of intervening reigns, preserving the tension between renewal and approaching judgment.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Major reforms are set beside the sins of intervening reigns, preserving the tension between renewal and approaching judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return.
Connection to the wholeJerusalem's fall is explained in relation to rejected warnings, and Cyrus' proclamation opens the possibility of return and rebuilding.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.