2 Chronicles 31:6 – “The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps.”
Explanation of the Verse
This verse describes how the people of Israel and Judah responded to King Hezekiah’s reforms by bringing tithes—portions of their income dedicated to the Lord—from their herds, flocks, and other holy things. These offerings were so abundant that they piled up in heaps. The word “tithe” refers to giving one-tenth of one’s possessions to God, as prescribed in the Law of Moses.
This scene reveals the faith and generosity of the people as they gave back to God what He had provided for them. They were eager to contribute to the work of the temple and to support the priests and Levites who were responsible for the spiritual leadership of the nation.
Historical Context
During King Hezekiah’s reign, Judah experienced a spiritual revival. Under previous kings, the nation had fallen into idolatry and had neglected the temple worship prescribed in the Law of Moses. Hezekiah sought to correct this by restoring the proper worship of God and by calling the people to return to the practices that God had commanded, including the giving of tithes.
The people living in both Israel (the northern kingdom, which had been conquered by the Assyrians) and Judah (the southern kingdom) participated in this renewal, although the focus of the verse is on those living in Judah. By bringing tithes of their herds, flocks, and holy things, the people were reestablishing their covenant relationship with God and demonstrating their desire to obey His commands.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the principle of giving back to God a portion of what He has given us. The tithe was not just a financial obligation; it was a recognition that everything belongs to God, and it was an act of worship. By giving the first and best of their possessions, the people were acknowledging God’s provision and sovereignty over their lives.
The heaps of tithes show that the people gave generously and willingly, not out of compulsion but as an expression of gratitude. This reinforces the idea that worship is not just about going through religious motions but about responding to God’s goodness with a thankful heart. It also reflects the communal nature of worship, as the people worked together to support the temple and its ministers.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse is vivid, particularly the image of the tithes being “piled in heaps.” This description gives a sense of abundance and generosity. It wasn’t just a small contribution; it was an overwhelming outpouring of resources. The mention of both herds and flocks, as well as holy things dedicated to the Lord, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their giving. They didn’t hold back; they gave from all areas of their livelihood.
The phrase “holy things dedicated to the Lord” likely refers to items that were set apart for use in the temple or other religious practices. This indicates that the people were not just fulfilling a duty but were consecrating their possessions for God’s purposes.
Biblical Cross-References
The practice of tithing is rooted in the Law of Moses. In Leviticus 27:30-32, God commands the Israelites to give a tenth of everything from the land, whether grain or fruit, and from their herds and flocks. This tithe was to be holy, set apart for the Lord. Numbers 18:21-24 explains that the tithe was given to the Levites as their inheritance because they had no land of their own to farm.
In Malachi 3:10, God challenges the Israelites to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, promising to bless them abundantly if they do. This verse, like 2 Chronicles 31:6, highlights the connection between obedience in giving and God’s blessing.
In the New Testament, the concept of giving is expanded beyond the tithe to include generosity in all areas of life. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages believers to give generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because “God loves a cheerful giver.” This reflects the heart of giving seen in Hezekiah’s time—joyful, abundant, and done in faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of giving back to God. The people of Judah gave from their livestock and resources, trusting that God would continue to provide for them. In our modern context, we may not give herds or crops, but we can still practice the principle of tithing or generous giving. Whether through financial contributions, time, or talents, we are called to offer the first and best of what we have to God.
This verse also challenges us to think about the attitude with which we give. The people didn’t give sparingly; they gave so much that it was piled in heaps. Are we willing to give generously to God’s work, trusting that He will provide for our needs?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s command for His people to bring tithes wasn’t about taking from them but about teaching them trust, gratitude, and faithfulness. By giving back to God a portion of what they had, the people were acknowledging that everything they had came from Him in the first place. God, in turn, promised to bless them for their obedience.
This verse also shows how God uses the generosity of His people to care for His servants. The tithes were given to support the priests and Levites, ensuring that they could devote themselves fully to the work of ministry. In this way, God’s love and care for His people extended to their physical and spiritual well-being, as the tithes provided for the religious leaders who guided the nation spiritually.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s generosity and provision. In giving us His Son, God gave us more than a tenth—He gave us everything. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate gift, making a way for us to be reconciled to God. Just as the people of Judah gave generously in response to God’s goodness, we too are called to live generously in response to the grace we’ve received through Jesus Christ.
Jesus also spoke about giving during His ministry. In Luke 6:38, He said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” This verse echoes the abundance of giving seen in 2 Chronicles 31:6, where the people gave so much that it overflowed in heaps.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about your own giving—whether of your finances, time, or talents?
- What does it mean to give generously, and how can you apply this principle in your life?
- How does your giving reflect your trust in God’s provision?
- In what ways can you contribute to the work of ministry in your church or community, following the example of the people of Judah?
- How does the generosity of God, especially through Jesus Christ, inspire you to live a life of generosity?
This reflection on 2 Chronicles 31:6 reminds us of the importance of giving generously to support God’s work and of the blessings that come when we give from a heart of gratitude and faith. It challenges us to consider how we can live out this principle in our own lives, trusting that God, who gave us His Son, will continue to provide for all our needs.