2 Chronicles 31:7 – “They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month.”

Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, we see that the people of Judah began bringing their tithes and offerings in the third month and continued until the seventh month. This indicates that the people were consistent and faithful in their giving over a period of time, rather than it being a one-time event. The third month would have been around the time of the grain harvest, while the seventh month would coincide with the end of the harvest season, including grapes, figs, and olives.

This verse shows a sustained effort by the people to give generously, responding to King Hezekiah’s call to support the priests and Levites who were serving in the temple. The fact that this took place over several months shows the people’s commitment to honoring God with their resources.

Historical Context

King Hezekiah’s reign was marked by a significant spiritual revival. Under his leadership, the people of Judah were returning to the practices of worship that had been neglected for many years. Prior to Hezekiah, King Ahaz had closed the temple and led the nation into idol worship. When Hezekiah became king, he immediately set out to restore the temple and reestablish proper worship, which included the giving of tithes and offerings to support the priests and Levites.

The third to seventh months on the Hebrew calendar would roughly correspond to the agricultural harvest season. During this time, the people gathered the produce of their fields and vineyards, and it was expected that they would bring a portion of these harvests as offerings to the temple. The fact that they kept giving for months shows the abundance of God’s blessing and the people’s response of faithfulness.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the principle of consistent and sustained giving as part of worship. The people didn’t just give once and forget about it; they gave faithfully over the entire harvest season. This teaches us that giving to God is not a one-time event but an ongoing act of worship. Our generosity should be a reflection of the blessings we continually receive from God.

The timing of their giving also connects to the idea of gratitude. As the people received their harvests, they recognized that these blessings came from God, and their giving was a response of thankfulness. This aligns with the biblical principle that everything we have comes from God, and we honor Him by giving back a portion of what He has provided.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short but filled with meaning. The mention of the third to seventh months is significant because it ties the act of giving to the agricultural cycle, which was central to the lives of the Israelites. The extended period of giving suggests that the people were committed to this act of worship throughout the entire harvest season. This steady flow of offerings over several months also emphasizes the abundance of the people’s contributions, as mentioned in the previous verse where their offerings piled up in heaps.

The structure of the verse, with its focus on time and duration, highlights the sustained nature of their faithfulness. It wasn’t just about the act of giving but about their ongoing commitment to support the temple and honor God.

Biblical Cross-References

In Leviticus 23:15-22, God commands the people to celebrate the Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost), which took place during the third month, when the firstfruits of the grain harvest were offered. This shows that the third month was an important time for giving to God. Additionally, the Feast of Tabernacles, which was celebrated in the seventh month, marked the end of the harvest season and was a time of great joy and thanksgiving (Leviticus 23:33-43).

These festivals remind us that the people’s giving was tied to their agricultural blessings and their relationship with God. Their offerings were a way of thanking God for the harvest and recognizing His provision.

In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 speaks about the importance of cheerful and generous giving. Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” This reflects the principle seen in 2 Chronicles 31, where the people gave generously and faithfully over a period of time, trusting in God’s provision.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse encourages us to think about our own giving habits. Are we consistent in giving back to God from the resources He has blessed us with? Like the people of Judah, we are called to give faithfully and generously, recognizing that all we have comes from God. Whether it’s through financial giving, time, or other resources, our offerings should be a reflection of our gratitude and trust in God’s continued provision.

The extended period of giving in this verse also teaches us the importance of perseverance in our acts of worship. It’s easy to give when we feel particularly blessed or inspired, but true faithfulness is demonstrated when we continue to give over time, even when it requires sacrifice.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse demonstrates God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. The fact that the people were able to give consistently over several months shows that God had blessed them with a bountiful harvest. God, in His love, cares for both the physical and spiritual needs of His people. He provided for their material needs through the harvest and for their spiritual needs through the temple worship that their offerings supported.

God’s love is also reflected in the way He invites His people to participate in His work through their giving. By giving a portion of what they received, the people were not only honoring God but also contributing to the greater good of the community, particularly in supporting the priests and Levites who were responsible for leading the people spiritually.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s provision and generosity. Just as the people of Judah gave their offerings in response to God’s blessings, we are called to live generously in response to the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, we are reminded that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” demonstrating the depth of His love and generosity.

Furthermore, just as the people’s offerings supported the work of the temple, our lives are now called to support the mission of Christ’s church. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This means that our whole lives—our time, resources, and talents—are to be given in service to God, just as Christ gave His life for us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to think about your own patterns of giving and generosity?
2. What resources has God blessed you with, and how can you faithfully give back to Him in response to those blessings?
3. How does this verse encourage you to remain faithful in your acts of worship over time, even when it requires perseverance?
4. In what ways can you support the work of your local church or community, following the example of the people in this passage?
5. How does the generosity of God, demonstrated through Jesus Christ, inspire you to live a life of faithful and consistent giving?

This reflection on 2 Chronicles 31:7 reminds us of the importance of faithful, sustained giving as an act of worship, while also pointing us to the generosity of God, who provides for our needs and invites us to participate in His work. It challenges us to live generously in response to the blessings we have received, trusting in God’s provision and grace.