2 Chronicles 31:1-13 ▼

1 When all this had ended, the Israelites (God prevails) in attendance went out to the cities of Judah (praised) and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles (goddess), and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin (son of the right hand), as well as in Ephraim (doubly fruitful) and Manasseh (causing to forget), until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property.

2 Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s {YHWH} dwelling.

3 The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD {YHWH}.

4 Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem (city of peace) to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD {YHWH}.

5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites (God prevails) generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything.

6 And the Israelites (God prevails) and Judahites (praised) who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God {YHWH Elohehem}, and they laid them in large heaps.

7 In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month.

8 When Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) and his officials came and viewed the heaps, they blessed the LORD {YHWH} and His people Israel (he wrestles with God).

9 Then Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps,

10 and Azariah (YHWH has helped), the chief priest of the household of Zadok (righteous), answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD {YHWH}, we have had enough to eat, and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what is left over.”

11 Then Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD {YHWH}, and they did so.

12 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah (YHWH has established) the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei (renowned) was second.

13 Jehiel (God lives), Azaziah (YHWH is mighty), Nahath (rest), Asahel (God-made), Jerimoth (He is Most High), Jozabad (YHWH has endowed), Eliel (El is God), Ismachiah (YHWH sustains), Mahath (grasping), and Benaiah (YHWH has built up) were overseers under the authority of Conaniah (YHWH has established) and his brother Shimei (renowned), by appointment of King Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) and of Azariah (YHWH has helped) the chief official of the house of God {Elohim}.