What lessons on stewardship can we learn from 2 Chronicles 31:7? Setting the scene King Hezekiah reopened the temple, called Judah back to covenant faithfulness, and immediately the people responded with tithes and offerings. The result? Piles—literally “heaps”—of provision collected for the priests and Levites who served in God’s house. The verse at a glance “In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and they finished them in the seventh month.” (2 Chronicles 31:7) Key lessons on stewardship • Stewardship is planned and timely – “Third month” (firstfruits season) shows they gave as soon as the harvest began. – “Seventh month” (end of harvest) shows they kept at it until the work was complete. • Stewardship is sustained, not sporadic – Four straight months of giving reveal ongoing commitment, not a one-time impulse. • Stewardship is abundant – “Heaps” implies plenty left over after personal needs were met (cf. Proverbs 3:9-10). • Stewardship supports God’s servants – The gifts maintained the priests and Levites so worship could continue without interruption (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Stewardship is visible testimony – Public piles proclaimed God’s blessing and the people’s obedience, encouraging further faithfulness (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:2). • Stewardship requires order and accountability – Foundations were “laid,” suggesting organized collection and storage—wise management that honored the gifts (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Practical takeaways for today • Give promptly: set aside the first portion of income, not the leftovers. • Give persistently: establish rhythms—weekly, monthly, quarterly—to keep generosity alive. • Give generously: let God’s past faithfulness embolden you to trust Him with more. • Support ministry workers: your giving frees pastors and missionaries to focus on God’s work. • Practice transparency: budget, record, and report so others see the integrity of stewardship. • Celebrate God’s provision: visible testimonies—whether mission updates, building funds, or benevolence reports—stir further praise and participation. Supporting Scriptures • Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe… and test Me in this…” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled…” • 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion…” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously…” • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you…” |
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