What qualities made Jehiel and his colleagues suitable for overseeing contributions? The Reform Context King Hezekiah had reopened the temple, reinstituted worship, and called Judah to bring “the contributions, tithes, and consecrated things” (2 Chron 31:12). Those gifts quickly piled up, so reliable overseers were essential. Who Were Chosen “So Conaniah the Levite was the chief official, and Shimei his brother was second. And Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under their supervision, by the appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the official in charge of the house of God” (2 Chron 31:12–13). Qualities That Made Them Suitable • Faithful integrity – “They faithfully brought in the contributions” (v. 12). – Faithfulness is the primary biblical requirement for stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Levitical calling – All the names listed are Levites, the tribe set apart to handle sacred things (Numbers 18:1–7). – Their lineage signified training, reverence, and ritual purity. • Proven competence – Their placement “under the supervision” of senior leaders shows an existing record of reliable service. – Similar language is used of “capable men” who managed temple treasuries in 1 Chron 26:6–8. • Submission to authority – They worked “by the appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah,” showing respect for both civil and spiritual leadership. – A cooperative spirit is a mark of godly oversight (Romans 13:1; Hebrews 13:17). • Team-mindedness – Ten men served under two supervisors within a larger reform movement. – Scripture often pairs stewardship with teamwork (Exodus 18:21; Acts 6:3). Supporting Threads Through Scripture • 2 Chron 34:12—Workers on Josiah’s project “did the work faithfully.” • Nehemiah 13:13—Nehemiah chooses treasurers “because they were considered trustworthy.” • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” Takeaway Truths • God values faithfulness above flash. • Spiritual service flows from calling and character, not merely skill. • Wise oversight joins competence with humble submission to rightful authority. |
    |