2 Chronicles 31:12

And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second.

Study Bible

And they faithfully brought in
The phrase "faithfully brought in" underscores the integrity and dedication of the people in fulfilling their religious obligations. The Hebrew root for "faithfully" is "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), which conveys a sense of steadfastness and trustworthiness. This reflects the spiritual revival under King Hezekiah, where the people were committed to restoring proper worship and temple service. Historically, this period was marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that God required of Israel, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in worship.

the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts
These terms refer to the various offerings that were brought to support the temple and the Levites. "Contributions" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah) were offerings set apart for sacred use. "Tithes" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma'aser) were a tenth of one's produce or earnings, given as a recognition of God's provision and sovereignty. "Dedicated gifts" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) were items or offerings set apart for holy purposes. This practice was rooted in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were commanded to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple services, ensuring that the spiritual leaders could focus on their duties without material concerns.

Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge
Conaniah, whose name means "Yahweh has established," was a Levite appointed to oversee the collection and distribution of these offerings. The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties. The role of Conaniah highlights the importance of leadership and accountability in managing God's resources. His position as "officer in charge" indicates a structured and organized approach to temple administration, reflecting the reforms initiated by Hezekiah to restore proper worship practices.

and his brother Shimei was second
Shimei, meaning "heard" or "hearing," served as the assistant to Conaniah. The mention of his brotherly relationship emphasizes the familial and communal aspect of service in the temple. This partnership illustrates the biblical principle of shared responsibility and cooperation in ministry. The structure of leadership, with Conaniah and Shimei working together, ensured that the tasks were carried out efficiently and effectively, demonstrating the value of teamwork in fulfilling God's work.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Conaniah the Levite
A Levite appointed to oversee the collection and distribution of contributions, tithes, and consecrated gifts. His role was crucial in maintaining the order and integrity of the temple services.

2. Shimei
The brother of Conaniah, who served as the second in command. His support role was vital in assisting Conaniah with the responsibilities of managing the offerings.

3. Contributions, Tithes, and Consecrated Gifts
These were offerings brought by the people of Israel to support the temple and the Levites. They were a demonstration of obedience and dedication to God's commands.

4. Hezekiah's Reforms
The context of this verse is King Hezekiah's religious reforms, which aimed to restore proper worship and adherence to God's laws in Judah.

5. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the collected offerings were stored and used for the service of God.

Teaching Points

Faithful Stewardship
The role of Conaniah and Shimei highlights the importance of faithful stewardship in managing God's resources. We are called to be trustworthy in handling what God has entrusted to us.

Obedience in Giving
The Israelites' act of bringing contributions, tithes, and consecrated gifts demonstrates obedience to God's commands. Our giving should be a reflection of our commitment to God and His work.

Community Support
The collective effort of the Israelites in supporting the temple services shows the power of community in advancing God's kingdom. We should work together to support our local church and its ministries.

Leadership and Accountability
The appointment of Conaniah and Shimei underscores the need for accountable leadership in the church. Leaders should be chosen based on their faithfulness and integrity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Conaniah and Shimei in managing the offerings relate to the concept of stewardship in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of tithing and giving in our modern-day context?

3. How does the community's collective effort in supporting the temple services inspire us to contribute to our local church?

4. What qualities should we look for in church leaders who are responsible for managing resources?

5. How can we ensure that our giving is an act of worship and obedience rather than a mere obligation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Malachi 3:10
This verse speaks about bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse, emphasizing the importance of tithing as an act of faith and obedience to God.

Nehemiah 13:12-13
Similar to 2 Chronicles 31:12, this passage describes the collection and management of tithes and offerings, highlighting the need for trustworthy individuals to oversee these resources.

1 Corinthians 16:2
Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a sum of money in keeping with their income, reflecting the principle of regular and proportional giving.