What does 2 Chronicles 31:7 mean?
"In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month." - 2 Chronicles 31:7
2 Chronicles 31:7 - "In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month."
2 Chronicles 31:7 (KJV) states, "In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month." This verse comes from the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, which is a historical account of the reigns of various kings of Judah. In this particular verse, the context is the reign of King Hezekiah, who was a righteous and devout king who sought to restore the worship of God in Judah.
The verse refers to the time when the people of Judah began to bring their offerings and tithes to the temple in Jerusalem. This was a significant event, as it marked the reestablishment of the worship practices that had been neglected during the reign of Hezekiah's father, King Ahaz, who had led the people into idolatry. Hezekiah's efforts to restore the worship of God included cleansing the temple, reinstating the Levitical priesthood, and encouraging the people to give their offerings and tithes faithfully.
The laying of the foundation of the heaps refers to the collection and organization of the offerings and tithes brought to the temple. The heaps were likely designated areas or structures where the various offerings, including grain, wine, oil, and other provisions, were stored before being distributed to the Levites and priests for their sustenance. The fact that this process began in the third month and was completed in the seventh month indicates that it was a time-consuming and meticulous task to ensure that all the offerings were properly accounted for and distributed.
From a thematic perspective, this verse highlights the importance of faithful giving and the proper administration of resources in the service of God. The people of Judah were responding to Hezekiah's call to support the temple and the worship of God through their offerings and tithes. Their willingness to contribute to the upkeep of the temple and the support of the priesthood demonstrated their commitment to God and his worship. This theme of faithful stewardship is echoed throughout the Bible, reminding believers of the responsibility to give generously and sacrificially to support the work of God's kingdom.
The context of this verse also emphasizes the significance of proper worship and the role of the priesthood in facilitating the relationship between God and his people. Hezekiah's efforts to restore the Levitical priesthood and the worship practices of the temple were essential for the spiritual well-being of the nation. By reestablishing these foundational elements of faith, Hezekiah sought to lead the people back to a right relationship with God, free from the influences of idolatry and false worship.
Symbolically, the laying of the foundation of the heaps represents the beginning of a new era of spiritual renewal and revival in Judah. The careful organization and completion of this task symbolize the order and diligence required in the service of God. It also signifies the restoration of proper worship and the faithful administration of resources for the support of God's work.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 31:7 captures a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah, as the people of Judah began the process of bringing their offerings and tithes to the temple for the support of the priesthood and the worship of God. This verse underscores the themes of faithful giving, the restoration of proper worship, and the significance of the priesthood in facilitating the relationship between God and his people. It serves as a reminder for believers to be diligent and faithful in their stewardship of resources for the advancement of God's kingdom.
2 Chronicles 31:7 Artwork
2 Chronicles 31:7 - "In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month."
1 Chronicles 7:31 - "And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith."
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
2 Chronicles 31:9 - "Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps."
2 Chronicles 31:11 - "¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,"
1 Chronicles 2:31 - "And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai."
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
2 Chronicles 31:8 - "And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 31:17 - "Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;"
1 Chronicles 8:31 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher."
2 Chronicles 31:4 - "Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."
2 Chronicles 31:20 - "¶ And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God."
2 Chronicles 31:18 - "And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:"
2 Chronicles 31:12 - "And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next."
2 Chronicles 6:31 - "That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
1 Chronicles 2:7 - "And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed."
2 Chronicles 7:2 - "And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house."
1 Chronicles 1:31 - "Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael."
2 Chronicles 9:31 - "And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 31:14 - "And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things."
2 Chronicles 26:7 - "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims."
Nehemiah 7:31 - "The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two."
2 Chronicles 31:15 - "And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:"
2 Chronicles 31:21 - "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered."
2 Chronicles 6:7 - "Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel."
2 Chronicles 31:2 - "¶ And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 15:7 - "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."