Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests, etc.--The king now turned his attention to provide for the orderly performance of the temple-worship--arranging the priests and Levites in their courses, assigning to every one his proper place and functions--and issuing edicts for the regular payment of those dues from which the revenues of the sanctuary were derived. To set a proper example to his subjects, his own proportion was announced in the first instance, for to the king it belonged, out of his privy purse, to defray the expenses of the altar, both stated and occasional (Numbers 28:3-4, Numbers 28:9, Numbers 28:11, Numbers 28:19); and in making this contribution from his own means, Hezekiah followed the course which David and Solomon had taken before him (see 2 Chronicles 8:14; 1 Kings 9:25). Afterwards he reappointed the people's dues to the temple; and from its being necessary to issue a royal mandate in reference to this matter, it appears that the sacred tribute had been either totally neglected, or (as the idolatrous princes were known to appropriate it to their own purposes) the people had in many cases refused or evaded the duty. But with the improved state of public feeling, Hezekiah's commandment was readily obeyed, and contributions of first-fruits and tithes were poured in with great liberality from all parts of Judah, as well as from Israel. The first-fruits, even of some articles of produce that were unfit for sacrifice (Leviticus 2:11), such as honey (Margin, "dates"), were appropriated to the priests (Numbers 18:12-13; Deuteronomy 18:4). The tithes (Leviticus 27:31) were intended for the support of the whole Levitical tribe (Numbers 18:8, Numbers 18:20, Numbers 18:24).
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
2 Chronicles 31:1
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
E-mail this page
