II
C H R O N I C L E S
CHAP. XXXI.
We
have here a further account of that blessed reformation of which Hezekiah was
a glorious instrument, and of the happy advances he made in it. I. All the
remnants of idolatry were destroyed and abolished, ver. 1. II. The priests and
Levites were set to work again, every man in his place, ver. 2. III. Care was
taken for their maintenance. 1. The royal bounty to the clergy, and for the
support of the temple service, was duly paid, ver. 3. 2. Orders were given for
the raising of the people's quota, ver. 4. 3. The people, thereupon, brought
in their dues abundantly, ver. 5-10. 4. Commissioners were appointed for the
due distribution of what was brought in, ver. 11-19. Lastly, Here is the
general praise of Hezekiah's sincerity in all his undertakings, ver. 20, 21.
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Hezekiah
Destroys Idolatry.
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B.
C. 726.
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1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel
that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in
pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars
out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had
utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of
Israel
returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
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.
3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt
offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the
burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set
feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.
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. 5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children
of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and
honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things
brought they in abundantly. 6 And concerning the children
of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in
the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were
consecrated unto the LORD
their God, and laid them by heaps. 7 In the third month
they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the
seventh month. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw
the heaps, they blessed the LORD,
and his people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests
and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 And Azariah the chief
priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people
began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD,
we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD
hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
We have here an account of what was done after the passover. What was wanting
in the solemnities of preparation for it before was made up in that which is
better, a due improvement of it after. When the religious exercises of a
Lord's day or a communion are finished we must not think that then the work is
done. No, then the hardest part of our work begins, which is to exemplify the
impressions of the ordinance upon our minds in all the instances of a holy
conversation. So it was here; when all this was finished there was more to be
done.
I. They applied themselves with vigour to destroy all the monuments of
idolatry, v. 1. The king had done what he could of this kind (2 Kings
xviii. 4), but the people could discover those profane relics which escaped
the eye of the king's officers, and therefore they went out to see what they
could do, v. 1. This was done immediately after the passover. Note, The
comfort of communion with God should kindle in us a holy zeal and indignation
against sin, against every thing that is offensive to God. If our hearts have
been made to burn within us at an ordinance, that spirit of burning will
consume the dross of corruption. What have I now to do any more with
idols? Their zeal here in destroying the images and groves, the high
places and altars, appeared, 1. In that they did this, not only in the
cities of Judah and Benjamin, but in those of Ephraim and Manasseh. Some think
that those cities are meant which had come under the protection and the
jurisdiction of the kings of Judah. Others think that, Hoshea king of Israel
not forbidding it, their zeal carried them out to the destruction of idolatry
even in many parts of his kingdom. At least those that came out of Ephraim and
Manasseh to keep the passover (as many did, ch. xxx. 18) destroyed all
their own images and groves, and did the like for as many more as they had
influence upon or could make interest in for leave to do it. We should not
only reform ourselves, but do all we can to reform others too. 2. They
destroyed all: they utterly destroyed all; they spared none through
favour or affection either to the images or to their worshippers; though ever
so ancient, ever so costly, ever so beautiful, and ever so well patronised,
yet they must all be destroyed. Note, Those that sincerely set themselves
against sin will set themselves against all sin. 3. They would not return to
their houses, though they had been long absent, till this was done. They could
not be easy, nor think themselves safe, in their cities, as long as the images
and groves, those betrayers and destroyers of their country, were left
standing. Perhaps the prophet Isaiah pointed to this when, a little before, he
spoke of a day in which men should cast away the very idols that they
themselves had made. So surprising was this blessed change, Isa. ii. 20; xxxi.
6, 7.
II. Hezekiah revived and restored the courses of the priests and Levites,
which David had appointed and which had of late been put out of course, v.
2. The temple service was put into its proper method again, to run in the old
channel. Every man was made to know his work, his place, his time, and what
was expected from him. Note, Good order contributes much to the carrying on of
a good work. The priests were appointed in their courses for burnt-offerings
and peace-offerings; the Levites in their courses were some to minister to
the priests, others to give thanks and praise. See 1 Chron. xxiii. 4,
5. And all this in the gates or courts of the tents of the
Lord. The temple is here called a tent because the temple privileges are
movable things and this temple was shortly to be removed.
III. He appropriated a branch of the revenue of his crown to the maintenance
and support of the altar. Though the people were to be at the charge of the
daily offerings, and those on the sabbaths, new moons, and feasts, yet, rather
than they should be burdened with the expense, he allowed out of his own
estate, or out of his exchequer, for all those offerings, v. 3. It was
a generous act of piety, wherein he consulted both God's honour and his
people's ease, as a faithful servant to him and a tender father to them. Let
princes and great men reckon that well bestowed, and set out to the best
interest, which they give for the support and encouragement of religion in
their country.
IV. He issued out an order to the inhabitants of Jerusalem first, v. 4
(that those who were nearest the temple, and both saved and got by being so,
might give a good example to others), but which was afterwards extended to, or
at least admitted by, the cities of Judah, that they should carefully
pay in their dues, according to the law, to the priests and Levites. This had
been long neglected, which made the work to be neglected (for a scandalous
maintenance makes a scandalous ministry); but Hezekiah, having himself been
liberal, might with a good grace require his subjects to be just to the temple
service. And observe the end he aims at in recovering and restoring to the
priests and Levites their portion, that they might be encouraged in the law
of the Lord, in the study of it, and in doing their duty according to it.
Observe here, 1. It is fit that ministers should be not only maintained, but
encouraged, that they should not only be kept to do their work, but that they
should also have wherewith to live comfortably, that they may do it with
cheerfulness. 2. Yet they are to be maintained, not in idleness, pride, and
luxury, but in the law of the Lord, in their observance of it
themselves and in teaching others the good knowledge of it.
V. The people thereupon brought in their tithes very readily. They wanted
nothing but to be called upon; and therefore, as soon as the commandment
came abroad, the first-fruits and all the holy things were duly brought
in, v. 5, 6. What the priests had occasion for, for themselves and
their families, they made use of, and the overplus was laid in heaps, v.
6. All harvest-time they were increasing these heaps, as the fruits of the
earth were gathered in; for God was to have his dues out of them all. Though a
prescription may be pleaded for a modus decimandi--tenth proportion,
yet it cannot be pleaded pro non decminado--for the omission of the tenth.
When harvest ended they finished their heaps, v. 7. Now here we have,
1. The account given to Hezekiah concerning those heaps. He questioned the
priests and Levites concerning them, why they did not use what was paid
in, but hoarded it up thus, (v. 9), to which it was answered that they
had made use of all they had occasion for, for the maintenance of themselves
and their families and for their winter store, and that this was that which
was left over and above, v. 10. They did not hoard these heaps for
covetousness, but to show what plentiful provision God by his law had made for
them, if they could but have it collected and brought in, and that those who
conscientiously give God his dues out of their estates bring a blessing upon
all they have: Since they began to bring in the offerings the Lord has
blessed his people. See for this Hag. ii. 19. "Try me," says
God, "if you will not otherwise trust me, whether, upon your bringing the
tithes into the store-house, you have not a blessing poured out upon
you," Mal. iii. 10, 11; Ezek. xliv. 30. 2. The acknowledgment which the
king and princes made of it, v. 8. They gave thanks to God for his good
providence, which gave them something to bring, and his good grace, which gave
them hearts to bring it. And they also blessed the people, that is,
commended them for their doing well now, without reproaching them for their
former neglects. It is observable that after they had tasted the sweetness of
God's ordinance, in the late comfortable passover, they were thus free in
maintaining the temple service. Those that experience the benefit of a settled
ministry will not grudge the expense of it.
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The Maintenance of the Priests.
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B.
C. 720.
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11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers
in the house of the LORD;
and they prepared them, 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.
13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad,
and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under
the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah
the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. 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. 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: 16 Beside their genealogy of
males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that
entereth into the house of the LORD,
his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their
courses; 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; 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: 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were
in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men
that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the
priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.
20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was
good and right and truth before the LORD
his God. 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.
Here we have,
I. Two particular instances of the care of Hezekiah concerning church matters,
having put them into good order, to keep them so. The tithes and other holy
things being brought in, he provided, 1. That they should be carefully laid
up, and not left exposed in loose heaps, liable to be wasted and embezzled. He
ordered chambers to be made ready in some of the courts of the temple for
store-chambers (v. 11), and into them the offerings were brought and
there kept under lock and key, v. 12, 13. Treasures or store-keepers
were appointed, who had the oversight of them, to see that moth and rust
did not corrupt them nor thieves break through to steal. This
wisdom of laying up the surplus in days of plenty we may learn from the ant,
who provideth meat in summer. The laying up in store what was brought
in was an encouragement to people to pay in their contributions. That will be
given cheerfully by the public which appears to be well husbanded. 2. That
they should be faithfully laid out, according to the uses they were intended
for. Church treasures are not to be hoarded any longer than till there is
occasion for them, lest even the rust should be a witness against those who
hoard them. Officers were appointed, men (no doubt) of approved wisdom and
faithfulness, to distribute the oblations of the Lord and the most holy
things among the priests (v. 14), and to see that they all had a
competent maintenance for themselves and their families. The law provided
sufficient for them all, and therefore, if some had too little, it must be
because others had too much; to prevent such inequality these officers were to
go by some certain rule of proportion in the disposal of the incomes of the
temple. It is said of the priests here (v. 18) that in their set
office they sanctified themselves; in faith they sanctified themselves (so
the word is), that is, as bishop Patrick explains it, they attended their
ministry at the house of God, not doubting but they should be provided with
all things necessary. Now, because they served God in that confidence, care
was taken that they should not be made ashamed of their hope. Note, Those that
sanctify themselves to God and his service in faith, believing that he will
see them want for nothing that is good for them, shall certainly be
fed. Out of the offerings of the Lord distribution was made, (1.) To the
priests in the cities (v. 15), who staid at home while their brethren
went to Jerusalem, and did good there in teaching the good knowledge of the
Lord. The preaching priests were maintained as well as the sacrificing
priests, and those that abode by the stuff as well as those that warred the
warfare. (2.) To those that entered into the house of the Lord, all the
males from three years old and upwards; for the male children even at
that tender age, it seems, were allowed to come into the temple with their
parents, and shared with them in this distribution, v. 16. (3.) Even
the Levites from twenty years old and upwards had their share, v. 17.
(4.) The wives and children of the priests and Levites had a comfortable
maintenance out of those offerings, v. 18. In maintaining ministers,
regard must be had to their families, that not they only, but theirs, may have
food convenient. In some countries where ministers have their salary paid them
by the state an addition is made to it upon the birth of a child. (5.) The
priests in the country, that lived in the fields of the suburbs, were
not overlooked in this ministration, v. 19. Those also had their share
who were inhabitants of the villages, though they might be supposed to
live at a less expense.
II. A general character of Hezekiah's services for the support of religion, v.
20, 21. 1. His pious zeal reached to all the parts of his kingdom: Thus he
did throughout all Judah; every part of the country, and not those only
that lay next him, shared in the good fruits of his government. 2. He
sincerely designed to please God, and approved himself to him in all he did:
He wrought that which was good before the Lord his God; all his care
was to do that which should be accepted of God, which was right (that
is, agreeable to natural equity), and truth (that is, agreeable to
divine revelation and his covenant with God), before the Lord; to do
according to that law which is holy, just, and good. 3. What he began he went
through with, prosecuted it with vigour, and did it with all his heart.
4. All his good intentions were brought to a good issue; whatever he did in
the service of the house of God, and in the government of his kingdom, he
prospered in it. Note, What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory
of God will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.
Contents
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