Monday, August 29, 2016

II Chronicles 31: The Reforms Take Root

After cleansing the Temple, restoring worship, and celebrating the Passover, Hezekiah continues his program of spiritual reforms by eradicating pagan worship, encouraging offerings to the Lord, and reorganizing the priesthood.

The crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem for the epic Passover celebration returns home to promptly cleanse the land of pagan worship.  They break down pillars, hew down the sacred poles, and pull down the high places and altars throughout Judah and some other tribal regions (vs. 1).

King Hezekiah then sets an example for his people by contributing out of his own stores for the burnt offerings of morning and evening, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, the new moons, and the appointed festivals (vs. 3).  At his decree, the people respond with generous giving and tithing.  "He commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the law of the Lord.  As soon as the word spread, the people of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything" (vs. 4 and 5).  In fact, so much is collected that the offerings are piled in heaps and new storehouses have to be prepared in the Temple!

Finally, Hezekiah follows up on this new spiritual passion by re-establishing the order of priests in their respective houses.  A roll of the priests was made, along with their families, into different divisions.

Through all of these initiatives, Hezekiah helps the nation's newly restored dedication to the Lord take root.  The old pagan influences are removed, the habits of giving and tithing are fostered, and the institution of the priesthood becomes ingrained in society.

The author of Chronicles greatly approves of Hezekiah's reforms.  He offers this glowing praise:  "Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah; he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God.  And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God, and in accordance with the law and the commandments, to seek his God, he did with all his heart; and he prospered" (vs. 20-21).

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