Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The people destroy their idols and return home. Hezekiah organizes the Levites, arranges the tithes, and builds storehouses for the surpluses. Some of the Levites are listed with their duties.
II. Photo
The people bring their tithes: “The Israelites brought large quantities of grain, wine, oil, honey, and all kinds of agricultural produce, and tithes of all, in large amounts.” (v. 5b)
III. Select Verses
1: When all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out into the towns of Judah and smashed the pillars, cut down the sacred posts, demolished the shrines and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, and throughout Ephraim and Manasseh, to the very last one. Then all the Israelites returned to their towns, each to his possession.
4-5: He ordered the people, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to deliver the portions of the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the Teaching of the LORD. When the word spread, the Israelites brought large quantities of grain, wine, oil, honey, and all kinds of agricultural produce, and tithes of all, in large amounts.
8: When Hezekiah and the officers came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD and his people Israel.
11: Hezekiah then gave orders to prepare store-chambers in the House of the LORD; and they were prepared.
20-21: Hezekiah did this throughout Judah. He acted in a way that was good, upright, and faithful before the LORD his God. Every work he undertook in the service of the House of God or in the Teaching and the Commandment, to worship his God, he did with all his heart; and he prospered.
IV. Outline
1a. The people destroy idolatry
1b. Returning home
2-3. Hezekiah organizes the Levites
4. Command to the people regarding the Levites
5-7. The people’s tithes
8. Blessing
9-10. Surplus of tithes
11. Hezekiah orders the building of storehouses
12-19. Organization of priests and Levites
20-21. Hezekiah’s devotion and prosperity
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo copied from http://farm1.staticflickr.com/226/504694368_c209cc73c3_z.jpg?zz=1
