Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,

2 CHRONICLES 31:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:11 describes how King Hezekiah ordered that special rooms be prepared in the temple of the LORD, and these rooms were then made ready as he commanded. This action was part of organizing and managing the resources and offerings brought to the temple.

Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is speaking to those responsible for the temple during a time of religious reform. The people had brought in so many offerings and tithes that there was not enough space to store them. By commanding the preparation of "chambers," Hezekiah was making sure the temple could properly store and care for these gifts, showing his concern for orderly worship and stewardship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:11

  • "Chambers" (לְשָׁכוֹת, l'shakot): This word refers to rooms or storage spaces within the temple complex. These were not just ordinary rooms, but specially designated areas for holding offerings, supplies, and sacred items, highlighting the practical needs of temple service.
  • "Prepare" (כּוּן, kun): This verb means to establish, set up, or make ready. It suggests careful planning and intentional action, not just a casual or temporary arrangement.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): Used here for the "house of the LORD," this word refers specifically to the temple as God's dwelling place, emphasizing the sacredness of the space being prepared.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:11 matters

  • This verse shows Hezekiah's practical leadership in response to the people's renewed faithfulness, as he ensures that the temple can handle the abundance of offerings.
  • The mention of preparing chambers connects to the wider reforms Hezekiah was making, emphasizing order, respect, and proper management in worship.
  • Understanding the need for these chambers helps explain the scale of the revival happening in Judah at the time, as the people's generosity required new solutions for temple administration.

Where else these words appear

“chambers” Hebrew H3957 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
  • Nehemiah 13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.
  • Ezekiel 41:10 And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H3169 · used in 42 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:10 And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
  • 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 32:23 And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.