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.

2 CHRONICLES 31:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:3 describes how King Hezekiah set aside a portion of his own wealth to provide for the daily, Sabbath, new moon, and festival burnt offerings, as required by the law of the LORD. This verse shows the king personally supporting the regular worship practices at the temple.

King Hezekiah is taking concrete steps to restore proper worship in Jerusalem after a period of neglect. He is not only leading by command but also by example, using his own resources to ensure that all the offerings—morning and evening, special days, and festivals—are made as the law (the Torah) commands. This action is part of a larger effort to renew faithfulness to God among the people of Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:3

  • "Portion" (מָנָה, manah; H4521): This word means a measured share or allotment. Here, it highlights that the king gave a specific, set amount from his own resources, not just a casual gift.
  • "Substance" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush; H7399): This word refers to wealth or possessions. It makes clear that Hezekiah’s support came from his personal property, showing his commitment.
  • "Burnt offerings" (עֹלָה, olah; H5930): This term refers to sacrifices that were completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God. The repeated mention underlines the regularity and importance of these offerings.
  • "Law" (תּוֹרָה, torah; H8451): This word means instruction or law, specifically the commands given by God through Moses. The verse points out that Hezekiah’s actions were grounded in the scriptural requirements, not just his own ideas.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s reforms were not just about telling others what to do; he personally invested in restoring worship, setting an example for leaders and people alike.
  • The verse connects the king’s actions directly to the written law (Torah), showing that true reform meant returning to God’s instructions, not inventing new practices.
  • By mentioning offerings for daily, weekly, and special occasions, the verse shows the thoroughness of Hezekiah’s commitment to restoring every aspect of temple worship, not just the most visible or important days.

Where else these words appear

“portion” Hebrew H4521 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 31:4 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.
  • Nehemiah 12:47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.
  • Psalms 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

“substance” Hebrew H7399 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • Genesis 36:7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.

“sabbaths” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

“evening” Hebrew H6153 · used in 130 verses

  • Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
  • Leviticus 15:18 The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.