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 31:3KJVWhat 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.