In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

2 CHRONICLES 31:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:7 describes how, during the religious reforms under King Hezekiah, the people of Judah began to pile up offerings in the third month and continued until the seventh month, when the work was finished. This verse highlights the time frame during which the people brought in their tithes and contributions, resulting in large heaps of goods.

The setting is the reign of King Hezekiah, who led a revival of worship in Jerusalem after a period of neglect. The people responded by bringing abundant offerings to support the priests and Levites, as instructed by the law. The verse marks the start and end of this collection period, showing both the people's generosity and the practical effort involved in gathering and storing these offerings.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:7

  • "third" (שָׁלִישִׁי, sh'lishi): This word marks the beginning of the collection period, which aligns with the time of the wheat harvest in ancient Israel, making the timing significant for agricultural offerings.
  • "heaps" (עֲרֵמוֹת, arēmōt): This word refers to large piles or mounds, emphasizing the sheer volume of the offerings brought by the people. The use of "heaps" paints a vivid picture of abundance.
  • "seventh" (שְׁבִיעִי, sh'vi'i): This word marks the end of the collection period, which coincides with the end of the harvest season, explaining why the offerings continued over several months.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the offerings were not a one-time event but a sustained effort over several months, showing the people's ongoing commitment.
  • By mentioning the specific months, the verse connects the religious activity to the agricultural calendar, helping readers understand the practical context of giving in ancient Israel.
  • The detail about the "heaps" underscores the success of Hezekiah's reforms and the people's willingness to support the temple and its ministers, setting the stage for the following verses that describe how these resources were distributed.

Where else these words appear

“heaps” Hebrew H6194 · used in 10 verses

  • Ruth 3:7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.
  • Song of Solomon 7:2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies.

“foundation” Hebrew H3245 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
  • Isaiah 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • Judges 20:30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:23 And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 8:2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.