Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.

2 CHRONICLES 31:9KJV
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2 Chronicles 31:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 31:9 mean?

2 Chronicles 31:9 describes how King Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the large heaps of offerings that had been gathered. The verse shows Hezekiah’s interest in understanding the situation with these abundant contributions.

Hezekiah is the king of Judah at this time, and he is speaking directly to the priests and Levites, who are responsible for temple worship and care. The “heaps” refer to piles of offerings brought by the people after Hezekiah’s religious reforms. This questioning happens in the context of a revival, where people responded generously, and Hezekiah wants to know more about the results of their giving.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 31:9

  • Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּהוּ, ḥizqiyyāhū): This is the name of the king, meaning “Yahweh strengthens.” His leadership is central to the reforms and the renewed faithfulness of the people.
  • questioned (דָּרַשׁ, dāraš): This word means to inquire, seek, or investigate. Hezekiah is not just making casual conversation; he is actively seeking an explanation or understanding from the priests and Levites.
  • priests (כֹּהֵן, kōhēn): These are the descendants of Aaron, responsible for the sacrifices and rituals in the temple.
  • Levites (לֵוִי, lēwī): Members of the tribe of Levi, assisting the priests and handling various temple duties.
  • heaps (עֲרֵמָה, ʿărēmāh): This word refers to piles or mounds, often of grain or other goods. The use of this word highlights the sheer abundance of the offerings, which were so great that they formed visible heaps.

Why 2 Chronicles 31:9 matters

  • This verse highlights Hezekiah’s hands-on leadership and his concern for how the offerings were being managed, showing a king who is attentive to both spiritual and practical matters.
  • The mention of “heaps” emphasizes the overwhelming generosity of the people in response to Hezekiah’s reforms, helping the reader see the scale of the revival.
  • By recording Hezekiah’s questioning, the verse sets up the explanation that follows in the passage, giving insight into the positive effects of renewed faithfulness among the people.

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 31:8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.
  • 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.

“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.