Moreover he commanded the people that dwelled in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
the portion
2 Chronicles 31:16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
Leviticus 27:30-33 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD…
Numbers 18:8-21,26-28 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever…
that they might
Nehemiah 13:10-13 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field…
1 Corinthians 9:9-14 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? …
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
the law
Malachi 2:7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
to make a contribution for the priests and Levites
The priests and Levites were responsible for the spiritual leadership and religious duties in Israel. The contribution mentioned here is likely a tithe or offering, which was a common practice to support those who served in the temple. This system of support is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where the tribe of Levi was set apart for temple service and did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:21-24). The contributions ensured that the priests and Levites could focus on their sacred duties without the distraction of providing for their own material needs.
so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD
The Law of the LORD refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws and commandments given to Moses. The priests and Levites were tasked with teaching and interpreting these laws for the people. By ensuring their material needs were met, Hezekiah enabled them to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual responsibilities. This devotion to the Law was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship with God and ensuring the spiritual health of the nation. This phrase also echoes the New Testament principle found in Acts 6:4, where the apostles sought to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, highlighting the timeless importance of spiritual leaders focusing on their primary calling.
- This word ties the verse to the flow of Hezekiah’s reforms described in 2 Chronicles 29–30.
- God-honoring change was already underway: the temple was cleansed (2 Chron 29:12-19) and Passover restored (2 Chron 30:1-27). “Moreover” shows another specific, Spirit-led step (compare 2 Chron 31:2-3).
- The momentum reminds us that obedience often comes in a series of deliberate acts (Philippians 3:16; Proverbs 4:18).
- Hezekiah used his God-given authority for righteousness, echoing the charge to kings in Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
- 2 Chron 30:12 notes that “the hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to carry out the command of the king….” The king’s order and God’s will stand in harmony.
- Leadership that lines up with Scripture brings blessing (Romans 13:3-4; Hebrews 13:17).
- Responsibility began with those closest to the temple; proximity did not exempt them from giving—it obligated them.
- Nehemiah 11:1-2 shows a similar focus on Jerusalem’s dwellers shouldering spiritual duties.
- God often starts renewal at the center and lets it ripple outward (Acts 1:8).
- “Contribution” means the tangible giving of tithes and firstfruits. Verse 5 clarifies that the people “brought in an abundance of firstfruits,” fulfilling Numbers 18:12 and Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
- Healthy giving flows from grateful hearts, not coercion (2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9-10).
- Malachi 3:10 links faithful contributions with God’s promise to “open the windows of heaven.”
- These men had no land inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1-2) and were to be supported by Israel’s gifts (Numbers 18:21-24).
- Paul later appeals to the same principle for gospel ministers (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Galatians 6:6).
- Providing for spiritual leaders is an act of worship and obedience, not mere charity.
- Provision freed the priests and Levites from side jobs, letting them focus on ministry—much like the apostles in Acts 6:4.
- 2 Timothy 2:4 underscores that those enlisted for kingdom service should avoid entanglements of ordinary life.
- God values undistracted devotion (Psalm 27:4).
- The ultimate goal was continuous teaching, guarding, and living out God’s Word (Ezra 7:10; Joshua 1:8).
- When leaders immerse in Scripture, the whole community benefits (2 Chron 17:7-9; Psalm 1:2-3).
- The verse underscores that material support and spiritual enrichment are inseparable.
Hezekiah’s command called Jerusalem’s residents to supply regular, generous gifts so the priests and Levites could fully concentrate on God’s Word. The pattern affirms that believers fund God’s servants, freeing them for wholehearted ministry, which in turn nurtures the community in faithful obedience to the Lord’s Law.
(4) Moreover.--Literally, And he said to the people, to wit, to the dwellers in Jerusalem. (Comp. 2Chronicles 24:8; 1Chronicles 21:17.)The portion of the priests and the Levites.--The firstfruits and tithes, ordained in Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:12; Numbers 18:20-24; Deufc. 26 . . .
Verse 4. - He commanded... to give the portion of the priests... that they might be encouraged. Hezekiah's object was to send impulses of energy through the whole nation. The portions here spoken of are described originally in Exodus 23:19; Numbers 18:11-27; Deuteronomy 14:22, 23. After our word "encouraged," we may probably supply the words "to teach;" for see our ch. 2 Chronicles 17:9.