2 Chronicles 31:14
Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts.
Kore son of Imnah the Levite
The name "Kore" is derived from the Hebrew root "קֹרֵא" (Qore), meaning "caller" or "proclaimer." This name is fitting for a Levite, as the Levites were responsible for proclaiming God's laws and teachings to the people. Kore's lineage, "son of Imnah," situates him within the Levitical tribe, a group set apart for religious duties. Historically, the Levites were chosen by God to serve in the temple, emphasizing the importance of lineage and divine selection in their roles.

the keeper of the East Gate
The East Gate of the temple held significant importance, as it was traditionally the main entrance. Being the "keeper" of this gate implies a position of trust and responsibility. In ancient times, gates were not only physical entry points but also symbolic of spiritual access. The East Gate, facing the rising sun, could symbolize new beginnings and divine revelation. Kore's role as keeper suggests his duty to guard both the physical and spiritual integrity of the temple.

was in charge of the freewill offerings to God
The "freewill offerings" (Hebrew: "נְדָבוֹת" - nedavot) were voluntary gifts given by the Israelites out of devotion and gratitude, not out of obligation. These offerings reflect the heart of worship, emphasizing a personal and willing relationship with God. Kore's responsibility for these offerings indicates his role in facilitating and encouraging the people's voluntary acts of worship, ensuring that their gifts were properly received and honored.

distributing the contributions made to the LORD
The act of "distributing" (Hebrew: "חִלֵּק" - chileq) involves the fair and organized allocation of resources. Kore's duty to distribute these contributions underscores the importance of stewardship and accountability in handling what is dedicated to God. This task required integrity and wisdom, ensuring that the offerings were used appropriately for the temple's needs and the support of the Levites.

and the consecrated gifts
"Consecrated gifts" (Hebrew: "קָדָשִׁים" - qadoshim) refers to items set apart as holy for God's service. These gifts were distinct from regular offerings due to their sacred purpose. The mention of consecrated gifts highlights the sanctity and reverence associated with temple service. Kore's involvement with these gifts further emphasizes his role in maintaining the holiness and purity of worship practices, ensuring that what was dedicated to God was treated with the utmost respect and care.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kore son of Imnah
A Levite responsible for overseeing the distribution of freewill offerings and consecrated gifts. His role highlights the importance of faithful stewardship in the service of God.

2. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. They played a crucial role in maintaining the worship and rituals prescribed by God.

3. East Gate
One of the gates of the temple, symbolizing a place of entry and access to the presence of God. It was significant in temple activities and worship.

4. Freewill Offerings
Voluntary gifts given by the people to God, reflecting their devotion and gratitude. These offerings were above and beyond the required tithes and sacrifices.

5. Consecrated Gifts
Items or offerings set apart for sacred use, dedicated to God for His purposes. These gifts were treated with reverence and used in temple service.
Teaching Points
Faithful Stewardship
Kore's role as a steward of the offerings teaches us the importance of managing God's resources with integrity and faithfulness. We are called to be trustworthy in handling what God has entrusted to us.

Voluntary Worship
The concept of freewill offerings reminds us that our worship and service to God should be voluntary and heartfelt, not merely out of obligation. Our giving should reflect our love and gratitude towards God.

Sacred Responsibility
Handling consecrated gifts requires a deep sense of reverence and responsibility. We should approach our service to God with the same seriousness, recognizing the sacred nature of our calling.

Community Support
The distribution of offerings ensured that the needs of the temple and its servants were met, highlighting the importance of supporting those who serve in ministry. We should be proactive in providing for the needs of our church community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Kore's role as a steward of the offerings challenge us in our own stewardship of resources God has given us?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our offerings to God are given freely and with the right heart attitude?

3. How can we apply the principle of handling consecrated gifts with reverence in our daily lives and service to God?

4. What steps can we take to support those who are in ministry, ensuring their needs are met as Kore did for the Levites?

5. How does the concept of faithful stewardship in 2 Chronicles 31:14 connect with the teachings of Jesus on stewardship in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 22
Discusses the regulations for offerings and the importance of presenting them in a manner that honors God. This connection emphasizes the sacredness of the gifts Kore was responsible for distributing.

Nehemiah 13
Highlights the importance of proper management and distribution of offerings, similar to Kore's role, ensuring that the needs of the temple and its servants were met.

1 Corinthians 4:2
Stresses the requirement for stewards to be faithful, paralleling Kore's responsibility in managing the offerings and gifts dedicated to God.
A Nation's Liberality; Or, a Lecture on TithesT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 31:5-19
Systematic Church FinanceW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 31:11-21
People
Aaron, Amariah, Asahel, Azariah, Azaziah, Benaiah, Benjamin, Conaniah, Cononiah, Eliel, Hezekiah, Imnah, Ismachiah, Israelites, Jehiel, Jerimoth, Jeshua, Jimnah, Jozabad, Kore, Levites, Mahath, Manasseh, Miniamin, Nahath, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Shimei, Zadok
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Apportion, Charge, Consecrated, Contribution, Contributions, Control, Distribute, Distributing, Distribution, Door, Doorkeeper, East, Eastern, Freely, Freewill, Freewill-offerings, Free-will-offerings, Gate, Gatekeeper, Gifts, Heave-offering, Heave-offerings, Holy, Imnah, Jimnah, Keeper, Kore, Ko're, Levite, Oblations, Offerings, Porter, Reserved, Towards, Voluntary-offerings, Willing-offerings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 31:14

     7366   freewill offering

2 Chronicles 31:1-19

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 31:12-14

     5325   gifts

2 Chronicles 31:12-15

     8252   faithfulness, relationships

2 Chronicles 31:14-18

     7206   community

Library
Reform
Now there are three effects which ought always to follow our solemn assembly upon the Lord's day, especially when we gather in such a number as the present, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving. We should go home and first break our false gods; next, cut down the very groves in which we have been wont to delight, and after that break the altars which though dedicated to the God of Israel, are not according to Scripture, and therefore ought to be broken down, albeit, they be even dedicated to the true
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
We are now arrived at the closing scene of John Yeardley's labors. The impression which he had received, during his visit to Turkey in 1853, of the opening for the work of the Gospel in the Eastern countries, had never been obliterated; it had rather grown deeper with time, although his ability to accomplish such an undertaking had proportionately diminished. This consideration, however, could not satisfy his awakened sympathies, and, according to his apprehension, no other course remained for him
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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