2 Chronicles 31:7
In the third month they began building up the heaps, and they finished in the seventh month.
In the third month
The third month in the Hebrew calendar is Sivan, which corresponds to late May and early June. This period is significant as it follows the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, a time of harvest and thanksgiving. The timing indicates a season of abundance and gratitude, reflecting the Israelites' obedience and dedication to God. Historically, this was a time when the first fruits were brought to the temple, symbolizing the people's acknowledgment of God's provision.

they began to lay the foundation of the heaps
The phrase "lay the foundation of the heaps" refers to the collection of tithes and offerings. The "heaps" symbolize the abundance of contributions brought by the Israelites. In Hebrew, the word for "heaps" is "עֲרֵמוֹת" (aremot), which conveys a sense of piling up or accumulation. This act of laying the foundation signifies the beginning of a systematic and organized approach to supporting the temple and the Levitical priesthood, demonstrating the people's renewed commitment to God's commandments.

and they finished in the seventh month
The seventh month, Tishri, corresponds to September and October. This month is marked by significant Jewish festivals, including the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Completing the collection by this time underscores the spiritual renewal and dedication of the people, as these festivals are times of reflection, repentance, and celebration of God's provision. The completion of the heaps by the seventh month highlights the people's diligence and faithfulness in fulfilling their obligations to God, ensuring that the temple services could continue without interruption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms, including the restoration of temple worship and the reinstitution of tithes and offerings.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Hezekiah reigned and implemented his reforms.

3. The Third Month
Corresponds to the month of Sivan in the Hebrew calendar, a time of harvest and the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

4. The Seventh Month
Corresponds to the month of Tishri, which includes significant Jewish festivals such as the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles.

5. Heaps
Refers to the piles of offerings and tithes brought by the people in response to Hezekiah's reforms, symbolizing abundance and obedience to God's commands.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Hezekiah's reforms and the people's response demonstrate the importance of aligning our lives with God's instructions. Obedience leads to blessings and spiritual renewal.

Generosity and Provision
The heaps of offerings signify the people's generosity and God's provision. When we give faithfully, God provides abundantly for our needs.

The Importance of Timing in God's Plan
The specific months mentioned highlight the significance of God's timing. Recognizing and aligning with God's calendar can lead to spiritual growth and blessing.

Community and Collective Worship
The collective action of the people in bringing their tithes and offerings underscores the power of community in worship and obedience to God.

Faithfulness in Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership was pivotal in guiding the people back to God. Faithful leadership can inspire and direct others towards righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 31:7 inspire us to lead others in spiritual matters today?

2. In what ways can we practice generosity in our own lives, and how does this reflect the actions of the people in Hezekiah's time?

3. How can understanding the timing of God's feasts and events enhance our spiritual walk and obedience?

4. What are some practical ways we can encourage community worship and collective obedience in our church or small group?

5. How does the concept of "heaps" of offerings challenge our current perspective on giving and God's provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Malachi 3:10
This verse speaks about bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse and God's promise to pour out blessings. It connects to the obedience and faithfulness of the people in Hezekiah's time.

Leviticus 23
Details the feasts of the Lord, including those in the third and seventh months, providing context for the timing of the events in 2 Chronicles 31:7.

2 Chronicles 29-30
These chapters describe Hezekiah's reforms and the restoration of temple worship, setting the stage for the events in chapter 31.
The Service of the Consecrated Life, and of the SubstanceW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 31:2-10
A Nation's Liberality; Or, a Lecture on TithesT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 31:5-19
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
Begun, Complete, Finished, Foundation, Heaps, Lay, Masses, Month, Pile, Seventh, Store, Third
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 31:1-19

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 31:3-8

     8149   revival, nature of

2 Chronicles 31:5-10

     8252   faithfulness, relationships

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

Links
2 Chronicles 31:7 NIV
2 Chronicles 31:7 NLT
2 Chronicles 31:7 ESV
2 Chronicles 31:7 NASB
2 Chronicles 31:7 KJV

2 Chronicles 31:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Chronicles 31:6
Top of Page
Top of Page