2 Chronicles 32:28

He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks.

Study Bible

He made storehouses
The Hebrew word for "storehouses" is "אֹצָרוֹת" (otzarot), which signifies treasuries or storage places. In the ancient Near Eastern context, storehouses were essential for safeguarding the community's sustenance against famine or siege. This phrase highlights the wisdom and foresight of King Hezekiah, who prepared for future needs, reflecting a principle of prudent stewardship and reliance on God's provision.

for the harvest of grain
The term "grain" in Hebrew is "דָּגָן" (dagan), which refers to cereals like wheat and barley, staple foods in ancient Israel. The harvest was a time of joy and thanksgiving, as it represented God's blessing and faithfulness. By storing grain, Hezekiah ensured that the people would have sustenance even in times of scarcity, symbolizing spiritual preparedness and trust in divine providence.

new wine
The phrase "new wine" translates from the Hebrew "תִּירוֹשׁ" (tirosh), indicating freshly pressed grape juice, a symbol of abundance and celebration. In biblical times, wine was a common beverage and a sign of prosperity. Hezekiah's provision for new wine reflects a commitment to maintaining joy and community life, even during challenging times, underscoring the importance of spiritual and communal vitality.

and oil
The Hebrew word "שֶׁמֶן" (shemen) refers to olive oil, a crucial commodity in ancient Israel for cooking, lighting, and anointing. Olive oil was a symbol of richness and divine blessing. By storing oil, Hezekiah demonstrated an understanding of the multifaceted needs of his people, ensuring that their physical and spiritual needs were met, and highlighting the anointing and presence of God in their lives.

and stalls for all kinds of cattle
The term "stalls" comes from the Hebrew "רְפָתוֹת" (refatot), meaning enclosures or stables. Cattle were vital for agriculture, transportation, and religious sacrifices. By providing stalls, Hezekiah showed care for the economic and religious life of the nation, ensuring that the means for work and worship were preserved, reflecting a holistic approach to leadership and faith.

and pens for the flocks
The word "pens" is derived from the Hebrew "מִכְלָאוֹת" (miklaot), indicating enclosures for sheep and goats. Flocks were essential for clothing, food, and sacrificial offerings. By creating pens, Hezekiah safeguarded the community's livelihood and spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and protecting what God has entrusted to us, and the role of leadership in fostering a thriving, faithful community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during whose reign this verse is set. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Hezekiah reigned. It was a time of both spiritual revival and political challenges.

3. Storehouses
These were built by Hezekiah to store the abundance of resources, indicating a time of prosperity and wise management.

4. Grain, Wine, and Oil
These were essential commodities in ancient Israel, representing sustenance, celebration, and anointing.

5. Cattle and Flocks
Livestock was a sign of wealth and provision, crucial for the economy and daily life in Judah.

Teaching Points

Wise Stewardship
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the importance of managing resources wisely. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be time, talents, or treasures.

Preparation and Planning
The building of storehouses reflects the value of planning and preparing for the future. This principle can be applied to both physical and spiritual aspects of life.

Trust in God's Provision
While Hezekiah prepared for the future, his ultimate trust was in God's provision. We should also balance our efforts with faith in God's care and provision.

Community and Responsibility
The resources stored were not just for Hezekiah but for the community. This teaches us about the responsibility to care for others and share our blessings.

Spiritual Abundance
Just as Hezekiah stored physical resources, we should seek to store spiritual treasures, growing in faith, knowledge, and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's preparation of storehouses reflect the principle of wise stewardship, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we balance planning for the future with trusting in God's provision, as seen in Hezekiah's example?

3. How does the concept of storing resources for the community challenge us to think about our responsibility to others?

4. What are some "spiritual storehouses" we can build in our lives, and how do they align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21?

5. How can the account of Hezekiah inspire us to prepare for both physical and spiritual challenges in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's management of Egypt's resources during the years of plenty and famine parallels Hezekiah's preparation and wise stewardship.

Proverbs 21:20
This verse speaks to the wisdom of storing up resources, aligning with Hezekiah's actions in preparing storehouses.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth provides a spiritual perspective on the concept of storing resources.