Main Highlights
Hezekiah solidifies the revival by destroying idols, organizing the priests and Levites, and providing for their support through tithes and offerings.
Key Verses
Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and broke down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the people of Israel returned to their cities, every man to his possession."- 2 Chronicles 31:1
"And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and of the Levites, division by division, each according to his service, the priests and the Levites for burnt offerings and peace offerings, to minister, give thanks, and praise in the gates of the camp of the Lord."- 2 Chronicles 31:2
"And Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites about the heaps. Azariah the chief priest, who was of the house of Zadok, said to him, 'Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the Lord, we have eaten enough and have plenty left over, for the Lord has blessed his people, so that we have this large amount left over.'"- 2 Chronicles 31:9-10
Related Scripture
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."- Malachi 3:10
Scholar Insight
"Hezekiah's reforms illustrate the importance of both spiritual fervor and practical administration in maintaining a lasting revival." - Willem A. VanGemeren, ed., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), 2:626."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn about God's holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart from idolatry and wickedness. He blesses those who are obedient to His commands and provide for His ministers. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Christological Connection
Hezekiah's reforms, which establish a clear distinction between the sacred and the profane, foreshadow Jesus' work of separating believers from the world. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Systematic Theology
This passage teaches about sanctification and stewardship. The destruction of idols represents the process of sanctification, where believers are set apart for God's purposes. The giving of tithes and offerings demonstrates good stewardship of God's resources. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Law & Grace
The law is seen in the requirements for tithes and offerings, as well as the regulations for the priests and Levites. Grace is shown in God's willingness to bless the people abundantly when they are obedient. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Personal Application
This passage should encourage us to actively remove idols from our lives (anything that takes the place of God). It should also inspire us to be generous in supporting those who minister to us and to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)