2 Chronicles 31:4 Meaning: Hezekiah’s Command to Support the Priests
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to Yahweh’s law.
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord.
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Jehovah.
And he saith to the people, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests, and of the Levites, so that they are strengthened in the law of Jehovah;
And he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of Jehovah.
Meaning in one sentence
Hezekiah commanded Jerusalem to give the priests and Levites their portion so they could be strengthened to devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.
Context
After clearing the temple of defilement and celebrating a great Passover, King Hezekiah set about restoring the worship that had been neglected for years. He appointed the priests and Levites to their proper divisions and provided from his own resources for the daily offerings. Then he turned to the people living in Jerusalem. He commanded them to give the portion of the priests and Levites, the tithes and firstfruits assigned by God’s law. This was not a new idea. It was a return to what had been commanded long before. And it came at a costly moment: the treasury was empty, the kingdom was recovering from years of decay. Hezekiah saw that if the Levites had to farm and trade to feed their families, they could not give their full attention to studying and teaching God’s Law. The command was practical, but its goal was spiritual.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry the weight of this verse. The first is the verb natan (to give). It appears twice: the people are to give the portion, so that the Levites can give themselves. One act of giving frees another. The word implies a deliberate handing over, not reluctant charity.
The second key word is menat (portion). This is not a casual donation but a fixed share, the tithes, firstfruits and offerings that the Law already assigned to the priests and Levites. Hezekiah was not inventing new rules; he was restoring what had been forgotten.
The third word is the Hebrew verb chazaq (to be strong, to be encouraged). The KJV translates it “that they might be encouraged,” while other versions say “give themselves” or “be strengthened.” The image is of a person being made firm, able to stand under a task. When the Levites received their portion, they were not just relieved of worry. They were strengthened to devote themselves fully to the Law, studying it, teaching it, living it. The material gift served a spiritual end.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators across traditions have seen the same point in this verse. Matthew Henry calls it a wise provision to free the Levites from “worldly cares,” allowing them to “give themselves wholly to the study of God’s law.” Wesley’s Notes says they were “enabled to give up themselves entirely” to instruction and direction of the people. The Cambridge Bible notes that the Hebrew behind “be encouraged” can also be read as “give themselves to,” a stronger sense of full devotion.
Gill’s Exposition points out that the goal was “that they might gain greater knowledge of it themselves, and be better able to instruct the people.” There is no disagreement here: supporting those who teach the Word is not just charity. It is a way of saying that the Word matters, and those who handle it deserve to give it their full attention.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think this verse is about Hezekiah imposing an extra tax on the people. In fact, he was commanding them to give what the Law already required, the tithes and firstfruits that had been neglected during the years of idolatry. The command restored an old obligation rather than creating a new one.
Living This Out
This week, consider someone who teaches Scripture in your life, a pastor, a small-group leader, a Sunday school teacher, a parent who faithfully opens the Bible with their children. You may not control the church budget, but you can give something: a word of thanks, a meal, a few hours of help, a timely gift. The point is that even small acts of support free others to give themselves to God’s Word. Hezekiah’s command reminds us that the health of teaching and the health of giving are tied together. When you support the one who teaches, you strengthen the teaching itself.
Main takeaway: Giving to those who teach God’s Word is not a burden; it is a way to strengthen their devotion to the Law.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
King Hezekiah told the people to give food and money to the priests and Levites. That way, the priests could spend their time learning God’s rules and teaching others.
For ages 9, 12
Hezekiah saw that the priests and Levites had to work in the fields just to eat, so they had no time to study God’s Law. He commanded the people to give them the food and money the Law said they should have. When the priests got their portion, they could stop worrying about daily needs and focus on teaching the people what God had said. That’s why we support pastors and teachers today, so they can give their full attention to God’s Word.
Questions People Ask
What did Hezekiah command the people to give?
He commanded the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and Levites. This included tithes, firstfruits and other offerings that God’s Law had already assigned to them, but which had been neglected during the years of idolatry.
Why did the priests and Levites need this portion?
Without this material support, the Levites had to work secular jobs just to survive. That left them little time to study God’s Law or teach the people. Hezekiah wanted them freed from worldly distractions so they could devote themselves fully to the Word.
What does it mean that the Levites might be 'encouraged in the law of the Lord'?
The Hebrew word is chazaq, meaning to be strong, firm or established. It's more than emotional encouragement. The idea is that with their needs met, the Levites could give themselves entirely to the Law, learning it, teaching it and living it with undivided attention.
Did the people obey Hezekiah’s command?
Yes. The next verses show that as soon as the command went out, the people brought in abundance, firstfruits, tithes, and gifts of every kind. The offerings piled up in heaps, and Hezekiah and the leaders blessed the people for their faithfulness.
What does this verse mean for Christians today?
Many Christians see it as a principle: those who teach Scripture deserve material support so they can focus on their calling. It connects giving to the health of teaching. While details differ across traditions, the core lesson remains: supporting teachers of God’s Word strengthens the teaching itself.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study