PROCLAMATION
“As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children
of Israel brought in abundance of the firstfruits of corn, wine, oil, and
honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things
brought they in abundantly.” 2
Chronicles 31:5 (KJV)
EXPLANATION
The words of First and Second
Chronicles were written as one book
under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and
historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition. After the
fourteen day celebration of the Passover, the Israelites went to all the towns
of Judah and destroyed all of the Asherah poles, images of idols, high places
and altars, as well as throughout Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. (2
Chronicles 31:1) Then Hezekiah assigned
the priests and Levites to divisions to carry out their ministries, and to
collect an offering from the people. The
people were extremely generous and brought in tithes of their possessions
including grains, new wine, olive oil, and honey as well as from their herds
and flocks. (2 Chronicles 31:2-10) Hezekiah
had to give orders to prepare storerooms in the house of The Lord. He assigned Levites to be in charge of the
collection and storage, and then assigned others to be in charge of the
distribution. In everything that he
undertook he sought The Lord and he prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:11-21)
APPLICATION
We should give to the poor and the needy. Jesus, The Christ, said, as we treat the
least of His brethren, we have done the same unto Him. (Matthew 25:40) Additionally, we should also give to the
church to facilitate kingdom building efforts here on earth. Here, the people were blessed with prosperity
because not only did they tithe on the first fruits of all their increase, but
they also gave generously and abundantly.
The Bible says that as we give, so shall it be given unto us. (Luke
6:38) It also says that he that waters
others shall himself be watered. (Proverbs11:25) If we want to receive more, then we should
give more.
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