Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 31:5
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Hezekiah commands the people of Jerusalem and Judah to provide for the priests and Levites so they can devote themselves to the Law of the LORD, and the Israelites respond immediately to this directive.
The words — The Hebrew verb הִרְבּ֤וּ (hir.Bu) literally means "they multiplied" or "they spread," describing the Israelites' generous provision. The noun רֵאשִׁ֣ית (re.Shit) translates to "firstfruits" or "first of," specifying the initial portion of the grain (דָּגָ֗ן) and new wine (תִּיר֤וֹשׁ) they brought.
The thread — This pattern of bringing tithes of grain, new wine, and oil to designated storerooms reappears in Nehemiah 13:12. The principle of willing contributions for sacred purposes also echoes the instructions in Exodus 35:5 and Exodus 35:20.
Why it lands — The text records a direct command followed by immediate, abundant obedience in providing the firstfruits and tithes for temple service. It asks the reader to recognize that faithful response to divine instruction requires tangible, generous action rather than mere assent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 13:12 and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.
- Exodus 35:5 Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;
- Exodus 35:20 Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses.
- Exodus 36:5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.”
- 2 Chronicles 24:10 All the officers and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full.
- Nehemiah 10:35 We will also bring the firstfruits of our land and of every fruit tree to the house of the LORD year by year.
- Nehemiah 12:44 And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
- Nehemiah 13:31 I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.
- Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;
- Exodus 22:29 You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.