Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 31:16
Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, [even] unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
16. beside their genealogy of males ] R.V. beside them that were reckoned by genealogy of males.
even unto every one that entereth ] R.V. even every one that entered.
his daily portion ] R.V. as the duty of every day required.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Beside their genealogy of males … – Some translate it: Excepting the list of males, etc. i. e. they distributed to all the members of the priestly families, excepting to those who at the time were performing the duties of their office at Jerusalem. These persons no doubt obtained their share at the temple itself.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
From three years old and upward; to whom a portion of these things was allotted, as is here implied.
Unto every one that entereth into the house of the Lord; that were capable of entering thither and doing service there, which they were at twenty years old, as is expressed here, 2Ch 31:17, and 1Ch 23:24, through the whole company of the priests and Levites.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upwards,…. Their office was not only to give to the priests, but to those of their males in their genealogy, who were three years old and upwards; for under that age, according to Kimchi, they were not fit to come into the temple; nor have they knowledge to keep what is put into their hands; nor fit to handle offerings, lest they should defile them; but at that age they might be taught how to hold them, and be used to it; but as for females, he says, they were not admitted at any age:
even unto everyone that entereth into the house of the Lord; of the said age, and in the genealogy and register of the priests:
his daily portion for their service in their charges, according to their courses; food for every day, in consideration of their service in their several wards, according to their courses in turn.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(16) Beside their genealogy.The verse is a parenthesis stating an exception, and should rather be rendered, apart from their register of males from three years old and upward (to wit, the register) of all that came into the house of Jehovah for the daily portion (literally, for a days matter in its day; 2Ch. 8:13; Neh. 11:23) for their service in their offices according to their divisions. The meaning is that the Levites who were on duty in the Temple, and whose names were registered as such, along with their male children of three years old and upwards, were not provided for by Cononiah and his associates, as they received their daily portion in the sanctuary itself. Children, it appears, were allowed to accompany their fathers to the Temple, and to eat with them of the sacrifices.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
16. This verse should be translated thus: Except the register of males from three years old and upward, belonging to all such as had come to the house of Jehovah, to the daily portion for their service in their offices, according to their courses. That is, the sons three years old and upward of those priests who went to Jerusalem to serve their course, usually accompanied their fathers, and ate their daily portions with them in the holy place, so that no distribution was made in the Levitical cities for those who were at the time on service at the temple.
The exact grammatical construction of 2Ch 31:17-19 is not clear, but the meaning of the writer seems to connect itself with the phrase in 2Ch 31:15 rendered “in their set office.” The six Levites there named were set in the cities of the priests, not merely “to give,” or distribute what belonged to the priests and Levites, but also to attend “to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward,” (2Ch 31:17,) “and to the genealogy of all their little ones,” etc., (2Ch 31:18,) and also to attend to all similar matters appertaining to “the sons of Aaron the priests.” 2Ch 31:19. Thus did king Hezekiah succeed in making all practicable arrangements for the permanent organization and support of the priestly and Levitical orders.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ch 31:16. Besides their genealogy of males With whom, moreover, were numbered their sons: and so in the 17th and 18th verses. The last clause of the 18th verse Houbigant renders thus: Because the sacred gifts were committed to their trust.
REFLECTIONS.1st, The gracious impression that God had made on the people’s hearts ended not with the ordinance from whence they came; but they continued to make their profiting appear,
1. In the destruction of every idolatrous relick, not only in Judah, but also in Ephraim and Manasseh; out of those cities, at least, from whence the people came up to Jerusalem: and when this good work was done, they returned in peace every man to his own house. Note; (1.) It is comfortable returning to our home when we carry along with us the blessing of God. (2.) They who truly cleave to God, have their hearts set against all sin, without one allowed reserve.
2. Hezekiah took care that the service which was begun should be regularly carried on. The priests, Levites, and singers, in their several courses, were appointed to minister before the Lord, and their maintenance was provided for. He himself set the example, by appropriating a part of his revenue for the stated offerings, morning and evening, on the new moons, sabbaths, and festivals; and he commanded his people to contribute to so good a work, for the encouragement of God’s ministers in their labours. Note; (1.) They deserve to be encouraged who labour in the word and doctrine. (2.) God never intended that any drones should be fed in his hive. (3.) Whether we want or abound here, we know that if we are faithful we cannot at last lose our reward.
3. The people very readily obeyed the king’s command; their firstlings, tithes, and offerings were brought; and what was more than the priests and Levites could use, was laid on heaps, from the beginning to the end of harvest. The quantity attracted the king’s inquiry; and the high-priest informed him of God’s blessing on the people, and that these just dues afforded them a plentiful maintenance, with enough for winter’s store. For such mercies the king and princes blessed the Lord, and commended the people for their readiness and faithful contribution. Note; (1.) None were ever losers by a conscientious rendering to God of the things which are God’s. (2.) Whatever good appears, God must be acknowledged as the blessed author of it. (3.) They who do well deserve commendation. (4.) The soul that hath profited by God’s ministers, will never grudge them a maintenance.
2nd, We have,
1. The care which Hezekiah took of the tithes, and the equitable distribution of them. Keepers were appointed; chambers fitted up in the court of the temple, to lay up the stores; and while they who in course waited in the temple, with their son from three years old and upwards, were entirely provided for, that they might wait on the Lord without their attention being diverted, they who lived in the cities or villages were not neglected; but every one received a proportionate supply, according to the largeness of their families. Note; (1.) Wise economy is the way to secure abiding plenty. (2.) They who wait upon the Lord with diligence, may confidently trust him for a provision. (3.) Minister’s families, as well as themselves, should be considered, and taken care of. (4.) The unequal distribution of church-revenues is a great evil. How unjust it is, that one should loll in affluence and indolence, while a laborious brother scarcely eats bread from the altar at which he serves!
Pudet haec opprobria nobis, Et dici potuisse, et non potuisse refelli.
2. Hezekiah’s universally excellent character is remarked. All his people shared his pious regard: God had his heart; he was zealously affected in his blessed service, and went through with it without declension or weariness; and, as the effect of such perseverance, prosperity attended all his undertakings. Note; When our hearts are truly sincere in God’s service, we shall see with comfort the fruit of our labours.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Ch 31:16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, [even] unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
Ver. 16. From three years old. ] For these also there was maintenance allotted and allowed: so great was the abundance of the offerings, the people’s liberality, and the king’s providence, piety, and devotion.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
according to. Some codices, with seven early printed editions, read “in”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
his daily: Lev 21:22, Lev 21:23
Reciprocal: 2Ch 31:4 – the portion
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ch 31:16. From three years old and upward To whom a portion of these things was allotted, as is here implied. Unto every one that entereth into the house of the Lord That were capable of entering thither and doing service there, which they were at twenty years old, as is expressed here, 2Ch 31:17, and 1Ch 23:24, through the whole company of the priests and Levites.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
31:16 Beside their genealogy of males, {k} from three years old and upward, [even] unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;
(k) Who had also a portion and allowance in this distribution.