Hezekiah Reforms Religious Life

II Chronicles 31:1–21
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After the Passover the people went to every town in Judah destroying all the local shrines and foreign altars (v. 1). Then Hezekiah divided the priests and Levites into groups who were responsible for offering sacrifices to please the Lord (v. 2). He provided animals from his own herds and flocks to use for the sacrifices (v. 3). He told the people to bring these offerings to the priests and Levites (v. 4). As soon as the people heard what the king wanted, they brought a tenth of everything they had (vv. 5-7). When Hezekiah saw these offerings, he thanked the Lord and the people (v. 8). Then he questioned the priests and Levites about the large number of offerings (v. 9).

Azariah, the high priest at the time, replied, “Ever since the people have been bringing their offerings, we have had more than enough food and supplies” (v. 10). He then ordered store houses to be built, and when they were completed all the extra offerings were taken there (vv. 11-13). Kore was put in charge of receiving the offerings and dividing them among the priests and Levites (v. 14). He had six assistants who were responsible for seeing that all the priests in the other cities throughout Judah received their share of these offerings (vv. 15-18). This consisted of priests and Levites over 30 years of age who worked in the temple plus their wives and children. Hezekiah also appointed some men to take food and supplies to the Priests and Levites (v. 19). Everything He did was right because he obeyed God with all his heart (vv. 20-21).

Application

I would love to have it said that everything I do is right and good because I obey God will all my heart. This is only possible if I live a life that is completely dedicated to the Lord.