2 Chronicles 31:15

And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Ieshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shechaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to giue to their brethren by courses, as wel to the great as to the small: 2 Chronicles 31:15 (KJV)

In 2 Chronicles 31 we see the account of King Hezekiah’s reforms after the reign of his father, Ahaz, who had disregarded the worship of the Lord. Hezekiah sought to restore proper worship and obedience to God’s laws in the Kingdom of Judah. The chapter begins with Hezekiah reinstituting the proper functioning of the temple and the Levitical priesthood, including the distribution of offerings and tithes.

The verse lists several officials—Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah—who were appointed to specific roles within the temple system. Their assignment in the cities of the priests, according to their appointed offices, was to distribute provisions to their fellow priests and Levites on a scheduled basis, ensuring that both senior and junior members received their share. The phrase “to give to their brethren by courses” indicates a rotation or schedule that guaranteed a fair share for everyone, “as well to the great as to the small.”

These details illustrate several enduring principles. First, order and organization in worship are essential; by designating clear responsibilities, Hezekiah made temple operations systematic and efficient. Second, the equitable distribution of resources reflects a biblical commitment to fairness and impartiality in handling communal blessings. Third, the system of courses fostered unity and cooperation among the priests, encouraging them to work together for the common goal of serving God. Finally, the inclusive nature of the distribution—reaching both the great and the small—underscores the value of caring for every member of the community, regardless of status.