2 Chronicles 31:16
Beside their genealogie of males, from three yeeres old and vpward, euen vnto euery one that entreth into the house of the Lord, his dayly portion for their seruice in their charges, according to their courses: 2 Chronicles 31:16 (KJV)
The book of 2 Chronicles records the history of Judah’s monarchs, tracing the line of kings from Solomon through to the Babylonian exile. Within this larger narrative, chapter 31 focuses on the religious reforms carried out by King Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s primary aim was to restore proper worship and to bring the people of Judah back into obedient relationship with God. To achieve this, he instituted a systematic provision for those who served in the house of the LORD.
Verse sixteen specifically mentions a genealogy of males, beginning with children as young as three years old and extending to every individual who entered the temple. The passage explains that each of these men received a daily portion appropriate to his service. The allocation was made according to the specific duties each person performed and according to the regular rotations or courses established for temple work. By linking the provision directly to the assigned responsibilities, the system guaranteed that every servant had the material support needed to fulfill his role without interruption.
This organized approach served several purposes. First, it ensures that the temple staff could focus on worship rather than on personal sustenance. Second, it reflected Hezekiah’s broader reform agenda, which emphasized order, accountability, and reverence in the worship of Yahweh. Third, the inclusion of even the youngest males underscored a communal commitment to the temple, showing that service and provision were matters of national concern, not limited to a select elite.
In sum, the verse illustrates how Hezekiah’s reforms combined practical administration with spiritual renewal. By providing a daily portion for each servant according to his charge, the king created a reliable framework that supports the people’s collective dedication to proper worship.
