MPV Commentary

The People Forward in Destroying Idolatry.

1 The entire nation of Israel gathered and went out to the cities of Judah, motivated by the solemnities of the paschal season. This occasion left a lasting impression on their minds, reviving their attachment to the ancient institutions of their country and animating every heart with devotion to God. As they had done in Jerusalem at the beginning of the festival, they now took measures to extirpate idolatrous statues and altars from every city.

The people of Judah and Benjamin, representing the southern kingdom, were joined by those from Ephraim and Manasseh, who belonged to the northern kingdom. This widespread demolition of idolatrous monuments would receive encouragement from the king and public authorities of the former, while the force of the popular movement was sufficient to achieve the same results among the tribes of Israel, despite any opposition from Hoshea or the invectives of some profane brethren.

With the reign of idolatry completely overthrown and the pure worship of God re-established throughout the land, the people returned to their homes with confidence that they would enjoy a happy future of national peace and prosperity through divine blessing.

2-5 Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and Levites, arranging them in their proper places and functions. He issued edicts for the regular payment of dues from which the revenues of the sanctuary were derived. To set an example for his subjects, he announced that he would contribute from his own means to defray the expenses of the altar, following the precedent set by David and Solomon (Numbers 28:3-4, 9, 11, 19). He then reappointed the people's dues to the temple, which had either been neglected or refused due to idolatrous princes appropriating them for their own purposes.

However, with the improved state of public feeling, Hezekiah's command was readily obeyed. Contributions of first-fruits and tithes poured in liberally from all parts of Judah and Israel. Even first-fruits of produce unfit for sacrifice, such as honey or dates (Leviticus 2:11), were given to the priests (Numbers 18:12-13; Deuteronomy 18:4). The tithes, intended for the support of the entire Levitical tribe (Numbers 18:8, 20, 24), were also contributed.

6-7 Contributions began to be sent in shortly after the passover celebration in the second month. Some time would elapse before the king's order reached all parts of the kingdom. The wheat harvest occurred in the third month, and the sheaves presented first formed the foundation layer in the temple's corn stores. First-fruits from their land produce continued to be sent throughout the summer until the close of the fruit and vintage season in the seventh month.

9 Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps of contributions to determine if they provided a sufficient maintenance for the members of the sacred order.

10 Azariah replied, "We have had enough." This was likely the same person mentioned earlier (2 Chronicles 26:17), who explained that there had been an abundant harvest and a corresponding plenty in the incoming of first-fruits and tithes. The people's liberality towards God's servants testified their gratitude to Him who had crowned the year with His goodness.