Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah. They destroyed the high places and altars, breaking them down completely in every region from Judah through Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Then all the children of Israel returned to their own cities, each one to his possession.

Hezekiah appointed the priests and Levites to their duties according to their divisions. Each man served in his assigned role for burnt offerings and peace offerings, ministering, giving thanks, and praising in the gates of the Lord's camp. Hezekiah designated the king's share of his resources for burnt offerings, to be used for the morning and evening burnt offerings as well as those for the sabbaths, new moons, and set feasts, in accordance with what is written in the law of the Lord.

Hezekiah commanded the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion assigned to the priests and Levites. This was so they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord. As soon as the command was announced, the Israelites brought an abundance of firstfruits: grain, new wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of the field. They also gave a generous tithe of everything.

The children of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep as well as the tithe of dedicated things consecrated to the Lord their God. These were laid by heaps in the third month, and finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and his people Israel.

Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the stored offerings. Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, saying, "Since people began to bring offerings into the LORD's house, we have eaten and had enough, with plenty left over. The Lord has blessed his people, and that which is left is a great store."

Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord. They prepared them, and then brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully. Cononiah the Levite was ruler over these offerings, with Shimei his brother next in charge.

Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah served as overseers under the authority of Cononiah and his brother Shimei. They were appointed by King Hezekiah and Azariah, ruler of God's house.

Kore, son of Imnah the Levite and gatekeeper at the east gate, was in charge of distributing God's freewill offerings, including the most holy things. Under him were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah. These men distributed portions to their brethren by divisions, both great and small.

In addition, they distributed daily portions for service in the house of the Lord according to the genealogy of the priests and Levites. This included those from twenty years old and upward, as well as all the little ones, their wives, sons, and daughters. They sanctified themselves in holiness according to their designated offices.

From among the sons of Aaron stationed in the outlying suburbs of their cities, those men designated by name gave portions to all the male priests and Levites listed according to genealogy.

Hezekiah did everything good and right in the sight of the Lord his God throughout all Judah. In every work he undertook in service to God's house and following the law and its commands, Hezekiah sought his God with all his heart and prospered.