Americans give generously in response to emergencies. After the Colorado wildfires near our home at the end of 2021, people donated piles of goods and materials. In situations like this we want to help and giving allows us to lend a hand.

Outside of emergency situations, giving often wanes. We need reminders to stay faithful. The people of Jerusalem and Judah slowed their giving to a trickle as their temple fell into disrepair and their priests ignored the Lord.

However, a new king, Hezekiah, threw open the doors of the ancient temple and began repairs. He reinstituted worship and consecrated priests. Hezekiah purified the temple and celebrated Passover in a massive way not seen in years. Then he called for contributions.

The people responded. As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The people of Israel and Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps.

The citizens gave so much the priests mounded everything in the courtyard of the temple. Later the king ordered warehouses be prepared for all the offerings. With a fresh vision to return to the Lord the people opened their hearts and their pocketbooks.

Generous giving marks a life tuned to the ways of the Lord. We give in response to the Lord’s graciousness to us and when we all give together, we create heaps and heaps of goods to share with others.

2 Chronicles 31 in reading the Bible in 2023

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