When God’s people tithe, there is an abundance for God’s work to be done, with plenty left over. This is the lesson of 2 Chronicles 31. The spiritual revival happening under Hezekiah included the elimination of all forms of pagan worship. Both in Israel and in Judah, the people break down idols as they return home following the great Passover celebration (v 1). Meanwhile, the new king goes about reorganizing the priests and Levites along the lines that David had established 150 years earlier (v 2). It all sounded good in theory back when David laid out the blueprint. But would it work in modern times, with cash hard to come by and people preoccupied with their own needs and interests? If Hezekiah had any doubts, they didn’t last long. The king sets an example of generosity by providing the first animals to be used for morning and evening sacrifices (v 3). Then he appeals to the people of Jerusalem to start contributing their share, as prescribed by God’s law. It’s one thing to be enthused about a spiritual awakening; it’s another to part with hard-earned resources in order to sustain the efforts. The need of the moment was for the ongoing support of the ministry, the providing of a livelihood for those whose calling was to “give themselves to the Law of the LORD” (v 4). Though the giving challenge was initially directed to those who lived near the temple, news got out to surrounding areas as well. Why should the blessing of generosity be limited to only some of God’s people? Those who were close enough to drive cattle and sheep to the city made their contributions in this way. But soon gifts of all kinds were coming in abundance from all over the country. These offerings were viewed, not as an irksome demand, but as a welcome opportunity! After several months there was far more than enough to meet the need. As the LORD blessed His people, the priests were well taken care of, and there was a “large amount left” (v 5-10). Of course, this is always a good problem to have! So Hezekiah tells the temple crew to renovate the storage areas to make them usable. Then they set up a long list of everyone who might be entitled to partake of all the extra food. Detailed organization is often necessary in order to manage all the ministry made possible through heartfelt generosity. Three times the word “faithful” or “faithfully” is used to describe this important administrative work (v 11-19). Hezekiah himself was “faithful before the LORD his God,” serving in leadership as one who sought God wholeheartedly, and prospered (v 20-21). For further meditation: