This verse underscores the importance of organized provision and fair leadership in God’s community.
In describing the individuals who administered the distribution of sacred offerings, 2 Chronicles 31:15 presents an organized structure under King Hezekiah’s reform. This verse says, “Under his authority were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah and Shecaniah in the cities of the priests, to distribute faithfully their portions to their brothers by divisions, whether great or small” (v.15). King Hezekiah, who reigned over Judah from about 715 to 686 BC, sought to restore temple worship and ensure fairness in supporting the priests and Levites. The mention of those men—Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah—demonstrates Hezekiah’s commitment to choose reliable leaders who would carry out his orders with integrity, reflecting the broader principle of faithfulness found in the Law of Moses. They performed this service in “the cities of the priests,” which were likely scattered throughout the tribal territories of Judah, ensuring that these communities had immediate access to priestly ministry.
The phrase “to distribute faithfully their portions…whether great or small” (v.15) highlights the accountability entrusted to these administrators. No matter one’s status or position, resources were allotted fairly. This demonstrates a glimpse of God’s heart for justice, consistent with the ways He repeatedly calls His people to care for the needs of one another (see 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 where believers are also encouraged to give generously). Though Jesus would come centuries later, this principle anticipates the deep concern for communal care that characterizes the early church (Acts 2:44-45). In this way, the distribution of resources under Hezekiah foreshadows the unity and generosity that would mark Christ’s followers in the New Testament era.
All of this reminds us that God’s people are to pursue righteousness through faithful stewardship and that leadership is measured by how well leaders look after the needs of others.
2 Chronicles 31:15 meaning
In describing the individuals who administered the distribution of sacred offerings, 2 Chronicles 31:15 presents an organized structure under King Hezekiah’s reform. This verse says, “Under his authority were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah and Shecaniah in the cities of the priests, to distribute faithfully their portions to their brothers by divisions, whether great or small” (v.15). King Hezekiah, who reigned over Judah from about 715 to 686 BC, sought to restore temple worship and ensure fairness in supporting the priests and Levites. The mention of those men—Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah—demonstrates Hezekiah’s commitment to choose reliable leaders who would carry out his orders with integrity, reflecting the broader principle of faithfulness found in the Law of Moses. They performed this service in “the cities of the priests,” which were likely scattered throughout the tribal territories of Judah, ensuring that these communities had immediate access to priestly ministry.
The phrase “to distribute faithfully their portions…whether great or small” (v.15) highlights the accountability entrusted to these administrators. No matter one’s status or position, resources were allotted fairly. This demonstrates a glimpse of God’s heart for justice, consistent with the ways He repeatedly calls His people to care for the needs of one another (see 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 where believers are also encouraged to give generously). Though Jesus would come centuries later, this principle anticipates the deep concern for communal care that characterizes the early church (Acts 2:44-45). In this way, the distribution of resources under Hezekiah foreshadows the unity and generosity that would mark Christ’s followers in the New Testament era.
All of this reminds us that God’s people are to pursue righteousness through faithful stewardship and that leadership is measured by how well leaders look after the needs of others.