King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 31:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 31:7 in the King James Version says “In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.”

2 Chronicles 31:7 · KJV

Context

5

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. came: Heb. brake forth honey: or, dates

6

And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps . by heaps: Heb. heaps, heaps

7

In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

8

And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.

9

Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Thorough removal of idolatry and support for priesthood. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּבַחֹ֥דֶשׁ1 of 8

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔י2 of 8

“In the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

הֵחֵ֥לּוּ3 of 8

“they began”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

הָֽעֲרֵמ֖וֹת4 of 8

“of the heaps”

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

לְיִסּ֑וֹד5 of 8

“to lay the foundation”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

וּבַחֹ֥דֶשׁ6 of 8

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י7 of 8

“them in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

כִּלּֽוּ׃8 of 8

“and finished”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 31:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 31:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:16-24

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