31:1 When all this was over, the Israelites 1 who were in the cities of Judah went out and smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and demolished 2 all the high places and altars throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. 3 Then all the Israelites returned to their own homes in their cities. 4
31:2 Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and Levites to do their assigned tasks 5 – to offer burnt sacrifices and present offerings and to serve, give thanks, and offer praise in the gates of the Lord’s sanctuary. 6
31:3 The king contributed 7 some of what he owned for burnt sacrifices, including the morning and evening burnt sacrifices and the burnt sacrifices made on Sabbaths, new moon festivals, and at other appointed times prescribed 8 in the law of the Lord. 31:4 He ordered 9 the people living in Jerusalem 10 to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient 11 to the law of the Lord. 31:5 When the edict was issued, 12 the Israelites freely contributed 13 the initial portion of their grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a tenth of everything, which added up to a huge amount. 31:6 The Israelites and people of Judah 14 who lived in the cities of Judah also contributed a tenth of their cattle and sheep, as well as a tenth of the holy items consecrated to the Lord their God. They brought them and placed them in many heaps. 15
1 tn Heb “all Israel.”
2 tn Or “tore down.”
3 tn Heb “the high places and the altars from all Judah and Benjamin and in Ephraim and in Manasseh until finished.”
4 tn Heb “and the sons of Israel returned, each to his possession to their cities.”
5 tn Heb “and Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites according to their divisions, each in accordance with his service for the priests and for the Levites.”
6 tn Heb “in the gates of the encampments of the
7 tn Heb “the portion of the king [was].”
8 tn Heb “as written.”
9 tn Heb “said to.”
10 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
11 tn Heb “might hold firmly.”
12 tn Heb “and when the word spread out.”
13 tn Heb “the sons of Israel multiplied.”
14 tn Heb “and the sons of Israel and Judah.”
15 tn Heb “heaps, heaps.” Repetition of the noun draws attention to the large number of heaps.