“Christian giving is to be marked by self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness, not by self-congratulation.” —J. Stott
King Hezekiah had given generously from his own substance for the burnt offerings to be sacrificed at the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chron 31:3). But he wanted the people also to have the joy of selfless giving. When he called them to “contribute support for the priests and the Levites” (v 4), here was their response: “As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything” (v 5). Isn’t that lovely? Immediately—in abundance—they brought the tithe—of everything! How long did they come, bringing their offerings? “In the third month they began laying them in heaps, and they finished in the seventh month” (v 7). Just imagine a four-month offering! Where could they put it all? In heaps! “And when Hezekiah and the leaders came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel” (v 8). If the king’s example is to be followed, it looks like it’s a good thing not only to thank the Lord but also His people when they sacrifice like this. But Hezekiah asked why the tithes were lying exposed in those heaps. Azariah the chief priest explained, “We have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance” (v 10). Blessed leftovers! They had to build storerooms to hold it all (v 11). In addition, a fair system of distribution was arranged to wisely use the supplies. The passage concludes, “Thus Hezekiah…did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began…he did it with all his heart. So he prospered” (vv 20-21). The principle still holds true: the givers are the gainers.