After this the people went into the towns and villages destroying all the idols and high places.
The priests were then organised with three main functions: to make offerings and serve, to give thanks and to sing praises. Hezekiah did not just issue orders but made his own contributions to the worship. He also ensured that the money that was due to the Levites was given to them. Churches should ensure that their ministers and pastors are properly looked after. They should not be stinking rich, but it is a disgrace that so often they are not properly remunerated (just to add that I am not a minister or pastor, so this is not self-interest!).
The people freely gave a tithe of everything and there was great rejoicing. This is an example of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9:7 about cheerful givers. There is sometimes a lot of debate about whether or not tithing applies today. No it doesn't, we are to give even more! Tithing is a good place to start. Everything in the Old Testament is a shadow of what is found in the New, and in the New it is greater. We have a better sacrifice in Christ, a better High Priest in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us etc. Likewise, giving should be multiplied. Our God is a giving God and we are to be like Him. It is probably not being too harsh to say that many of those who argue against tithing are arguing for giving less than a tenth.
All the gifts were looked after properly. The church has a solemn responsibility to ensure that it handles money correctly. So the land prospered and Hezekiah prospered.
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