Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 31:6. It’s a pretty serious passage about how the Israelites and Judah – specifically their cities in Jerusalem – treated their religious gifts and possessions. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “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.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And concerning…” : This phrase sets up a comparison – we're going to look at what happened to these gifts. “…the children of Israel and Judah…” : This is the core focus - it’s about the Israelites and the people of Judah, who lived in Jerusalem. “…that dwelt in the cities of Judah…” : This tells us where this was happening – they were living in a specific area of Jerusalem that was considered a place of importance to God. “They also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep…” : This is the key part. The Israelites and Judah were giving a large portion of their wealth - livestock (oxen, sheep) and offerings – as a tithe . A tithe is a regular offering made to God for blessings received. It was a way of showing devotion and acknowledging that they believed in God’s provision. “And the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God…” : This is really important. “Holy things” refers to sacred objects – temples, sacrifices, and other religious items. "Consecrated unto the LORD their God" means that these things were specifically given to God as a way to honor Him. “and laid [them] by heaps…” : This is the shocking part. They piled these gifts and offerings by the heaps . This implies a massive, overwhelming amount was being given. It suggests a sense of greed, perhaps a disregard for God’s word or priorities. What does this verse tell us about the Israelites? Historically, this passage is often interpreted as evidence of Israel's growing wickedness and rebellion against God. It highlights: Excessive Wealth: The amount of wealth being given was incredibly large – a huge percentage of their resources. Disrespect for God’s Word: It suggests they weren't following God's instructions or principles regarding worship and giving. Moral Corruption: The act of piling these gifts by heaps is often seen as a sign of greed and a lack of proper reverence. Important Note: This verse is complex, and different interpretations exist over the centuries. It’s important to remember that it describes a time in Israel's history when they were struggling with spiritual issues and perhaps not fully understanding their obligations to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Compare this verse to other biblical passages about giving? Discuss the historical context of this event?