6/18 2 Chronicles 31:4

⁴ And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD.

Part of Hezekiah's reform was to see that the Levites received the support that the Law of the Lord commanded to be given them. Since they had not been given a territory like the other tribes, and because they gave a portion of their time to the Temple service, they were to be supported by the offerings of the people. The evil kings had caused that practice to cease.

Even today there are those who suggest that full-time ministers in service of the church should be supported by another occupation. Apparently there were those in the New Testament church that made the same suggestion. Hezekiah and Paul give the reason for the financial support, "that they might give themselves to the Law of the LORD." (1Corinthians 9:13-14) At the end of the chapter (verse 20), this action of Hezekiah is called "good and right and faithful before the LORD his God."

Peter had deacons appointed to deal with practical concerns for this very reason. The apostles were to be devoted to the Word of God and prayer (Acts 6:4). Though today's pastors do not function as priests, we are still in need of those who will give themselves to God's Word. Certainly we should all spend time in God's Word and study it faithfully, but these who minister the Word to the body must be free to devote themselves fully to it. That is good, right, and faithful before the LORD.

Consider: Does your pastor have the support he needs, both financially and in practical matters, so that he can devote himself to the Word of God and prayer?