2 Chronicles 31:21

Authorized King James Version

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And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Original Language Analysis

וּבְכָֽל H3605
וּבְכָֽל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַעֲשֶׂ֞ה And in every work H4639
מַעֲשֶׂ֞ה And in every work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 2 of 15
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 3 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵחֵ֣ל׀ that he began H2490
הֵחֵ֣ל׀ that he began
Strong's: H2490
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
בַּֽעֲבוֹדַ֣ת in the service H5656
בַּֽעֲבוֹדַ֣ת in the service
Strong's: H5656
Word #: 5 of 15
work of any kind
בֵּית of the house H1004
בֵּית of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 6 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו his God H430
לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו his God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּבַתּוֹרָה֙ and in the law H8451
וּבַתּוֹרָה֙ and in the law
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 8 of 15
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וּבַמִּצְוָ֔ה and in the commandments H4687
וּבַמִּצְוָ֔ה and in the commandments
Strong's: H4687
Word #: 9 of 15
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
לִדְרֹ֖שׁ to seek H1875
לִדְרֹ֖שׁ to seek
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו his God H430
לֵֽאלֹהָ֑יו his God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 11 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְבָב֥וֹ it with all his heart H3824
לְבָב֥וֹ it with all his heart
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 13 of 15
the heart (as the most interior organ)
עָשָׂ֖ה he did H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה he did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 14 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהִצְלִֽיחַ׃ and prospered H6743
וְהִצְלִֽיחַ׃ and prospered
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 15 of 15
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Cross References

Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Jeremiah 29:13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.Deuteronomy 6:5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.1 Chronicles 22:13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.Deuteronomy 10:12And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,1 Chronicles 22:19Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.Deuteronomy 29:9Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.1 Kings 2:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.2 Chronicles 20:26And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

Analysis & Commentary

Summary of Hezekiah's reforms: 'And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.' Three spheres of activity - temple service, law, commandments - encompassed comprehensive covenant faithfulness. The key phrase 'with all his heart' (b'khol levavo) indicates wholehearted, undivided devotion. The result was prosperity (tzalach - success). This illustrates the Deuteronomic principle that wholehearted obedience brings blessing. Yet even Hezekiah later showed pride (32:25), demonstrating that past wholeheartedness doesn't guarantee future faithfulness. Only Christ maintained perfect wholehearted devotion throughout His life.

Historical Context

Hezekiah's multifaceted reforms (c. 715-686 BCE) - removing high places, restoring temple worship, organizing Levitical service, and celebrating Passover - made him Judah's greatest reformer since David. His wholehearted approach produced tangible prosperity and spiritual renewal.

Questions for Reflection