Who was Jehiel in the Bible?

Jehiel was a Levite, a member of the priestly tribe, who served during the reign of King Hezekiah. He was appointed to oversee the distribution of tithes and offerings brought to the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 31:13).

Why is Jehiel significant in the Bible?

Jehiel's role was crucial in King Hezekiah's religious reforms, ensuring the temple priests and Levites received proper support so they could focus on their duties. His faithful administration helped restore proper worship and obedience to God's law during that time.

What did Jehiel do in his role?

As an overseer appointed by Hezekiah, Jehiel's primary duty was to manage and distribute the contributions of grain, new wine, olive oil, and other tithes that the people brought to the Lord's temple (2 Chronicles 31:12-13). This supported the priests and Levites in their service.

Jehiel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKingLevite

Jehiel was a Levite appointed by King Hezekiah to distribute the offerings and tithes in the temple.

Jehiel

Biography

Jehiel was a Levite appointed by King Hezekiah to serve as one of the administrators responsible for overseeing the storage and equitable distribution of the tithes and freewill offerings brought to the Temple during Hezekiah's sweeping religious reforms (2 Chronicles 31:13). When Hezekiah reopened the Temple, reestablished proper worship, and called the people to renewed tithing, the response was so overwhelming that a dedicated administrative team, including Jehiel, had to be organized to manage the abundant contributions faithfully. Jehiel served under the chief overseer Conaniah and his brother Shimei, part of a ten-member leadership team charged with ensuring that what the people dedicated to God was handled with integrity and made available to support the Levitical clergy.

Significance

Jehiel's appointment to manage the Temple's tithes under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:13) reflects the biblical principle that generous giving requires equally faithful administration. The overwhelming response of the people to Hezekiah's call for tithes necessitated organized stewardship, a recognition that material resources dedicated to God must be handled with transparency and accountability. This episode anticipates New Testament principles of financial integrity in ministry (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Jehiel's role affirms that administrative faithfulness in handling sacred resources is itself a form of worship and service, honoring both God and the community whose sacrificial giving sustains the work of the sanctuary.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherJehoshaphatSiblingJehoram

Verse Appearances (1)

2Chr

2Chr 21:2

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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