(13) And Jehiel . . . were overseers.--Nothing is known of these ten Levitical officers; though some of the names occur elsewhere--e.g., Jehiel and Mahath in 2Chronicles 29:12; 2Chronicles 29:14.

Under the hand of Cononiah.--Or, at the side of . . . (miyyad . . .) The phrase means "under Cononiah's orders."

At the commandment of Hezekiah.--An unusual meaning of miphqad, which in 1Chronicles 21:5 denotes census. LXX., ????? ?????????? ???????.

Ruler (nagid) of the house of God.--Comp. 1Chronicles 9:11. Azariah was named in 2Chronicles 31:10, supra.

Verse 13. - Of these ten subordinates, Jehiel and Nahath are found in 2 Chronicles 29:12, 14.

31:1-21 Hezekiah destroys idolatry. - After the passover, the people of Israel applied with vigour to destroy the monuments of idolatry. Public ordinances should stir us up to cleanse our hearts, our houses, and shops, from the filth of sin, and the idolatry of covetousness, and to excite others to do the same. The after-improvement of solemn ordinances, is of the greatest importance to personal, family, and public religion. When they had tasted the sweetness of God's ordinance in the late passover, they were free in maintaining the temple service. Those who enjoy the benefit of a settled ministry, will not grudge the expense of it. In all that Hezekiah attempted in God's service, he was earnest and single in his aim and dependence, and was prospered accordingly. Whether we have few or many talents intrusted to us, may we thus seek to improve them, and encourage others to do the same. What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother,.... These ten were assistants to the other two, were under them, and at their command, and were to be ready at hand to do what they should order and direct them:

at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God; these were fixed in their post under the other two by the king and the high priest, to whom also the other two were accountable.