31:1 When all this was over, the Israelites 1 who were in the cities of Judah went out and smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and demolished 2 all the high places and altars throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. 3 Then all the Israelites returned to their own homes in their cities. 4
31:2 Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and Levites to do their assigned tasks 5 – to offer burnt sacrifices and present offerings and to serve, give thanks, and offer praise in the gates of the Lord’s sanctuary. 6
1 tn Heb “all Israel.”
2 tn Or “tore down.”
3 tn Heb “the high places and the altars from all Judah and Benjamin and in Ephraim and in Manasseh until finished.”
4 tn Heb “and the sons of Israel returned, each to his possession to their cities.”
5 tn Heb “and Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites according to their divisions, each in accordance with his service for the priests and for the Levites.”
6 tn Heb “in the gates of the encampments of the