4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
That they might be encouraged - i. e. to devote themselves wholly to their proper work, the service of the sanctuary and the teaching of God's Law 2-Chronicles 17:7-9, and not engage in secular occupations. Compare Nehemiah 13:10-14.
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the (d) portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be (e) encouraged in the law of the LORD.
(d) The tithes and firstfruits for the maintenance of the priests and Levites.
(e) That their minds might not be entangled with provision of worldly things, but that they might wholly and cheerfully serve the Lord.
Moreover, he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites,.... What was assigned unto them by the law of God by tithes, firstfruits, &c.
that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord; in the study of it; that they might gain greater knowledge of it themselves, and be better able to instruct the people, which of late had been much neglected; and that they might be more at leisure for such service, and be free from all worldly business, care, and distraction of mind, was the design of this edict.
Encouraged - Freed them from worldly cares and distractions, and enabled to give up themselves entirely to the serious study of God's law, and to the instruction, and direction, and quickening of the people.
*More commentary available at chapter level.