2 Chronicles 24:10

KJV

And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the princes {H8269} and all the people {H5971} rejoiced {H8055}, and brought in {H935}, and cast {H7993} into the chest {H727}, until they had made an end {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the leaders and all the people were glad to bring in their contributions and put them in the box, until it was full.

Berean Standard Bible

All the officers and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full.

American Standard Version

And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly portrays the enthusiastic and unified response of the people of Judah, led by their princes, to King Joash's initiative to repair the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. It captures a moment of national spiritual renewal, demonstrating a widespread willingness to contribute generously and diligently to the restoration of God's house, with contributions continuing until the necessary funds were fully collected for the completion of the sacred work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Joash's reign, specifically detailing the restoration of the Temple. Following the destructive and idolatrous rule of his grandmother Athaliah, Joash, guided by the faithful high priest Jehoiada, initiated a spiritual revival. [2 Chronicles 24:4-7](/2_chronicles/24-4-7 "2 Chronicles 24:4-7 - Joash's Initiative to Repair the Temple") describes Joash's initial command to the Levites to collect money for the Temple repairs, a command that was not immediately fulfilled. In response, [2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - Jehoiada's Chest for Temple Offerings") details Jehoiada's innovative solution: setting up a chest at the gate of the Temple. Verse 10 then records the overwhelming and joyful public response to this new collection method, highlighting the success of the initiative before the actual repair work begins in [2 Chronicles 24:11-14](/2_chronicles/24-11-14 "2 Chronicles 24:11-14 - The Temple Repairs Completed"). The immediate literary context emphasizes the transition from neglect to enthusiastic restoration, showcasing the immediate impact of Jehoiada's practical and transparent approach to fundraising.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Joash's reign (c. 835-796 BC) followed a time of significant spiritual decline under Athaliah, who had promoted Baal worship and allowed the Temple to fall into disrepair, even using its sacred articles for idolatrous purposes ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). The Temple was not merely a building but the central place of Yahweh worship, the symbol of God's presence among His people, and the heart of Judah's national identity. Its restoration was therefore a profound act of national repentance and spiritual renewal. The "chest" mentioned was a practical innovation, likely a large, publicly visible container, making the collection process transparent and accessible to all, from "princes" (nobles, officials) to "people" (common citizens), reflecting a broad societal engagement. Such public collections for communal projects, especially religious ones, were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, but the joyful and sustained nature of this giving sets it apart as a testament to a genuine spiritual awakening.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "The Book of 2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine initiative and human response**, where God raises up leaders like Joash and Jehoiada to call His people back to faithfulness, and the people respond with obedience and zeal. Secondly, it highlights **joyful and willing giving** as a hallmark of true worship and commitment to God's work, echoing principles found in [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Contributions for the Tabernacle") for the Tabernacle and [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's and the People's Joyful Giving") for Solomon's Temple. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **unity and collective action** across all social strata, demonstrating that when a nation is united in a righteous cause, significant spiritual and physical restoration can occur. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **diligence and completion** in God's work, as the giving continued "until they had made an end," signifying a sustained commitment to seeing the project through to its successful conclusion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, _sâmach_):** This verb (H8055) signifies a deep sense of gladness, joy, or delight, meaning "to brighten up" or "be blithe or gleesome." It indicates that the people's participation was not coerced or grudging, but rather an enthusiastic and willing response. This "rejoicing" suggests a spiritual revival, a gladness in contributing to the restoration of God's presence and worship among them, reflecting a renewed covenant relationship and a genuine desire to honor Yahweh.
* **Chest (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn_):** While the common Hebrew word (H727) for "chest" or "ark," this specific instance refers to the collection box set up by Jehoiada. Its placement "at the gate of the house of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - The Chest at the Temple Gate")) made it highly visible and accessible, facilitating widespread contributions. The term here denotes a practical, designated vessel for sacred offerings, symbolizing the tangible means by which the people's piety was expressed and their resources were gathered for a holy purpose.
* **Made an end (Hebrew, _kâlâh_):** This verb (H3615) means to complete, finish, or bring to an end, whether intransitively (to cease) or transitively (to complete). It emphasizes the thoroughness and sustained nature of the people's giving. Their contributions continued until the objective—sufficient funds for the Temple repairs—was fully met. This phrase underscores diligence, commitment, and the successful culmination of the fundraising effort, indicating that the project was not abandoned prematurely but seen through to completion, demonstrating faithful perseverance.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And all the princes and all the people rejoiced,"**: This opening clause establishes the widespread and enthusiastic nature of the response. "All the princes" refers to the civil and religious leaders, indicating top-down support and participation, signifying that the initiative had the full backing of authority. "All the people" signifies a broad, grassroots involvement, demonstrating national unity across all social strata. The verb "rejoiced" highlights the attitude of gladness and willingness, suggesting a genuine spiritual awakening and a desire to participate in God's work, rather than a grudging obligation, reflecting a renewed covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **"and brought in, and cast into the chest,"**: This phrase describes the physical act of giving. "Brought in" implies a deliberate action of bringing their contributions from their homes or places of business to the Temple, indicating intentionality and effort. "Cast into the chest" specifies the method of deposit, emphasizing the public and transparent nature of the collection system established by Jehoiada, which fostered trust and encouraged further giving. This action represents the tangible expression of their joyful commitment and financial sacrifice for the sacred cause of restoring God's house.
* **"until they had made an end."**: This concluding clause speaks to the duration and completeness of the giving. It indicates that the contributions continued consistently and persistently, not as a one-time offering, but as an ongoing effort, until the full amount required for the Temple's restoration was collected. This phrase underscores the diligence, dedication, and sustained commitment of the people to ensure the project's successful completion, reflecting a deep-seated desire to see God's house fully restored and a willingness to see the task through to its glorious conclusion.

#### Literary Devices

The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is subtly used with "all the princes and all the people," emphasizing the universal participation and unity across social strata. This highlights the collective spirit of the nation and the broad impact of the spiritual revival. **Synecdoche** is present in "the chest," which stands in for the entire system of collection and the broader initiative of Temple restoration. The act of "casting into the chest" is a **metonymy** for the act of giving itself, representing the tangible expression of their contributions. Furthermore, the phrase "until they had made an end" serves as a form of **hyperbole** to stress the thoroughness and completeness of the giving, implying that they gave until the need was entirely met, rather than stopping prematurely. The overall tone of the verse is one of **affirmation** and **celebration**, painting a vivid picture of a nation joyfully engaged in a righteous and God-honoring cause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The enthusiastic and sustained giving described in 2 Chronicles 24:10 resonates deeply with the biblical theology of cheerful generosity and corporate responsibility for God's work. It demonstrates that true spiritual revival often manifests in tangible acts of worship and sacrifice for the maintenance and advancement of God's kingdom. This principle is not limited to financial contributions but extends to the willing offering of time, talents, and resources for the collective good and the glory of God. The unity displayed by "all the princes and all the people" underscores the power of collective action when a community is aligned with divine purposes, illustrating that God's work is best accomplished through the unified, joyful participation of His people. This historical account serves as a timeless paradigm for how believers are called to support the church and its mission today, emphasizing that our giving should be both joyful and persistent.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Contributions for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's and the People's Joyful Giving")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The scene in 2 Chronicles 24:10 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to examine the attitude with which we engage in God's work, whether through financial giving, volunteering our time, or employing our spiritual gifts. The "rejoiced" of the princes and people reminds us that our contributions should flow from a heart of gladness and gratitude, not compulsion or obligation. This joyful participation fosters unity within the body of Christ, as diverse individuals and groups come together for a common, God-honoring purpose, reflecting the very nature of the church as a unified body. Furthermore, the phrase "until they had made an end" calls us to diligence and perseverance in our commitment to God's kingdom initiatives. It's not enough to start well; we are called to sustain our efforts until the work is completed to the glory of God, demonstrating faithfulness and endurance in our walk with Christ. This passage encourages us to be active, willing, and persistent participants in the ongoing work of building God's kingdom, whether locally or globally, recognizing that our collective, joyful efforts can bring about profound and lasting impact for generations.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **What is my prevailing attitude when asked to contribute to God's work (financially, time, talent)? Is it characterized by joy and willingness, or obligation?**
* **How does my personal giving or service reflect a commitment to seeing God's purposes fulfilled "until they had made an end"?**
* **In what ways can my local church or community better foster a spirit of unity and collective joy in serving God, similar to the people of Judah?**

### FAQ

**What was the condition of the Temple before Joash's reign, and why was it in disrepair?**

Answer: Before Joash's reign, the Temple had fallen into severe disrepair and neglect, primarily during the six-year reign of his grandmother, Queen Athaliah. Athaliah was an idolatrous queen who promoted Baal worship and actively suppressed the worship of Yahweh. [2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Sons and the Temple") explicitly states that "the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim." This indicates not only physical damage and neglect but also the desecration of sacred articles, which were used to support the worship of false gods. The Temple, therefore, was not merely structurally unsound but also spiritually defiled, necessitating a comprehensive restoration as a sign of national repentance and renewed allegiance to God.

**How did Joash and Jehoiada ensure the collection was effective and transparent?**

Answer: Joash and Jehoiada implemented a highly effective and transparent system, detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - Jehoiada's Chest for Temple Offerings"). Instead of relying on the Levites to go out and collect, which had proven ineffective, Jehoiada "made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD." This public placement made the collection visible and accessible to everyone entering the Temple precincts, fostering trust and encouraging participation. Furthermore, [2 Chronicles 24:11](/2_chronicles/24-11 "2 Chronicles 24:11 - Overseers and the Collection Chest") describes how, when the chest was full, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer would empty it, count the money, and then hand it over to the overseers of the work. This dual oversight ensured accountability and built trust among the people, encouraging their continued generous contributions "until they had made an end" ([2 Chronicles 24:10](/2_chronicles/24-10 "2 Chronicles 24:10 - People's Joyful Giving")), demonstrating a model of integrity in handling sacred funds.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 2 Chronicles 24:10 describes a historical event of physical temple restoration, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The joyful and unified giving for the earthly Temple foreshadows the ultimate, perfect offering of Christ for the building of a spiritual Temple—the Church. Just as the people of Judah gave willingly to restore a physical dwelling place for God's presence, Christ gave Himself completely, without reservation, as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God and establish a new dwelling place for the Holy Spirit within believers ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Temple")). The "rejoicing" of the people points to the joy found in participating in God's redemptive plan, a joy supremely realized in the Gospel, where believers are called to give their lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) in response to Christ's ultimate act of love. Furthermore, the unity of "all the princes and all the people" prefigures the unity of the Church, where believers from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")) are brought together by Christ's blood to form one body, diligently working together to advance His kingdom "until they had made an end" of the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The diligent completion of the Temple repairs finds its ultimate parallel in Christ's declaration "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross")), signifying the perfect and complete work of redemption that fully restores humanity's relationship with God, making us temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and co-laborers in His ongoing mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

1 Chronicles 29:9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Acts 2:45

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Isaiah 64:5

Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, [those that] remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.