2 Chronicles 24:11

KJV

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that [there was] much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now it came to pass, that at what time {H6256} the chest {H727} was brought {H935} unto the king's {H4428} office {H6486} by the hand {H3027} of the Levites {H3881}, and when they saw {H7200} that there was much {H7227} money {H3701}, the king's {H4428} scribe {H5608} and the high {H7218} priest's {H3548} officer {H6496} came {H935} and emptied {H6168} the chest {H727}, and took {H5375} it, and carried {H7725} it to his place {H4725} again {H7725}. Thus they did {H6213} day {H3117} by day {H3117}, and gathered {H622} money {H3701} in abundance {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the box was brought to the king's officials by the L'vi'im, and when they saw how much money there was, the king's secretary and the chief cohen's official came and emptied the box; then they took it and returned it to its place. They did this daily, and they collected money in abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

Whenever the chest was brought by the Levites to the king’s overseers and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal scribe and the officer of the high priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this daily and gathered the money in abundance.

American Standard Version

And it was so, that, at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s officers by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the chief priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to its place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:11 meticulously details the successful and transparent process of collecting funds for the vital restoration of the Lord's Temple during the reign of King Joash. This verse highlights the practical implementation of a divinely inspired system that fostered accountability and efficiency, showcasing the diligent collaboration between royal and priestly officials in managing the abundant contributions of a spiritually reawakened populace towards a sacred cause.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Joash's reign, specifically detailing the efforts to repair the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair and even desecration under the wicked Queen Athaliah, his grandmother, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple"). Joash, guided by the righteous High Priest Jehoiada, initiated this restoration project, as described in [2 Chronicles 24:4-5](/2_chronicles/24-4-5 "2 Chronicles 24:4-5 - Joash's Plan for Temple Repair"). Initially, the Levites were tasked with collecting money but were slow to act, a delay noted in [2 Chronicles 24:5](/2_chronicles/24-5 "2 Chronicles 24:5 - Levites' Delay"). Jehoiada then devised a new, more effective system: a chest with a hole in its lid was placed at the Temple gate, where people could deposit their offerings directly, a crucial innovation introduced in [2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - The Chest for Offerings"). Verse 11 precisely describes the daily, meticulous execution of this new system, demonstrating its immediate success and the abundance of contributions, leading directly into the description of the actual repair work in [2 Chronicles 24:12-14](/2_chronicles/24-12-14 "2 Chronicles 24:12-14 - Temple Restoration Completed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a religious edifice but the spiritual, civic, and even economic heart of Judah, symbolizing God's covenant presence among His people. Its desecration under Athaliah was not merely structural damage but a profound spiritual crisis, reflecting a departure from covenant faithfulness and a period of apostasy. The restoration effort under Joash and Jehoiada, therefore, was more than a construction project; it was a national spiritual revival, a deliberate return to Yahweh worship and covenant fidelity. The system of collecting funds, involving both the king's scribe and the high priest's officer, underscores the unique co-regency and shared authority between the monarchy and the priesthood during Joash's early reign, a period of relative stability and faithfulness. The public display of the chest and the transparent, dual-oversight process of emptying it would have fostered immense trust among the populace, encouraging their participation in this vital national undertaking. This public accountability was crucial in a society where religious offerings were often managed by priests, sometimes without clear oversight, and served to prevent suspicion and ensure integrity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles and broader biblical narratives. It highlights the importance of **effective leadership and administration** in sacred endeavors, as Jehoiada's innovative system, endorsed by the king, ensured the project's success where previous methods failed. The "abundance" of money collected points to the theme of **generosity and community support**, reflecting a renewed spiritual zeal among the people who eagerly contributed to God's house, a theme echoed in other restoration accounts like that of Nehemiah, where the people's heart for God's work led to overwhelming contributions for the wall's rebuilding, as seen in [Nehemiah 7:70-72](/nehemiah/7-70-72 "Nehemiah 7:70-72 - Contributions for the Wall"). Furthermore, the diligent, "day by day" emptying of the chest by royal and priestly officials underscores the critical importance of **diligence, transparency, and accountability** in handling sacred resources, serving as a model for faithful stewardship. Ultimately, the successful provision of funds can be seen as an expression of **God's provision** for His people when they commit to honoring Him and His dwelling place, a principle seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the wilderness tabernacle construction, where the people gave so abundantly that they had to be restrained ([Exodus 36:5-7](/exodus/36-5-7 "Exodus 36:5-7 - Abundant Offerings for the Tabernacle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chest (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This term (H727) refers to a box or ark, specifically the collection box designed by Jehoiada, which had a hole in its lid ([2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - The Chest for Offerings")). Unlike a general treasury, this was a dedicated, visible, and accessible receptacle for public offerings. Its design and placement outside the Temple gate symbolized accessibility and transparency, allowing all to see the process of giving and ensuring that funds were specifically for the Temple repair, not general priestly support. The use of this specific term highlights the innovative and practical solution implemented to address previous inefficiencies in fund collection.
* **Money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This word (H3701), meaning "silver" and by implication "money," is significant here due to its quantity—"much money" and "money in abundance." This emphasizes the tangible outcome of the new system and the people's enthusiastic response. The accumulation of "much money" was not merely about financial resources but represented the collective faith, devotion, and sacrificial giving of the people of Judah towards the restoration of their spiritual center. It underscores the material manifestation of spiritual commitment and the value placed on God's house.
* **Abundance (Hebrew, _rôb'_):** This term (H7230) signifies not just sufficiency but an overflowing, more-than-enough quantity of funds in any respect. Appearing twice in the verse implicitly ("much money") and explicitly ("gathered money in abundance"), this repetition is crucial. This abundance testifies to the effectiveness of Jehoiada's system, the diligence of the officials, and, most importantly, the widespread generosity and spiritual revival among the people. It implies divine blessing upon their unified effort, demonstrating God's provision when His people are faithful and committed to His work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites,"**: This clause describes the regular procedure for handling the collection chest. The Levites (H3881), who were responsible for the Temple's upkeep and often served as gatekeepers, would transport the chest (H727) from its public location at the Temple gate to a designated "king's office" (H6486) or treasury. This indicates a formal and organized process, ensuring that the collected funds were moved securely and under official oversight, bridging the gap between public contribution and official management. The phrase "by the hand" (H3027, _yâd_) emphasizes the direct involvement and responsibility of the Levites in this transport.
* **"and when they saw that [there was] much money,"**: This phrase highlights the immediate and visible success of the new collection method. The "they" refers to the officials responsible for emptying the chest. The observation that there was "much money" (H3701, H7227) indicates that the chest was not merely receiving contributions, but was consistently overflowing, signaling the widespread and generous participation of the people. This visual confirmation of abundance would have reinforced trust and encouraged continued giving. The verb "saw" (H7200, _râʼâh_) implies a careful inspection and recognition of the significant quantity.
* **"the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest,"**: This is a pivotal detail, emphasizing the collaborative and transparent nature of the process. The presence of both a royal official (the king's (H4428) scribe (H5608, _çâphar_)) and a priestly official (the high (H7218) priest's (H3548, _kôhên_) officer (H6496, _pâqîyd_)) ensured dual oversight and accountability. This joint effort prevented misappropriation and built confidence among the people that their contributions were being handled with integrity by both secular and religious authorities. Their act of "emptying" (H6168, _ʻârâh_) signifies the regular and thorough processing of the funds.
* **"and took it, and carried it to his place again."**: This indicates the completion of the daily collection cycle. After being emptied (H6168), the chest was "took" (H5375, _nâsâʼ_) and "carried it to his place" (H4725, _mâqôwm_) "again" (H7725, _shûwb_), meaning it was returned to its designated position at the Temple gate. This routine, day-by-day practice ensured continuous collection and maintained the system's efficiency and accessibility for the people's ongoing contributions. It speaks to the meticulousness and dedication of those involved in the process.
* **"Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance."**: This concluding statement summarizes the consistent and highly successful nature of the operation. The phrase "day by day" (H3117, _yôwm_) underscores the regularity and diligence of the collection efforts. The repetition of "gathered (H622, _ʼâçaph_) money (H3701) in abundance" (H7230) reinforces the theme of overflowing generosity and divine blessing, confirming that the system not only worked but yielded exceptional results, providing ample resources for the Temple's much-needed restoration. The verb "did" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) encompasses the entire process of managing and collecting the funds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, with the text providing specific, almost procedural, steps of how the money was collected and handled. This meticulous detail emphasizes the transparency and accountability of the process, building confidence in the reader about the integrity of the Temple's restoration efforts. The device of **Repetition** is also key, particularly with the phrase "much money" and "gathered money in abundance," and the action being performed "day by day." This repetition underscores the consistent success and the overflowing generosity of the people, highlighting the sustained nature of the revival. While not explicit **Symbolism**, the chest itself functions as a powerful symbol of communal devotion and the conduit through which the people's collective faith and resources flowed towards a sacred purpose, representing the tangible expression of their spiritual commitment to God's dwelling place. The **Synecdoche** of "hand of the Levites" (H3027, _yâd_) uses a part (hand) to represent the whole (the Levites' agency and responsibility in transporting the chest), further emphasizing their direct involvement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 24:11 offers profound insights into the principles of stewardship, communal responsibility, and divine provision. The meticulous and transparent handling of the offerings by both royal and priestly officials underscores God's expectation of integrity and accountability from those entrusted with His resources. The "abundance" of money collected testifies to the power of a unified community responding to a clear vision for God's work, demonstrating that when hearts are stirred by spiritual renewal, generosity flows freely. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that faithful stewardship, characterized by diligence and transparency, not only builds trust within the community but also honors God, enabling His purposes to be fulfilled through the willing contributions of His people.

* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [1 Corinthians 16:2](/1_corinthians/16-2 "1 Corinthians 16:2 - Regular Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides a powerful blueprint for how God's work can be accomplished when leadership is faithful, systems are transparent, and the people are willing to give generously. The "day by day" diligence of the officials and the "abundance" of the people's offerings remind us that effective ministry requires both meticulous administration and fervent, heartfelt participation. For believers today, this passage calls us to consider our own stewardship—not just of finances, but of all resources, time, and talents—with the same integrity and generosity. It encourages us to support the work of the church and kingdom initiatives with cheerful hearts, trusting that God will bless our collective efforts when they are offered for His glory. Furthermore, it challenges leaders within spiritual communities to cultivate environments of trust through transparent and accountable practices, fostering a culture where giving is a joyful act of worship rather than a mere obligation, thereby building up the body of Christ and extending His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise greater diligence and accountability, especially concerning resources entrusted to you by God or others?**
* **How does the transparency shown in this verse encourage or challenge your understanding of financial stewardship within religious organizations today?**
* **What does the "abundance" of the people's giving in this context reveal about the connection between spiritual revival and genuine generosity?**
* **How can you, as an individual or part of a community, contribute to the "restoration" or building up of God's work in your sphere of influence with integrity and wholeheartedness?**

### FAQ
**Why was a new system for collecting money needed for the Temple repairs?**

Answer: The initial system for collecting funds, where the Levites were tasked with gathering money, proved ineffective and slow, as noted in [2 Chronicles 24:5](/2_chronicles/24-5 "2 Chronicles 24:5 - Levites' Delay in Collecting Funds"). King Joash and High Priest Jehoiada recognized that the Temple's repair was urgent, and the existing method was not yielding sufficient or timely results. The new system, detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:8](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8 - The Chest for Offerings"), involved placing a public collection chest with a hole in its lid at the Temple gate. This innovation made giving more accessible, visible, and direct, fostering greater trust and encouraging the people's immediate and abundant contributions, as seen in [2 Chronicles 24:10](/2_chronicles/24-10 "2 Chronicles 24:10 - People Rejoice and Bring Offerings"). It shifted from a potentially coercive or delayed collection by Levites to a voluntary, transparent, and public offering system, which proved remarkably successful in gathering "money in abundance."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The diligent repair of the physical Temple in 2 Chronicles 24:11, facilitated by abundant offerings and meticulous stewardship, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. While the people of Judah contributed to a structure made with hands, Christ Himself is the true and living Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection"). The "abundance" of money collected for the Temple's physical restoration points to the immeasurable "abundance" of grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ, as [John 1:16-17](/john/1-16-17 "John 1:16-17 - Grace Upon Grace") proclaims. His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the ultimate, once-for-all offering that perfectly atones for sin and brings about true spiritual repair and reconciliation between God and humanity, a sacrifice far superior to any Old Testament offering, as expounded in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Furthermore, just as the king's scribe and high priest's officer ensured the integrity of the offerings, Christ, our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us, ensuring the efficacy of His sacrifice and the purity of our worship before God's throne ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). The New Testament church, as the body of Christ, becomes the spiritual temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone, a living edifice where God's Spirit dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Our "offerings" in the New Covenant are not merely financial, but our very lives, presented as living sacrifices in worship, empowered by the Spirit who dwells within us, transforming us from the inside out ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")).

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 Kings 12:10

And it was [so], when they saw that [there was] much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 12:12

And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair [it].

1 Corinthians 16:2

Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.