2 Chronicles 24:12

KJV

And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} and Jehoiada {H3077} gave {H5414} it to such as did {H6213} the work {H4399} of the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and hired {H7936} masons {H2672} and carpenters {H2796} to repair {H2318} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and also such as wrought {H2796} iron {H1270} and brass {H5178} to mend {H2388} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king and Y'hoyada gave it to those in charge of taking care of the house of ADONAI. They, in turn, hired stone-workers and carpenters to restore the house of ADONAI, also iron- and bronze-workers to repair the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money to those who supervised the labor on the house of the LORD to hire stonecutters and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, as well as workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of Jehovah; and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of Jehovah, and also such as wrought iron and brass to repair the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of the Temple during the reign of King Joash, under the faithful guidance of High Priest Jehoiada. It describes the practical allocation of the successfully collected funds, detailing how the king and Jehoiada entrusted the money to those overseeing the work and specifically hired skilled masons, carpenters, and metalworkers to meticulously repair and strengthen the dilapidated house of the LORD. This act signifies not only a physical rebuilding but also a profound spiritual renewal for the nation of Judah, emphasizing diligent stewardship and the value of skilled labor in God's service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 24:12 stands as the culmination of a concerted effort to restore the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair and even desecration during the wicked reign of Queen Athaliah. The preceding verses establish the background: King Joash, enthroned at a young age and guided by the righteous High Priest Jehoiada, initiates a decree to repair the "house of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 24:4-5](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4-5 - Joash's Initial Decree to Repair the Temple")). After an initial delay by the Levites, Jehoiada devises a new, more effective method of collection by placing a chest at the Temple gate, which results in an overwhelming influx of contributions ([2 Chronicles 24:6-11](/2_chronicles/24-6 "2 Chronicles 24:6-11 - Jehoiada's Chest for Temple Contributions")). Verse 12 directly follows this successful collection, detailing the immediate and practical steps taken to implement the repair work. The subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 24:13-14](/2_chronicles/24-13 "2 Chronicles 24:13-14 - Completion of the Temple Repair and Restoration of Worship")) then describe the successful completion of the project and the re-establishment of regular Temple worship, highlighting the effectiveness of the leadership and the people's renewed commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the early reign of King Joash (also known as Jehoash) of Judah, approximately 835-796 BC. Joash ascended the throne miraculously at age seven, having been hidden from his grandmother Athaliah's purge of the royal family ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10-12 - Athaliah's Usurpation and Joash's Rescue")). His reign was heavily influenced by Jehoiada, the High Priest, who served as his guardian, mentor, and spiritual guide. The Temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its dilapidated state under Athaliah, who even used its sacred articles for Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Sons Desecrate the Temple")), reflected the spiritual decline of the nation. The hiring of skilled laborers—masons for stone, carpenters for wood, and metalworkers for iron and brass—was a standard practice for major construction projects in the ancient Near East. This verse demonstrates the practical application of collected funds, adhering to principles of good stewardship and utilizing specialized craftsmanship for a sacred purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several significant themes. First, it underscores **Righteous Leadership and Mentorship**, exemplified by Jehoiada's profound and positive influence on the young King Joash, guiding him toward covenant faithfulness and diligent service to God. Second, it highlights **Stewardship and Responsibility** as both civil (king) and religious (high priest) authorities demonstrate exemplary care for God's sacred house, ensuring its proper maintenance and function. This act of repair symbolizes a broader **Restoration and Renewal**, where the physical rebuilding of the Temple mirrors a spiritual revival in the nation, a return to proper worship and obedience to God's law. Furthermore, the explicit mention of hiring "masons and carpenters" and those who "wrought iron and brass" emphasizes the **Value of Skilled Labor in God's Service**, demonstrating that God uses and blesses human craftsmanship and diligent work for the advancement of His kingdom. Finally, the collaboration between the king and the high priest showcases the ideal of **Cooperation between Sacred and Secular Authority** working in unity for a common, godly purpose, ensuring the effective execution of God's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, בֵּית יְהוָה, _beit Yahweh_):** This phrase consistently refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary where God's manifest presence was believed to dwell among His people. It was the focal point of Israelite worship, sacrifice, and covenant life. Its restoration was not merely a construction project but a spiritual imperative, signifying a renewal of the nation's relationship with God and a return to proper worship practices.
* **Repair (Hebrew, חָזַק, _chazaq_):** This verb, used multiple times in this chapter (and translated as both "repair" and "mend" in verse 12), means to strengthen, make firm, restore, or reinforce. It implies more than just patching up; it signifies bringing something back to a state of wholeness, stability, and proper function. In the context of the Temple, it speaks to a comprehensive and thorough restoration, ensuring the structure was sound and fit for its sacred purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD":** This clause highlights the joint leadership and responsible allocation of the collected funds. "It" refers to the substantial amount of money gathered through Jehoiada's initiative. The funds were not used for personal gain or other state affairs but were specifically designated and entrusted to those directly overseeing and executing the Temple repair, emphasizing integrity and focused stewardship. This partnership between the highest civil and religious authorities ensured the project's legitimacy and effectiveness.
* **"and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD":** This specifies the initial group of skilled laborers engaged for the physical reconstruction. Masons were experts in working with stone, the primary building material for the Temple's structure, while carpenters specialized in wood, used for beams, paneling, doors, and other architectural elements. Their hiring signifies the practical, hands-on phase of the restoration, addressing the structural and aesthetic needs of the sacred building. The repetition of "repair the house of the LORD" underscores the central purpose of their labor.
* **"and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD":** This expands the scope of the skilled workforce, including metalworkers. Iron and brass (or bronze) were crucial for various Temple components, such as fittings, tools, decorative elements, and possibly structural reinforcements. The use of "mend" (from the same Hebrew root as "repair," _chazaq_) reinforces the comprehensive nature of the restoration, indicating that every aspect of the Temple, down to its metal fixtures, was to be brought back to a state of soundness and proper function.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "repair the house of the LORD" (and "mend the house of the LORD," which uses the same Hebrew verb), underscoring the central focus and diligent effort dedicated to the Temple's restoration. This repetition emphasizes the thoroughness and singular purpose of the project. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, as the physical repair of the Temple serves as a powerful symbol for the spiritual restoration and renewal of the nation of Judah. The dilapidated structure represented the spiritual decay under Athaliah, while its rebuilding signified a return to covenant faithfulness and proper worship. The narrative also exhibits **Narrative Progression**, moving from the initial decree and collection to the practical implementation of the work, demonstrating a clear and successful sequence of events. Furthermore, the listing of specific trades (masons, carpenters, iron and brass workers) uses a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (types of workers) represent the whole range of skilled labor involved in such a comprehensive construction project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous repair of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 24:12 offers profound theological insights into God's desire for His dwelling place and the active role He calls His people to play in its maintenance. Just as the physical Temple was central to Israel's worship and identity, its restoration symbolized a renewed commitment to God's covenant and a fresh outpouring of spiritual vitality. This act underscores the principle of stewardship, highlighting that the resources and skills entrusted to us are to be used diligently for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The collaboration between the king and the high priest further emphasizes the importance of unified leadership in pursuing God's purposes, where all gifts and roles are valued and contribute to the collective good. This historical account serves as a timeless reminder that while God does not *need* human effort, He graciously chooses to involve His people in His work, valuing their labor and resources as expressions of faith and obedience.

* [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Dwelling in Paneled Houses While God's House Lies Waste")
* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Temple's restoration under Joash and Jehoiada provides a powerful blueprint for believers today. While the physical Temple no longer stands as the central place of worship, the principles of diligent stewardship, unified effort, and valuing every contribution remain vitally important for the "house of the LORD" in its new testament manifestation—the church, both as a corporate body and as individual believers. We are called to maintain not just physical church buildings, but more importantly, the spiritual health and vitality of the community of faith and our own personal walk with God. This involves generously contributing our time, talents, and financial resources to support ministry, recognizing that every skill, from administration to teaching to practical service, is valuable in building up the body of Christ. Furthermore, the mentorship of Jehoiada to Joash reminds us of the critical role of godly leadership and discipleship in guiding others toward righteous living and effective service, ensuring that future generations are equipped to carry on God's work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the commitment of King Joash and High Priest Jehoiada to the physical Temple challenge my commitment to the "house of the Lord" today, whether that be my local church community or my own spiritual walk?**
* **In what practical ways can I contribute my unique skills, resources, or time to the work of God's kingdom, recognizing that all gifts are valued in His service?**
* **Who are the "Jehoiadas" in my life—those godly mentors or leaders—and how am I actively seeking out and submitting to their wisdom for my spiritual growth and effective service?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Temple in such disrepair in the first place?**

Answer: The Temple fell into disrepair primarily during the wicked reign of Queen Athaliah, Joash's grandmother. After seizing the throne, she neglected the worship of Yahweh and actively promoted Baal worship. According to [2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Sons Desecrate the Temple"), her sons had even broken into the house of God and used its sacred articles for Baal. This period of idolatry and neglect led to the physical deterioration of the Temple structure and its sacred vessels, reflecting the spiritual decay of the nation.

**What is the significance of "the king and Jehoiada" working together?**

Answer: The collaboration between King Joash (the civil authority) and High Priest Jehoiada (the religious authority) is highly significant. It represents an ideal model of leadership where both secular and sacred spheres work in unity for the glory of God and the good of the people. Jehoiada, as Joash's guardian and spiritual mentor, provided the wisdom and moral authority that guided the young king's actions. Their partnership ensured that the Temple repair was not just a royal decree but a divinely inspired and properly executed spiritual restoration, highlighting the importance of wise counsel and shared vision in God's work.

**Does this verse imply that God needs human labor or money to accomplish His purposes?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God is dependent on human labor or financial resources. God is sovereign, omnipotent, and self-sufficient. However, throughout Scripture, God chooses to involve humanity in His divine plans. He invites His people to participate in His work as an act of worship, obedience, and partnership. The collection of funds and the hiring of skilled laborers demonstrate the people's willing hearts and the value God places on human skill and diligent effort offered in service to Him. It's a testament to God's grace that He allows us to be co-laborers with Him, using our gifts and resources for the advancement of His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical restoration of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 24:12, meticulously carried out by skilled laborers under the joint leadership of King Joash and High Priest Jehoiada, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as the old Temple had fallen into disrepair, humanity's spiritual "temple" was broken and defiled by sin, leading to a separation from God. Jesus, the true and greater Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")), came to "mend" and "repair" this broken relationship. He is the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come")) who, unlike Jehoiada, offered His own perfect sacrifice, not merely to cleanse a physical structure, but to purify the consciences of His people and reconcile them to God. Through His death and resurrection, Christ initiated a new covenant, building a spiritual house—the Church—composed of believers who are now living stones, indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). Thus, the diligent work of masons, carpenters, and metalworkers in repairing the ancient sanctuary points to the far greater, complete, and eternal work of Christ, who perfectly restores, strengthens, and renews all who trust in Him, making them part of His glorious, indestructible, and ever-present Temple.

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

1 Kings 5:15

And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;

2 Chronicles 34:9

And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 34:11

Even to the artificers and builders gave they [it], to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.