2 Chronicles 24:5

KJV

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he gathered together {H6908} the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, and said {H559} to them, Go out {H3318} unto the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and gather {H6908} of all Israel {H3478} money {H3701} to repair {H2388} the house {H1004} of your God {H430} from {H1767} year {H8141} to year {H8141}, and see that ye hasten {H4116} the matter {H1697}. Howbeit the Levites {H3881} hastened {H4116} it not.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gathered the cohanim and L'vi'im and said to them, "Go out to the cities of Y'hudah, and collect money each year from all Isra'el to repair the house of your God. See that you do this promptly." But when the L'vi'im procrastinated,

Berean Standard Bible

So he gathered the priests and Levites and said, “Go out to the cities of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the house of your God. Do it quickly.” The Levites, however, did not make haste.

American Standard Version

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year; and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Joash, early in his reign, initiated a vital project to restore the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem, commanding the priests and Levites to collect funds annually from all Israel with urgency. This verse encapsulates his righteous zeal for God's dwelling place, yet it starkly reveals the disappointing failure of the Levites to execute this divine mandate with the required diligence, highlighting a significant lapse in their sacred duty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 24 opens with the reign of King Joash, who ascended the throne at the tender age of seven, having been rescued from the murderous schemes of his grandmother, Athaliah, by the high priest Jehoiada ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10-12 - Athaliah's Reign of Terror")). Verses 1-3 establish Joash's initial righteousness, largely attributed to Jehoiada's faithful guidance. Our verse, [2 Chronicles 24:5](/2_chronicles/24-5 "2 Chronicles 24:5 - Joash's Command to Repair the Temple"), immediately follows Joash's decision to repair the house of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 24:4](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4 - Joash's Desire to Repair the Temple")). The subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 24:6-14](/2_chronicles/24-6 "2 Chronicles 24:6-14 - The Temple Repair is Accomplished")) detail the eventual successful collection of funds and the restoration work, but not before highlighting the Levites' initial failure and Joash's subsequent adaptation of the collection method. This narrative sequence underscores the challenges even righteous leaders face in implementing God's work and the importance of perseverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, was the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. By Joash's time, it had suffered neglect and likely desecration, particularly during the wicked reign of Queen Athaliah, who had even used Temple treasures for Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). The command to "gather...money to repair the house of your God from year to year" reflects a common practice of temple maintenance and taxation for religious purposes in the ancient Near East. The priests and Levites were the designated custodians of the Temple and its services, making them the natural choice for this task. Their role involved not only ritual duties but also administrative and financial responsibilities related to the sanctuary, a tradition rooted in Mosaic law concerning offerings and tithes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **importance of the Temple as the center of Israelite worship and God's dwelling place**, emphasizing the continuous need for its care and sanctity. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **righteous leadership and initiative**, as Joash, guided by Jehoiada, takes proactive steps to restore proper worship. Thirdly, it starkly presents the **contrast between command and compliance, or diligence and procrastination**, revealing a significant failure in the Levites' execution of their sacred duty. This failure serves as a cautionary tale about the human tendency to delay or neglect divine mandates, a theme echoed in the prophet Haggai's later rebuke concerning the neglected rebuilding of the post-exilic Temple ([Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Neglecting God's House")). Finally, it touches upon **stewardship and accountability**, as those entrusted with God's work are expected to carry it out faithfully and promptly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repair (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (_chazaq_) means "to be strong, firm, hard; to strengthen, repair, restore." In this context, it signifies more than just patching up; it implies a thorough restoration and strengthening of the Temple structure and its sacred integrity. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the restoration of physical structures, but also metaphorically for strengthening resolve or hands for a task. Here, it conveys the king's intention for a comprehensive and robust renewal of God's house.
* **Hasten (Hebrew, _mahar'_):** The Hebrew verb מָהַר (_mahar_) means "to hurry, make haste, act quickly or promptly." Joash's explicit command, "see that ye hasten the matter," emphasizes the urgency and priority he placed on the Temple repair. The subsequent statement, "Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not," directly negates this verb, indicating a failure not just in speed, but in the very spirit of prompt and zealous obedience. Their inaction was a direct contradiction to the king's clear instruction and the perceived urgency of the task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them,"**: This opening clause establishes Joash's direct, authoritative initiative. As king, he convenes the spiritual leaders responsible for the Temple, indicating a formal and deliberate delegation of a critical task. It highlights the hierarchical structure of leadership and the king's role in overseeing religious affairs.
* **"Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year,"**: This is the core of Joash's command, outlining the scope and method of the collection. The instruction to "go out unto the cities of Judah" implies a widespread, organized effort across the kingdom. "Gather of all Israel money" indicates a broad appeal for contributions from the entire populace, emphasizing communal responsibility for the Temple. The phrase "from year to year" suggests that this was intended to be an ongoing collection for maintenance, not just a one-time repair, underscoring the perpetual need for care of God's sanctuary.
* **"and see that ye hasten the matter."**: This imperative clause reveals Joash's specific demand for urgency and diligence. It's not merely a suggestion but a directive to act promptly and without delay, reflecting the king's zeal for the restoration of proper worship and the physical structure of the Temple. This phrase sets up the dramatic tension for the subsequent clause.
* **"Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not."**: This concluding, stark statement delivers the narrative's central disappointment. The conjunction "Howbeit" (or "Nevertheless") introduces a direct contrast to Joash's clear command. It reveals a significant failure on the part of the Levites—those specifically entrusted with the sacred duty—to execute the task with the required speed or zeal. This inaction led to delays and ultimately forced the king to implement an alternative method for fund collection, as described in the verses that follow ([2 Chronicles 24:6-11](/2_chronicles/24-6 "2 Chronicles 24:6-11 - Joash's New Plan for Temple Repair")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** and **Narrative Irony**. The initial part of the verse details King Joash's righteous initiative and clear, urgent command to the priests and Levites to "hasten the matter" of Temple repair. This sets an expectation of prompt and diligent action. However, the concluding clause, "Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not," directly contrasts with this expectation, creating a sense of **Narrative Irony**. The very individuals designated to care for God's house and execute the king's righteous decree fail to do so with the required zeal. This stark juxtaposition highlights the human tendency towards procrastination or apathy, even in sacred duties, and serves as a subtle critique of the Levites' lack of diligence. The use of **Direct Speech** for Joash's command lends immediacy and authority to his words, making the Levites' subsequent inaction even more pronounced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though concise, resonates with profound theological and thematic implications. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the proper care and reverence for God's dwelling place, whether a physical temple or, by extension, the community of believers. Joash's initiative reflects a kingly responsibility to uphold divine worship, a recurring theme in the Deuteronomistic history. The Levites' failure, however, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual apathy and procrastination in fulfilling God-given responsibilities. It highlights that even those in positions of sacred trust can fall short of diligence, necessitating accountability and, at times, alternative divine provision. The narrative implicitly teaches that God's work, though sometimes delayed by human failings, will ultimately be accomplished, often through new means or renewed leadership.

* [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Rebuking Neglect of God's House")
* [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls")
* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 24:5 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. King Joash's zeal for God's house reminds us of the importance of prioritizing and investing in the spiritual health and physical upkeep of our places of worship and, more broadly, the work of God's kingdom. It challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine calls and responsibilities. Are we quick to obey, or do we, like the Levites, "hasten it not"? This verse convicts us regarding procrastination in spiritual matters – whether it's deepening our prayer life, engaging in ministry, sharing our faith, or contributing to the needs of the church. True diligence in serving God is not merely about completing a task, but doing so with a spirit of eagerness and promptness, recognizing the sacredness and urgency of the work. It also calls leaders to discern when those entrusted with tasks are not fulfilling their duties and to take necessary steps to ensure God's work progresses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life or service to God might you be "hastening it not"?**
* **What might be the underlying reasons for procrastination or lack of diligence in fulfilling your God-given responsibilities?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency and zeal for God's work in your daily life?**
* **If you are in a leadership position, how do you ensure that those you lead are diligent in their sacred duties?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Temple in disrepair during Joash's reign?**

Answer: The Temple had likely fallen into disrepair and neglect during the reigns of less devout kings, particularly under the wicked Queen Athaliah, Joash's grandmother. Athaliah, a devotee of Baal, actively promoted idolatry and even used sacred articles from the Temple for Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). This period of apostasy led to the physical deterioration and desecration of the Temple, necessitating Joash's restoration efforts upon his ascension to the throne.

**What was the significance of the Levites' failure to "hasten the matter"?**

Answer: The Levites' failure to "hasten the matter" was significant because it demonstrated a lack of diligence and zeal in fulfilling a direct, divinely-sanctioned command from the king, who himself was acting righteously under Jehoiada's guidance. As custodians of the Temple and its services, they were uniquely positioned and responsible for this task. Their inaction led to considerable delays in the crucial work of Temple repair, forcing King Joash to devise an alternative, more effective method for collecting funds ([2 Chronicles 24:6-11](/2_chronicles/24-6 "2 Chronicles 24:6-11 - Joash's New Plan for Temple Repair")). This highlights a failure in stewardship and a warning against spiritual apathy, even among those dedicated to sacred service.

**Did the Temple eventually get repaired?**

Answer: Yes, despite the initial delay caused by the Levites' inaction, the Temple was eventually repaired and restored. [2 Chronicles 24:8-14](/2_chronicles/24-8 "2 Chronicles 24:8-14 - The Temple Repair Completed") describes how King Joash, in conjunction with Jehoiada, devised a new system for collecting funds by placing a chest at the gate of the Temple. This method proved highly successful, and the collected money was used to hire masons and carpenters, who diligently repaired and strengthened the house of God. The Temple was restored to its former state and even had new vessels made for it, ensuring the resumption of proper worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Temple repair in [2 Chronicles 24:5](/2_chronicles/24-5 "2 Chronicles 24:5 - Joash's Command to Repair the Temple"), with its emphasis on the care for God's dwelling place and the failure of human diligence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem was a shadow, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")). Unlike the Levites who "hastened it not," Jesus perfectly fulfilled every aspect of God's will, demonstrating absolute diligence and zeal for His Father's house, even to the point of cleansing it from defilement ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). His perfect obedience and sacrificial death not only repaired the broken relationship between God and humanity but also established a new spiritual temple—His body, the Church ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")). Through Christ, believers are now living stones, being built into a spiritual house for God's presence ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")), called to a diligence in service and worship that reflects His own perfect zeal for God's glory, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:11](/romans/12-11 "Romans 12:11 - Fervent in Spirit, Serving the Lord")).

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 Chronicles 21:2

And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these [were] the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.

2 Chronicles 34:8

¶ Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.

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 29:3

He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.

2 Kings 12:4

¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, [even] the money of every one that passeth [the account], the money that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,

2 Kings 12:7

Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the [other] priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no [more] money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.