What number verse is 2 Chronicles 24:8 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 24:8 is the 11,686th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 24:8 sits at position 11,686.

Translation

King James Version

And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And at the king's ^H4428 commandment ^H559 they made ^H6213 a ^H259 chest ^H727, and set ^H5414 it without ^H2351 at the gate ^H8179 of the house ^H1004 of the LORD ^H3068.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Then, at the king's order, they made a box and placed it outside the entrance to the house of ADONAI.

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Berean Standard Bible

At the king’s command a chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the house of the LORD.

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American Standard Version

So the king commanded, and they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of Jehovah.

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World English Bible Messianic

So the king commanded, and they made a chest, and set it outside at the gate of the LORD’s house.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Therefore the King commanded, and they made a chest, and set it at the gate of the house of the Lord without.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the king speaketh, and they make one chest, and put it at the gate of the house of Jehovah without,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Chronicles 24:8 records King Joash's decisive and innovative action to fund the much-needed restoration of the Jerusalem Temple. Following the initial failure of the priests and Levites to gather sufficient funds, Joash commanded the creation of a public collection chest, strategically placed at the outer gate of the Lord's house. This pivotal moment not only facilitated widespread community participation but also ensured transparency and accountability in the sacred endeavor, underscoring the king's commitment to God's dwelling place and the importance of communal stewardship in spiritual matters.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Joash's reign, specifically detailing his zealous efforts to repair the dilapidated Temple. It immediately follows the account of Joash's miraculous preservation from Athaliah's murderous purge and his ascent to the throne at the tender age of seven, largely under the righteous tutelage of Jehoiada the priest, which shaped his early, God-honoring rule (2 Chronicles 24:1-3). The preceding verses reveal Joash's initial, yet unsuccessful, command to the priests and Levites to collect money for the Temple's repair, highlighting their negligence and the Temple's dire state due to Athaliah's desecration (2 Chronicles 24:4-7). Verse 8 introduces Joash's pragmatic and more effective solution, paving the way for the successful completion of the restoration work described in the subsequent verses, which detail the joyful and abundant giving of the people and the meticulous repair of the Temple (2 Chronicles 24:9-14).
Historical & Cultural Context: King Joash (also known as Jehoash) reigned over Judah from approximately 835-796 BC. His early life was marked by the profound political and religious turmoil initiated by his grandmother, Queen Athaliah, who usurped the throne and attempted to eradicate the Davidic line. Joash's rescue and upbringing within the Temple by Jehoiada profoundly influenced his early commitment to the Lord. The Temple, originally built by Solomon, was not merely a place of worship but the spiritual and national epicenter of Judah, symbolizing God's covenant presence among His people. Its state of disrepair, exacerbated by Athaliah's use of its sacred items for Baal worship, reflected a severe spiritual decline in the nation. Culturally, the practice of bringing offerings for the maintenance of sacred spaces was deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, stemming from the Mosaic Law and the construction of the Tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 35:4-9). However, the specific method implemented by Joash—a public, accessible collection chest—was a novel and innovative approach designed to overcome the priests' inertia and foster greater public trust and participation, demonstrating a proactive and pragmatic response to a pressing national and spiritual need.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the chapter and the broader biblical narrative of the Chronicler. Firstly, it highlights Decisive Leadership in Restoration, as King Joash, despite his youthful age, takes direct and proactive action to address the spiritual and physical decay of God's house, demonstrating a commendable commitment to divine priorities. Secondly, it underscores Communal Participation and Stewardship, providing a clear and accessible avenue for the entire community to contribute to the sacred work, thereby fostering a profound sense of shared responsibility for God's dwelling place. This resonates with the broader biblical principle of supporting the work of the Lord through freewill offerings and tithes, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:10. Thirdly, the strategic placement of the chest "without at the gate" emphasizes the crucial theme of Transparency and Accountability in handling sacred funds, building trust between the leadership and the people, and ensuring that contributions were visibly directed towards their intended purpose. Finally, the entire initiative reaffirms the profound Reverence for God's House, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the physical structures dedicated to worship as a tangible reflection of honor for God's presence and the sanctity of His name among His people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Chest (Hebrew, 'ârôwn', H727): While famously used for the Ark of the Covenant, 'ârôwn (H727) generally refers to a box, coffer, or chest. In this context, it specifically denotes a collection box designed to receive monetary contributions for the Temple repair. Its use here emphasizes its practical function as a receptacle for public donations, distinct from its more sacred usage for the Ark, yet still serving a holy purpose in the context of Temple maintenance.
Without (Hebrew, chûwts', H2351): This adverb chûwts (H2351) means "outside," "out of doors," or "in the open." Its placement here is crucial, indicating that the chest was not kept in a private or restricted area but was publicly accessible. This signifies a deliberate move towards transparency and ease of access for all worshippers entering the Temple courts, encouraging widespread and voluntary participation.
Gate (Hebrew, shaʻar', H8179): A gate shaʻar (H8179) in ancient Near Eastern cities and religious complexes was far more than a mere entrance. It was a bustling public square, a place of commerce, legal proceedings, communal gathering, and public announcements. Placing the chest "at the gate of the house of the LORD" meant it was in a highly visible, high-traffic area, maximizing its exposure to those entering and exiting the Temple, thereby facilitating offerings and reinforcing the public and communal nature of the collection.

Verse Breakdown

"And at the king's commandment": This phrase immediately highlights the royal authority and direct initiative behind the new collection method. It signifies King Joash's decisive leadership, stepping in where the priests had previously failed, and underscores his commitment to the Temple's restoration as a matter of royal priority and divine obedience, reflecting his early training under Jehoiada.
"they made a chest": This clause describes the practical and immediate action taken in response to the king's decree. The "they" likely refers to the Temple officials, Levites, or skilled craftsmen acting under the king's direct instruction, indicating the swift implementation of this new and effective plan following the previous ineffective methods of collection.
"and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD": This crucial detail specifies the strategic and highly public placement of the collection chest. "Without" (outside the immediate sacred precincts, in the court accessible to all) and "at the gate" (a public, high-traffic entrance to the Temple complex) ensured maximum visibility and accessibility for all worshippers. This public placement was a deliberate act to encourage contributions, foster transparency in the collection process, and visibly demonstrate accountability in the handling of sacred funds, contrasting sharply with the less effective and perhaps less transparent priestly collection efforts that preceded it.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The strategic placement of the chest "without at the gate" serves as a powerful Symbolism for transparency, accessibility, and communal responsibility in supporting God's work. The chest itself becomes a symbol of the people's renewed devotion and the king's commitment to righteous governance and the restoration of sacred order. The narrative demonstrates Narrative Progression, marking a significant turning point from the initial failure of the priests to a successful, divinely-blessed restoration effort, driven by the king's direct and innovative intervention. Furthermore, the phrase "house of the LORD" is a common Metonymy for the Temple, emphasizing its sacred purpose and divine ownership, even in its dilapidated state, and reminding the reader of God's dwelling among His people. The king's "commandment" underscores the Authority vested in the monarch for the spiritual well-being of the nation, reflecting the Davidic covenant's implications for righteous rule and the king's role as a steward of God's people and His sanctuary.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The account of Joash's chest transcends a mere historical anecdote, offering profound theological insights into stewardship, communal responsibility, and the very nature of worship. It underscores that the maintenance of God's dwelling place—whether the ancient Temple or the modern church—is a shared responsibility, not solely that of religious leaders. The transparency of the collection method reflects divine principles of integrity and accountability in handling sacred resources, fostering trust within the community and with God. This act of communal giving for a tangible, visible purpose also serves as a profound act of worship, demonstrating the people's devotion, their valuing of God's presence among them, and their commitment to His honor. It illustrates that true spiritual revival often involves practical, collective efforts to honor God in all spheres, including the physical structures dedicated to Him and the ministries they facilitate.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The story of Joash's chest offers timeless principles for believers and faith communities today. It challenges us to consider our own responsibility in supporting the work of God's kingdom, whether through financial contributions, the generous offering of our time, or the diligent application of our talents. Just as Joash identified a pressing need and implemented a clear, accessible solution, leaders in the church are called to discern the needs of their congregations and ministries, communicating them effectively and providing transparent avenues for participation. This account also reminds us that stewardship is not just about the act of giving, but about the integrity with which resources are managed. The public placement of the chest fostered trust and encouraged generosity, and similarly, transparency in church finances and ministry operations builds confidence and encourages greater participation and support from the community. Ultimately, our willingness to contribute to and care for the physical and spiritual "house of the LORD" today reflects our reverence for God and our active commitment to His ongoing work in the world, recognizing that our resources are ultimately His.

Questions for Reflection

How does King Joash's initiative challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability in spiritual matters today?
In what specific ways can modern faith communities ensure transparency and foster greater participation in their financial and ministry endeavors, mirroring the spirit of Joash's chest?
What "dilapidated areas" in our personal spiritual lives or within our church communities might God be calling us to actively participate in restoring or strengthening?
How does our personal giving and stewardship reflect our value for God's presence and our commitment to His work in the world today?

FAQ

Why was a new method for collecting funds for the Temple repair needed?

Answer: The initial method, where King Joash commanded the priests and Levites to collect the money directly from the cities of Judah, proved ineffective and slow, as stated in 2 Chronicles 24:5. The text implies a failure on the part of the priests to diligently execute this command, perhaps due to negligence or a lack of effective system. The Temple itself was in a state of severe disrepair, partly due to the neglect and desecration by the wicked Queen Athaliah and her sons, who had even used sacred items for Baal worship (see 2 Chronicles 24:7). Joash's new method, involving a publicly placed chest at the Temple gate, was a direct and pragmatic response to this failure, designed to streamline the collection process, make it more accessible to all people, and ensure transparency, thereby overcoming the previous obstacles and accelerating the much-needed restoration.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 2 Chronicles 24:8 describes the repair of a physical edifice, it profoundly points forward to the ultimate repair and restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. The dilapidated Temple, a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, foreshadows the brokenness of humanity and the desperate need for a greater, enduring dwelling place of God. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone structure, but of the temple of His own body (John 2:19). His death and resurrection represent the ultimate "repair"—the cleansing and rebuilding of the true Temple, which is His own resurrected body, and by extension, the Church, His spiritual body. Just as the people contributed to the physical Temple's restoration, believers today are called to be living stones, built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). The transparency of Joash's chest anticipates the open and accessible grace offered through Christ, who, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly fulfilled the sacrificial system, making a way for all to draw near to God with confidence. The care for God's house under Joash thus prefigures Christ's zealous cleansing of the Temple during His earthly ministry (Matthew 21:12) and His ultimate work of establishing a new covenant where God dwells not in buildings made with human hands, but in the hearts of His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 24 verses 1–14

1 ¶ Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba.

2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

3 And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

4 And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD.

5 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.

6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

7 For 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.

8 And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.

9 And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.

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

11 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.

12 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.

13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.

14 And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

This account of Joash's good beginnings we had as it stands here Kg2 12:1, etc., though the latter part of this chapter, concerning his apostasy, we had little of there. What is good in men we should take all occasions to speak of and often repeat it; what is evil we should make mention of but sparingly, and no more than is needful. We shall here only observe, 1. That it is a happy thing for young people, when they are setting out in the world, to be under the direction of those that are wise and good and faithful to them, as Joash was under the influence of Jehoiada, during whose time he did that which was right. Let those that are young reckon it a blessing to them, and not a burden and check upon them, to have those with them that will caution them against that which is evil and advise and quicken them to that which is good; and let them reckon it not a mark of weakness and subjection, but of wisdom and discretion, to hearken to such. He that will not be counselled cannot be helped. It is especially prudent for young people to take advice in their marriages, as Joash did, who left it to his guardian to choose him his wives, because Jezebel and Athaliah had been such plagues, Ch2 24:3. This is a turn of life which often proves either the making or marring of young people, and therefore should be attended to with great care. 2. Men may go far in the external performances of religion, and keep long to them, merely by the power of their education and the influence of their friends, who yet have no hearty affection for divine things nor any inward relish of them. Foreign inducements may push men on to that which is good who are not actuated by a living principle of grace in their hearts. 3. In the outward expressions of devotion it is possible that those who have only the form of godliness may out-strip those who have the power of it. Joash is more solicitous and more zealous about the repair of the temple than Jehoiada himself, whom he reproves for his remissness in that matter, Ch2 24:6. It is easier to build temples than to be temples to God. 4. The repairing of churches is a good work, which all in their places should promote, for the decency and conveniency of religious assemblies. The learned tell us that in the Christian church, anciently, part of the tithes were applied that way. 5. Many a good work would be done that now lies undone if there were but a few active men to stir in it and to put it forward. When Joash found the money did not come in as he expected in one way he tried another way, and that answered the intention. Many have honesty enough to follow that have not zeal enough to lead in that which is good. The throwing of money into a chest, through a hole in the lid of it, was a way that had not been used before, and perhaps the very novelty of the thing made it a successful expedient for the raising of money; a great deal was thrown in and with a great deal of cheerfulness: they all rejoiced, Ch2 24:10. An invention to please people's humour may sometimes bring them to their duty. Wisdom herein is profitable to direct. 6. Faithfulness is the greatest praise and will be the greatest comfort of those that are entrusted with public treasure or employed in public business. The king and Jehoiada faithfully paid the money to the workmen, who faithfully did the work, Ch2 24:12, Ch2 24:13.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–14. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

2 Kings 12:8
And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.
2 Kings 12:9
But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
Mark 12:41
¶ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.