2 Chronicles 24:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H5414} a proclamation {H6963} through Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}, to bring in {H935} to the LORD {H3068} the collection {H4864} that Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of God {H430} laid upon Israel {H3478} in the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They proclaimed throughout Y'hudah and Yerushalayim that the tax Moshe the servant of God had imposed on Isra'el in the desert should be brought in for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they were to bring to the LORD the tax imposed by Moses the servant of God on Israel in the wilderness.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:9 records a pivotal moment in the reign of King Joash, detailing the kingdom-wide proclamation initiated by him and the high priest Jehoiada. This decree called upon the people of Judah and Jerusalem to contribute a specific collection to the LORD, explicitly linking it to the ancient mandate given by Moses to Israel in the wilderness. This effort was a crucial step in funding the much-needed restoration of the temple in Jerusalem, which had fallen into disrepair and desecration, signifying a national return to covenant obedience and spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Joash's early reign, specifically following the initial, less successful attempts to fund the temple's repair. Chapter 24 opens with Joash ascending the throne at the tender age of seven, having been miraculously preserved from Athaliah's purge by Jehoiada the priest ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2-chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10-12 - Athaliah's Reign of Terror")). Under Jehoiada's faithful guidance, Joash "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" ([2 Chronicles 24:2](/2-chronicles/24-2 "2 Chronicles 24:2 - Joash's Righteous Reign Under Jehoiada")). The temple, however, had suffered neglect and even desecration during the reigns of Athaliah and her son Ahaziah ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2-chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Temple Desecration by Athaliah's Sons")). Joash's initial instruction to the priests to collect money for repairs proved ineffective ([2 Chronicles 24:5](/2-chronicles/24-5 "2 Chronicles 24:5 - Joash's Initial Command for Temple Repair")), leading to the more direct and authoritative proclamation described in verse 9, which explicitly invoked the Mosaic law to ensure compliance and success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Joash's reign (c. 835-796 BC) followed a time of significant spiritual decline in Judah, marked by the idolatrous reign of Athaliah, who had actively promoted Baal worship. The temple, the spiritual and national center of Judah, had been plundered and damaged. The "collection" referred to in this verse directly alludes to the half-shekel temple tax mandated in the Mosaic Law ([Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money")). This tax was a required contribution from every male Israelite twenty years or older, serving as "atonement money" for their souls and for the upkeep of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). By invoking this ancient law, Joash and Jehoiada were not introducing a new tax but reinstating a divine ordinance, thereby lending immense religious authority to their appeal and demonstrating a commitment to restoring orthodox Yahwism after a period of apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience to Mosaic Law**, as the collection is explicitly tied to a command "Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness." This highlights the importance of adhering to God's established statutes for national and spiritual well-being. Another significant theme is **Corporate Responsibility and Stewardship**, emphasizing that the maintenance of God's house and the support of His work is a collective duty of the entire community, not just the leadership. The proclamation "through Judah and Jerusalem" underscores this shared burden. Furthermore, the verse speaks to **Spiritual Renewal and Reform**, as the temple's restoration was not merely a physical repair but a symbolic and practical step towards revitalizing the nation's covenant relationship with God. This act of bringing a collection "to the LORD" for His sanctuary reflects a desire to return to a state of **Covenant Faithfulness** and proper worship, a recurring motif throughout the Deuteronomistic history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Collection (Hebrew, _mas'et'_):** The Hebrew word מַשְׂאֵת (_mas'et_) carries a range of meanings, including "tribute," "burden," "gift," or "offering." In this context, it specifically refers to a divinely mandated contribution, not merely a voluntary offering. This word is often used for a required payment or tribute, emphasizing that this was not an optional donation but a reinstatement of the ancient half-shekel temple tax from [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money"), which was for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple, symbolizing a form of atonement or redemption for their souls.
* **Proclamation (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The verb קָרָא (_qara'_) means "to call," "to proclaim," or "to summon." Its use here indicates an official, public, and authoritative declaration made throughout the kingdom. It wasn't a quiet request but a widespread, kingdom-sanctioned call to action, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the task and the expectation of compliance from all citizens.
* **Moses the servant of God (Hebrew, _Moshe 'eved ha'Elohim'_):** This phrase is highly significant. Attributing the collection to "Moses the servant of God" immediately elevates the command from a human initiative to a divine mandate. Moses is consistently portrayed as God's chosen intermediary, through whom the Law was given. This phrasing imbues the collection with divine authority and reminds the people that their participation was an act of obedience to God Himself, rooted in the foundational covenant established at Sinai.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem":** This clause identifies the agents ("they," referring to King Joash and Jehoiada the priest, who acted in concert) and the scope of their directive. The proclamation was not limited to the capital city but extended throughout the entire kingdom of Judah, indicating a comprehensive and unified effort to gather funds for the temple's restoration. The public nature of the proclamation underscores its importance and the expectation of widespread participation.
* **"to bring in to the LORD the collection":** This specifies the purpose and recipient of the funds. The collection was not for the king's treasury or a general public works project, but "to the LORD," meaning it was consecrated for His service and the upkeep of His dwelling place, the temple. This highlights the sacred nature of the initiative and the spiritual motivation behind it.
* **"that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness":** This crucial phrase provides the divine precedent and authority for the collection. It directly links the current appeal to the ancient Mosaic Law, specifically the half-shekel tax mandated in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money"). By invoking Moses' name and the historical context of the wilderness, the text emphasizes that this was not a new or arbitrary tax but a reinstatement of a long-standing, divinely ordained obligation, reinforcing the call for covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Allusion**, specifically to the Mosaic Law concerning the temple tax found in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - The Tabernacle and Offerings"). This literary device immediately connects the contemporary action of Joash and Jehoiada to the foundational commands given by God through Moses, lending immense authority and historical depth to the proclamation. By stating that Moses "laid" this collection upon Israel, the text uses **Metonymy**, where "Moses" stands for the Mosaic Law or the divine command given through him. Furthermore, the phrase "Moses the servant of God" serves as an **Emphasis** on the divine origin and authority of the collection, underscoring that this was not a human invention but a divinely ordained practice. The widespread nature of the "proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem" also uses **Synecdoche**, where the parts (Judah and Jerusalem) represent the whole (the entire kingdom), emphasizing the comprehensive scope of the call to participate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The re-establishment of the Mosaic collection for the temple's upkeep in 2 Chronicles 24:9 is deeply significant, reflecting a theological commitment to covenant faithfulness and the proper stewardship of God's resources. It underscores the principle that the physical maintenance of God's dwelling place is intrinsically linked to the spiritual health of His people. This act of obedience by Joash and Jehoiada, though initially met with some resistance or inefficiency, ultimately re-affirmed the nation's responsibility to honor God with their possessions and to ensure the continuity of worship. It illustrates that true spiritual revival often involves tangible acts of commitment and sacrifice, aligning human actions with divine directives. This historical account serves as a powerful reminder that God's ancient commands remain relevant for His people in every generation, calling them to support His work and maintain His presence among them.

* [Exodus 30:13-16](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money")
* [Nehemiah 10:32-33](/nehemiah/10-32 "Nehemiah 10:32-33 - Covenant to Support the Temple")
* [Matthew 17:24-27](/matthew/17-24 "Matthew 17:24-27 - Peter and the Temple Tax")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Joash's temple restoration, particularly the re-institution of the Mosaic collection, offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as the Israelites were called to contribute to the physical dwelling place of God, modern believers are called to support the work of the church, which is now understood as the body of Christ and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges us to consider our own responsibility in stewarding the resources God has entrusted to us for the advancement of His kingdom. It reminds us that supporting ministry, maintaining church facilities, and funding outreach initiatives are not merely optional acts of charity but integral expressions of our worship and obedience. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of leadership in calling the community to participate in God's work, ensuring that such calls are rooted in biblical principles and aimed at the spiritual flourishing of the people and the glory of God. Our willingness to give reflects our spiritual health and our commitment to the corporate body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our commitment to supporting God's work, both financially and through service, reflect our personal and corporate spiritual health today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church community, ensure that our practices and initiatives are rooted in foundational biblical commands and principles, rather than merely human tradition or convenience?**
* **What does it mean to participate corporately in the mission and maintenance of the church in our contemporary context, and how can we foster a greater sense of shared responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What was the "collection" Moses laid upon Israel in the wilderness?**

Answer: The "collection" referred to in 2 Chronicles 24:9 is a direct allusion to the half-shekel temple tax mandated in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money"). This was a specific, mandatory contribution of half a shekel of silver required from every Israelite male aged twenty years and older when a census was taken. Its purpose was not merely to raise funds but to serve as "atonement money" or a "ransom for their lives" to the LORD, used for the service and upkeep of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). It symbolized that all Israelites, regardless of wealth, were equally redeemed and had a shared responsibility in supporting the sacred space where God's presence dwelt among them.

**Why was this collection necessary in Joash's time, given its ancient origin?**

Answer: The collection was necessary because the Temple in Jerusalem had fallen into severe disrepair and had been desecrated during the preceding reigns, particularly under the idolatrous Queen Athaliah and her son Ahaziah. [2 Chronicles 24:7](/2-chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Temple Desecration by Athaliah's Sons") 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 they had bestowed upon Baalim." This indicates not only structural damage but also the pilfering of sacred items, leaving the Temple in a state unfit for worship. Joash and Jehoiada's re-institution of the Mosaic collection was a strategic and biblically grounded method to raise the substantial funds required for comprehensive restoration and to re-establish proper worship practices.

**Does this verse imply a mandatory "church tax" for believers today?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 24:9 describes a mandatory collection under the Old Covenant for the physical Temple, it does not directly mandate a "church tax" for New Covenant believers. The New Testament emphasizes principles of cheerful, voluntary, and proportionate giving as an act of worship and stewardship ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2-corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")). However, the underlying principles remain relevant: believers are still called to support the work of God's kingdom and the local church, which is now understood as the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1-corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ")). The passage reminds us of the corporate responsibility to ensure that God's work is sustained and that resources are available for ministry, outreach, and the care of the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical temple in Jerusalem, for which the collection in 2 Chronicles 24:9 was made, was a profound shadow of the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The "collection" itself, rooted in the Mosaic half-shekel for atonement, pointed forward to the singular, perfect atonement provided by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus declared Himself to be the true temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")," referring to His body. The physical upkeep of the temple, a place where God's presence dwelt, foreshadows the New Covenant reality that God no longer dwells in temples made with human hands, but in [Jesus Christ](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ"), and through the Holy Spirit, within the [corporate body of believers](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit"). The corporate responsibility to support God's house in Joash's day finds its fulfillment in the church, which is [built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone of the Church"). Our giving and service today are not for a physical structure of stone, but for the living temple of God's people, united in Christ, who continue His mission in the world until His glorious return ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Growing in Love")).

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 24:6

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?

Matthew 17:24

¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Matthew 17:27

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.