2 Chronicles 24:9

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 24:9 describes a significant moment during the reign of King Joash (Jehoash) in Judah, highlighting an effort to restore the spiritual and physical integrity of the temple in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is set during the early reign of King Joash, who ascended to the throne at the tender age of seven, having been hidden and protected by Jehoiada the priest during the wicked reign of Athaliah. Under Jehoiada's wise guidance, Joash initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Chronicles 24:2). The temple, having fallen into disrepair and even desecration during previous reigns, required extensive restoration. To fund this, Joash and Jehoiada initiated a kingdom-wide collection drive. This specific verse details the proclamation made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to gather funds, explicitly linking it back to a divine mandate given through Moses in the wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Return to Mosaic Law: The command to bring in this "collection" was not a new invention but a direct appeal to the established law given by Moses to Israel. This refers to the half-shekel temple tax (Exodus 30:13-16), which was collected for the service of the tabernacle and later, the temple. It signifies Joash and Jehoiada's commitment to restoring adherence to God's ancient statutes.
  • Responsibility for God's House: The need for this collection underscored the people's and leaders' responsibility to maintain the physical dwelling place of the Lord. The temple was central to Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with God, and its upkeep reflected their spiritual health.
  • Corporate Participation: The proclamation "through Judah and Jerusalem" emphasized that this was a collective effort, requiring the participation of all the people to support God's work.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the collection [that] Moses the servant of God [laid] upon Israel" points to a specific type of contribution. The Hebrew word for "collection" (ΧžΦ·Χ©Χ‚Φ°ΧΦ΅Χͺ, mas'et) can refer to a tribute, burden, or gift. In this context, it clearly alludes to the mandated contribution, often translated as a "tax" or "ransom money," which was to be given by every Israelite male twenty years old and above. This was not merely a voluntary offering but a required contribution for the upkeep of the sanctuary and its services, symbolizing a form of atonement or redemption for their souls.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 24:9 offers enduring lessons for believers today. Just as the Israelites were called to contribute to the maintenance of God's physical temple, modern believers are called to support the work of the church, which is now understood as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). This verse reminds us:

  • The Importance of Stewardship: We are stewards of God's resources, and a portion is to be dedicated to His work.
  • Adherence to Biblical Principles: Leaders and congregations should base their practices on foundational biblical truths and commands, just as Joash returned to Moses' law.
  • Collective Responsibility: Supporting the spiritual and physical well-being of the church is a shared responsibility, requiring the participation of all members.

This initiative under Joash was a vital step in the nation's spiritual renewal, emphasizing that obedience to God's commands often involves tangible commitment and sacrifice.

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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

    ΒΆ 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.
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