2 Chronicles 34:17

KJV

And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they have gathered together {H5413} the money {H3701} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and have delivered {H5414} it into the hand {H3027} of the overseers {H6485}, and to the hand {H3027} of the workmen {H6213}{H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have poured out the money found in the house of ADONAI and handed it over to the supervisors and workers."

Berean Standard Bible

They have paid out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have put it into the hands of the supervisors and workers.”

American Standard Version

And they have emptied out the money that was found in the house of Jehovah, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and into the hand of the workmen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 34:17 encapsulates a critical moment in King Josiah's widespread religious reforms, detailing the meticulous and transparent handling of funds collected for the restoration of the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the practical, administrative diligence required to support spiritual renewal, emphasizing the integrity of those entrusted with sacred resources and the collaborative effort involved in rebuilding God's house after generations of neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically in the 18th year, a period marked by profound spiritual revival and comprehensive reform (2 Chronicles 34:8). Following Josiah's earlier initiatives to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3-7), the focus shifts to the physical restoration of the Temple. Verses 9-11 describe the collection of money by the Levites and its delivery to the Temple overseers, who then distribute it to the various craftsmen. Verse 17, therefore, serves as a concise summary statement, confirming that the gathered funds were indeed handed over to the appropriate administrators and laborers, underscoring the completion and integrity of this financial transfer. The subsequent verses detail the discovery of the Book of the Law, which further propels Josiah's reforms, making this act of Temple repair a foundational step in the nation's spiritual reawakening.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) followed decades of severe idolatry under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, during which the Temple of the LORD had fallen into disrepair and its proper worship practices largely abandoned. The collection of funds for Temple repair was not a new concept; King Joash had undertaken similar efforts centuries earlier (2 Kings 12:4-16), establishing a precedent for organized, accountable financial management of sacred projects. The "money that was found in the house of the LORD" likely refers to voluntary contributions from the people of Judah and Benjamin, and even from the northern tribes (2 Chronicles 34:9), demonstrating a widespread desire among the populace to participate in the restoration of true worship. The appointment of "overseers" and the engagement of "workmen" reflect standard ancient Near Eastern practices for large-scale construction projects, emphasizing order, specialization, and accountability in public works.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader Deuteronomistic history. It powerfully illustrates **Stewardship and Accountability**, showing that resources dedicated to God's work must be handled with utmost integrity and transparency, a principle echoed throughout Scripture concerning the management of divine trusts (e.g., [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")). The act of gathering and distributing funds for the Temple's physical repair is a tangible expression of **Restoration and Renewal**, a central theme of Josiah's reign, which sought to bring the nation back into covenant with God after generations of apostasy, mirroring the spiritual cleansing of the land (e.g., [2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Reforms")). Furthermore, the collection of funds from the people underscores **Community Participation** in God's work, highlighting that the revival was not merely a top-down initiative by the king but involved the willing contributions of the entire nation, demonstrating a collective commitment to the re-establishment of proper worship and the physical upkeep of God's dwelling place, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered together (Hebrew, _qābaṣ'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful collection or assembly, often implying a comprehensive and thorough process. Here, it highlights that the money was not haphazardly accumulated but systematically brought together from various sources, likely including freewill offerings and perhaps even redeemed vows, ensuring all available funds were accounted for. This speaks to the organized nature of the Temple repair project and the diligence of those involved.
* **overseers (Hebrew, _pāqîd'_):** Derived from the root _pāqaḏ_ (to visit, inspect, appoint), _pāqîd_ refers to an appointed official, supervisor, or administrator. These individuals were not merely recipients of the money but were responsible for its proper management, disbursement, and oversight of the entire repair operation. Their role ensured accountability and efficiency in the use of sacred funds, reflecting a structured hierarchy in the Temple administration.
* **workmen (Hebrew, _‘ōśeh'_):** This term literally means "doers" or "makers," referring to the skilled laborers who performed the physical work of renovation. As detailed in 2 Chronicles 34:11, these included carpenters, builders, masons, and smiths. The distinction between "overseers" and "workmen" emphasizes the division of labor and the practical application of the funds: the overseers managed the project, and the workmen executed the physical repairs, ensuring the money directly facilitated the intended purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD":** This initial clause describes the culmination of the collection process. "They" refers to the Levites and other Temple officials who, under the direction of the king, were responsible for receiving the contributions. The "money that was found" indicates funds that had been collected from the people and deposited within the Temple precincts, perhaps in designated offering chests or treasuries. This emphasizes the communal nature of the contributions and the sacred context of their origin.
* **"and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers":** This phrase details the transfer of the collected funds to the project managers. The act of "delivering into the hand" signifies a formal, accountable handover, ensuring that the money was entrusted to those specifically appointed to manage the Temple repair. This step highlights the chain of custody and the principle of financial accountability within the sacred administration.
* **"and to the hand of the workmen.":** This final clause specifies the ultimate recipients of the funds, or at least those for whom the funds were intended for their labor and materials. While the overseers were the direct recipients from the collectors, the money was ultimately for the "workmen"—the skilled laborers and craftsmen who would physically restore the Temple. This underscores the practical purpose of the collection: to directly fund the labor and materials necessary for the extensive renovation project, bringing the abstract concept of contributions to a tangible outcome of restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** by referring to "the hand of the overseers" and "the hand of the workmen," where "hand" stands for the authority, control, and agency of these individuals. This emphasizes the direct and personal responsibility in the transfer and management of funds. Additionally, the verse uses **Conciseness** to summarize a complex financial and administrative process, distilling it into a single, clear statement of action and outcome. This brevity, however, does not diminish its significance, as it serves as a pivotal point connecting the collection of resources to their practical application in the Temple's restoration. The precise enumeration of the recipients ("overseers" and "workmen") also highlights a sense of **Order and Systematization**, reflecting the meticulous planning and execution of Josiah's reforms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 34:17 stands as a testament to the theological principle that God's work requires both spiritual fervor and practical diligence. The careful handling of funds for the Temple's repair underscores the divine expectation for integrity and accountability in stewardship, particularly when managing resources dedicated to sacred purposes. This act of transparent financial management is not merely an administrative detail but a reflection of the reverence due to God and His dwelling place. It illustrates that true worship involves not only spiritual devotion but also responsible action, ensuring that the physical structures and practical needs of ministry are met with honesty and order. This commitment to diligent stewardship for the sake of God's house foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on managing resources for the advance of the Kingdom.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle") – Illustrates the people's willing contributions for the construction of the Tabernacle, showing a historical precedent for communal support of sacred structures.
* [2 Kings 12:15](/2_kings/12-15 "2 Kings 12:15 - Trust in Temple Funds") – Highlights the trust placed in the overseers of Temple funds during Joash's reign, paralleling the integrity emphasized in Josiah's reform.
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirement for Stewards") – States the fundamental requirement for stewards: "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful," directly connecting to the integrity and accountability seen in 2 Chronicles 34:17.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous financial management described in 2 Chronicles 34:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that stewardship is not merely about giving, but also about the responsible and transparent handling of what has been given. Just as the funds for the Temple were carefully gathered and delivered to specific, accountable individuals, so too should resources for God's work today be managed with integrity, clarity, and purpose. This verse calls us to examine our own practices, both individually and corporately, in managing time, talents, and treasures. It encourages active participation in supporting the "repair" and "restoration" of spiritual and physical needs within our communities and churches, understanding that our contributions, however small, are part of a larger, divinely purposed work. Ultimately, it challenges us to be faithful stewards, ensuring that every resource is utilized to honor God and advance His Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does this verse challenge my understanding of "stewardship" beyond just financial giving?**
* **How can I personally contribute to the "restoration" and "repair" of God's work in my local community or church with integrity and diligence?**
* **What systems of accountability are in place in my own life or in the ministries I support, and how can they be strengthened to reflect the transparency seen in Josiah's reforms?**

### FAQ
**What was the "money that was found in the house of the LORD," and where did it come from?**

Answer: The "money that was found in the house of the LORD" refers to the voluntary contributions and offerings brought by the people of Judah, Benjamin, and even remnants from the northern tribes (2 Chronicles 34:9) for the specific purpose of repairing and restoring the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. These funds were likely placed in collection chests or treasuries within the Temple precincts, similar to the system established by King Joash (2 Kings 12:9-10). It represents the collective generosity and commitment of the people to support King Josiah's spiritual reforms and the physical renewal of God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 34:17 details the meticulous stewardship of physical resources for a physical temple, it ultimately points to a greater reality fulfilled in Christ. The diligent care for the earthly Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the true and perfect Temple (John 2:21). The collection of funds and the organized efforts to restore the Temple prefigure the spiritual resources and divine provision for the building of the Church, which is the new Temple, comprised of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Just as the money was faithfully delivered to overseers and workmen for the Temple's restoration, so too has God entrusted the spiritual "building materials"—the gospel message and the gifts of the Spirit—to His apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12) for the edification and growth of His spiritual house. The integrity and accountability seen in Josiah's reform find their ultimate expression in Christ, who perfectly managed the Father's resources and perfectly accomplished the work of salvation, laying the foundation for a spiritual temple not made with human hands, a temple where God's presence truly dwells through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The diligent stewardship for the physical temple thus serves as a powerful type for the greater, spiritual work of building God's eternal Kingdom through Christ's redemptive work and the ongoing mission of His Church.

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.