2 Chronicles 34:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they came {H935} to Hilkiah {H2518} the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, they delivered {H5414} the money {H3701} that was brought {H935} into the house {H1004} of God {H430}, which the Levites {H3881} that kept {H8104} the doors {H5592} had gathered {H622} of the hand {H3027} of Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}, and of all the remnant {H7611} of Israel {H3478}, and of all Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}; and they returned {H7725}{H3427} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to Hilkiyahu the cohen hagadol and handed over to him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the L'vi'im who guarded the doors had collected from M'nasheh, Efrayim, the rest of Isra'el and all Y'hudah and Binyamin. Then they returned to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

So they went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites at the doors had collected from the people of Manasseh and Ephraim, from all the remnant of Israel, Judah, and Benjamin, and from the people of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And they came to Hilkiah the high priest, and delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin, and of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 34:9 meticulously records a significant administrative step in King Josiah's sweeping spiritual reforms: the formal transfer of the substantial funds collected for the extensive repair and restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem to Hilkiah the high priest. This verse powerfully illustrates the remarkable national unity fostered under Josiah's righteous leadership, as contributions flowed in from both the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, signaling a widespread and collective commitment to renewing the worship of God's holy dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the detailed account of King Josiah's reign, specifically focusing on his comprehensive spiritual reforms outlined in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law"). Having ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight, Josiah began to seek God by his eighth regnal year (around 632 BC) and, by his twelfth year (approximately 628 BC), initiated a zealous purge of idolatry from Judah and even extending into the territories of the former northern kingdom of Israel, as described in [2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3-7 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Early Reforms and Cleansing"). The narrative then shifts to his eighteenth year (622 BC), when he commissioned the repair of the Temple, which had suffered severe neglect and desecration under his apostate predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. Verse 8 describes the king dispatching his trusted officials—Shaphan, Maaseiah, and Joah—to Hilkiah the high priest to oversee the finances for this monumental project. Verse 9 then precisely documents the actual delivery of these diligently collected funds, marking a crucial administrative milestone that immediately precedes the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law within the Temple itself, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Hilkiah Finds the Book of the Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) unfolded during a propitious period characterized by the significant weakening of the Neo-Assyrian Empire's dominance. This decline provided Judah with an unprecedented window of opportunity to reassert its religious and political sovereignty, free from the oppressive influence of foreign cults. For generations prior, Judah had been deeply entrenched in idolatry, with pagan altars and abhorrent practices even infiltrating the sacred precincts of the Temple. The Temple, intended as the central sanctuary and the unique dwelling place of God's manifest presence, had fallen into disrepair and desecration, serving as a stark symbol of the nation's profound spiritual decay. Therefore, the collection of funds for its restoration was far more than a mere construction endeavor; it was a profound act of national repentance, a tangible expression of a renewed covenant commitment, and a public declaration of spiritual revival. The explicit mention of contributions from "Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel" is exceptionally significant, indicating that Josiah's reforms reached far beyond the traditional geographical and political boundaries of the southern kingdom of Judah, suggesting a widespread spiritual awakening that transcended old tribal and political divisions and drew even from the surviving populations of the northern kingdom that had endured Assyrian exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to Josiah's reforms and the overarching message of the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it vividly portrays **National Revival and Unity**, demonstrating a widespread spiritual awakening that remarkably bridged the historical north-south schism of Israel and Judah. The inclusion of contributions from the northern tribes of "Manasseh and Ephraim" alongside the southern tribes of "Judah and Benjamin" signifies an extraordinary, albeit temporary, reunification of the twelve tribes in a common spiritual endeavor—the restoration of pure worship to the one true God. Secondly, the verse underscores the profound theme of **Stewardship for God's House**, showcasing a revitalized commitment to the proper care, maintenance, and reverence for the sacred dwelling place of God. The diligent collection and precise delivery of funds specifically "brought into the house of God" reflect a return to foundational biblical principles of supporting the sanctuary, reminiscent of similar, earlier efforts such as those during [King Joash's reign](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Joash Repairs the Temple"). Finally, the passage highlights the critical importance of **Faithful Leadership and Obedience**. Josiah's divinely inspired initiative, the unwavering diligence of the Levites who "kept the doors" (acting as faithful administrators), and the integrity of Hilkiah the high priest (who would soon play an indispensable role in discovering the Book of the Law) are all integral components in facilitating this extensive spiritual renewal and responsibly managing the resources consecrated to God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hilkiah (Hebrew, _Chilqîyâh'_):** From H2518, meaning "my portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." Hilkiah served as the high priest during King Josiah's reign. His prominent role in this verse as the recipient of the Temple funds underscores the legitimate and sacred nature of the transaction, validating the financial integrity of the restoration project. More profoundly, Hilkiah is the very individual who, during these ongoing Temple repairs, would make the monumental discovery of the "Book of the Law" (likely a copy of Deuteronomy), an event that profoundly deepened and accelerated the national reformation under Josiah. His name itself carries a powerful theological message, pointing to the ultimate satisfaction and inheritance found in God alone.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, meaning "a house" in its broadest applications, including family, dwelling, or temple. In the context of "house of God" (Hebrew, _bayith ʾĔlōhîm'_), this term specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. Its use here emphasizes that the collected money was not for secular or personal gain but was consecrated for the sacred structure dedicated to Yahweh (H430, _ʾĔlōhîm_). The Temple was the symbolic epicenter of Israel's covenant relationship with God, the place where His presence was uniquely manifested, and thus, its restoration was paramount to the nation's spiritual health and identity.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʾērîth'_):** From H7611, meaning "a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion." In the phrase "remnant of Israel," this term refers to those surviving populations from the northern tribes (historically the Kingdom of Israel) who either remained in the land after the Assyrian exiles (722 BC) or had returned, and who now actively participated in the spiritual life and financial contributions alongside the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The concept of a "remnant" is a significant theological theme in biblical literature, often denoting a faithful core preserved by divine grace. Here, it specifically highlights the widespread, pan-Israelite participation in Josiah's reforms, transcending the historical schism and demonstrating a remarkable, albeit temporary, national spiritual cohesion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest":** "They" refers to the delegation sent by King Josiah—Shaphan the scribe, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder—as commissioned in the preceding verse ([2 Chronicles 34:8](/2_chronicles/34-8 "2 Chronicles 34:8 - Josiah Commissions Temple Repair")). Their arrival at Hilkiah's presence signifies the formal and official transfer of the collected funds, underscoring the organized, legitimate, and accountable nature of the Temple repair project, conducted under both royal authority and priestly oversight.
* **"they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God":** This clause explicitly states the purpose and sacred designation of the funds. The money was specifically allocated for the restoration and upkeep of the Temple, emphasizing its holy use and the people's renewed commitment to supporting the central place of worship. This act of delivery was a crucial administrative and symbolic step, affirming the nation's dedication before the actual repair work could commence.
* **"which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered":** This detail highlights the specific and diligent role of the Levites within the Temple administration. The "keepers of the doors" (or gatekeepers) were responsible not only for security and regulating access to the Temple courts but, significantly, for collecting offerings and contributions from the worshippers. Their faithfulness in gathering these funds demonstrates their commitment to their assigned duties and the systematic, organized approach to financing the extensive Temple repairs.
* **"of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin;":** This is arguably the most profoundly significant detail in the verse, indicating the expansive geographical and tribal scope of the contributions. "Manasseh and Ephraim" represent the northern tribes, the historical heartland of the Kingdom of Israel, while "Judah and Benjamin" represent the southern kingdom. The inclusive phrase "all the remnant of Israel" further emphasizes that this was a truly national, pan-Israelite effort, transcending the centuries-old political and religious division between the northern and southern kingdoms. It signifies a remarkable moment of spiritual unity, reconciliation, and shared purpose under Josiah's righteous reign.
* **"and they returned to Jerusalem.":** This concise concluding phrase indicates the successful completion of the delegation's immediate task. Having formally delivered the substantial funds, the officials returned to report to the king, signaling the efficient and proper execution of this vital phase of the Temple restoration project. It suggests a well-managed and accountable administrative process.

#### Literary Devices
The verse skillfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. **Synecdoche** is evident in the phrase "of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim," where "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) metaphorically represents the active participation, contributions, or donations made by these tribes. This emphasizes the tangible involvement and generosity of the people. The narrative structure itself exhibits clear **Narrative Progression**, as this verse marks a crucial administrative and logistical step in the larger story of Josiah's reforms, propelling the plot forward from the king's initial commission to the essential financial preparation for the Temple's restoration. The emphasis on the widespread participation from all parts of Israel, including the historically divided northern tribes, functions as powerful **Symbolism**. The collected money and the communal act of giving symbolize the nation's renewed devotion, spiritual unity, and collective repentance under Josiah's leadership. Furthermore, the very act of restoring the "house of God" (H1004, _bayith_) carries profound **Symbolism**, representing the restoration of the nation's spiritual health, its covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the re-establishment of proper worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects to broader biblical themes of national repentance, corporate worship, and the profound importance of caring for God's dwelling place. The diligent collection of funds from across the entire spectrum of Israel signifies a reawakening to their covenant responsibilities, where the people's material contributions were a tangible and heartfelt expression of their spiritual devotion. This act of communal giving for the Temple's upkeep reflects a deep theological understanding that God's presence among His people necessitates a consecrated space and dedicated resources, fostering a vital sense of shared ownership and collective responsibility for corporate worship. It underscores that true spiritual revival often manifests not only in internal transformation but also in tangible acts of obedience, generosity, and unified effort, aligning the people's resources with God's divine purposes for His sanctuary and His people.

* [2 Kings 12:4-16](/2_kings/12-4-16 "King Joash's Temple Repairs and the Collection of Funds")
* [Ezra 7:27](/ezra/7-27 "Ezra 7:27 - Ezra Praises God for Royal Support")
* [Haggai 1:4-11](/haggai/1-4-11 "Haggai 1:4-11 - Rebuilding the Temple and Prioritizing God's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 34:9 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today, reminding us that authentic spiritual renewal frequently involves practical, collective action and faithful stewardship of resources. Just as the ancient Israelites united across tribal lines to restore their physical Temple, so too are we, as the contemporary people of God, called to contribute diligently and generously to the "house of God" in its present manifestations—the local church, global missions, and the broader body of Christ. This verse challenges us to deeply consider our own generosity and diligence in supporting God's work, recognizing that our financial contributions are not merely donations but acts of worship, expressions of faith, and tangible partnerships in the advancement of His kingdom. It also powerfully highlights the transformative power of unified purpose within the community of faith, urging us to transcend any divisions to work together harmoniously for God's glory. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of faithful and accountable leadership, exemplified by Hilkiah and the Levites, in facilitating and stewarding resources for spiritual endeavors, encouraging us to pray for, support, and partner with those entrusted with such sacred responsibilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our collective giving today reflect our commitment to God's "house" (the church, ministries, missions) and its ongoing work?**
* **In what practical ways can we foster greater unity and collaboration across different Christian traditions or denominations for common spiritual goals?**
* **What role do faithful leaders play in facilitating spiritual renewal and responsibly managing resources within our communities of faith?**
* **How does our personal "stewardship of resources" align with God's overarching purposes and the pressing needs of His kingdom in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who were "Manasseh and Ephraim" and why is their inclusion significant?**

Answer: Manasseh and Ephraim were two of the most prominent and influential tribes of the northern Kingdom of Israel, which had been conquered and largely exiled by the Assyrians over a century before Josiah's reign (in 722 BC). Their explicit inclusion in the list of contributors to the Temple repair, alongside Judah and Benjamin (the southern kingdom), is exceptionally significant. It demonstrates that Josiah's widespread reforms were not confined to the traditional boundaries of Judah but extended to the remnants of the northern tribes who still resided in the land. This indicates a remarkable national unity and spiritual reconciliation, transcending the deeply entrenched historical north-south political and religious divide. It showcases a broad and unified commitment from all parts of the Israelite people to participate in the restoration of true worship to Yahweh, symbolizing a profound moment of national spiritual cohesion and a foreshadowing of future restoration.

**What was the role of the Levites who "kept the doors" in this context?**

Answer: The Levites who "kept the doors" were the gatekeepers of the Temple, a specific Levitical duty (H8104, _shâmar_). Their responsibilities were multifaceted, encompassing maintaining security, regulating access to the various Temple courts, and, crucially in this context, diligently collecting offerings and contributions from the worshippers. They served as trusted custodians and administrators of the Temple's finances and property (H5592, _çaph_). In 2 Chronicles 34:9, their role highlights their faithfulness and diligence in gathering the contributions from the people for the Temple repair. This systematic and organized collection process, entrusted to the Levites, ensured that the funds were properly received, accounted for, and then delivered to the high priest, demonstrating an organized and responsible approach to sacred stewardship, similar to how funds were managed for Temple repairs in [2 Kings 12:9-12](/2_kings/12-9-12 "2 Kings 12:9-12 - Collection for Temple Repairs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The restoration of the physical Temple under King Josiah, generously funded by a unified Israel, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. The "house of God" (H1004, _bayith_) in the Old Testament, though a sacred place of divine presence, was a temporary and imperfect dwelling, a shadow of the reality to come. Christ Himself declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," explicitly referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"). He is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The remarkable unity of Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, and Benjamin in contributing to the Temple's repair prefigures the new spiritual unity found exclusively in Christ, where the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is definitively broken down, creating one new humanity, one reconciled body, in Him ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The diligently collected offerings for the Temple point to Christ's ultimate and singular sacrifice on the cross, which was the perfect, once-for-all, and sufficient offering that truly cleanses, atones, and restores, rendering all other sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the faithful stewardship of the Levites and the righteous leadership of Hilkiah and Josiah find their ultimate archetype in Christ, our perfect High Priest and King, who perfectly manages God's household, intercedes for His people, and leads them into all truth ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Ultimately, the "house of God" is no longer a physical building but the Church, the spiritual temple built of living stones, with Christ as its cornerstone, where believers collectively dwell as God's Spirit-filled sanctuary ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")).

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 35:8

And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen.

2 Chronicles 30:10

So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

2 Chronicles 34:18

Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

2 Chronicles 24:11

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.

2 Chronicles 24:14

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.