2 Chronicles 34:9

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 34:9 (KJV)

This verse offers a glimpse into the progress of King Josiah's extensive spiritual reforms and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. It details a crucial step in the repair project: the formal delivery of the collected funds to the high priest.

Context

King Josiah, who began his reign at the tender age of eight, demonstrated a profound commitment to God, initiating significant reforms early in his reign, even before he was 20 years old (2 Chronicles 34:3). By his eighteenth year, he commissioned the repair of the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair and neglect under previous idolatrous kings. The delegation mentioned here, including Shaphan the scribe, Maaseiah the governor, and Joah the recorder, was sent to Hilkiah the high priest to oversee and facilitate these vital renovations.

Key Themes

  • National Revival and Unity: The mention of contributions from "Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin" is highly significant. It indicates a widespread spiritual awakening that transcended the traditional north-south divide, drawing participation from both the northern tribes (historically associated with the kingdom of Israel, many of whom had been taken into Assyrian captivity) and the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. This demonstrates a remarkable unity in purpose for the restoration of true worship.
  • Stewardship for God's House: The verse highlights the careful collection and delivery of funds specifically "brought into the house of God." This reflects a renewed commitment to the proper care and maintenance of the sacred dwelling place of God, a vital aspect of their national worship. The Levites, who "kept the doors," played a crucial role in diligently gathering these offerings, showcasing their faithfulness in their assigned duties, similar to how funds were collected for temple repairs in King Joash's time.
  • Faithful Leadership: The involvement of Hilkiah the high priest, who would soon play an even more pivotal role by discovering the Book of the Law during these very repairs, along with the diligent Levites and the king's officials, underscores the importance of faithful and organized leadership in facilitating spiritual renewal and managing resources dedicated to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of God" (Hebrew: Beth Elohim) consistently refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing its unique role as the central place of worship and divine presence for Israel. The term "remnant of Israel" speaks to those from the northern tribes who either remained in the land after the Assyrian exile or had returned, now participating in the spiritual life of Judah.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective effort and generosity in supporting spiritual work. It encourages unity in contributing to the "house of God," whether that refers to a physical church building, missionary efforts, or the broader body of Christ, which is seen as God's spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). It also highlights the significance of faithful stewardship and the role of dedicated leadership in facilitating God's work among His people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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