2 Kings 12:10

KJV

And it was [so], when they saw that [there was] much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, when they saw {H7200} that there was much {H7227} money {H3701} in the chest {H727}, that the king's {H4428} scribe {H5608} and the high {H1419} priest {H3548} came up {H5927}, and they put up in bags {H6696}, and told {H4487} the money {H3701} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the king's secretary and the cohen hagadol would come up, count the money found in the house of ADONAI and put it in bags.

Berean Standard Bible

Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would go up, count the money brought into the house of the LORD, and tie it up in bags.

American Standard Version

And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 12:10 meticulously details a pivotal moment in King Joash's temple restoration project, highlighting the implementation of a new, transparent financial system where the king's scribe and the high priest collaboratively oversaw the careful counting and bagging of the substantial donations collected for the sacred repairs. This verse underscores the commitment to accountability and integrity in the stewardship of God's house, ensuring public trust and facilitating the much-needed physical and spiritual renewal of the temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Joash's reign (2 Kings 12:1-21), particularly focusing on his efforts to repair the dilapidated Temple of the LORD. Joash, who ascended the throne at the tender age of seven under the tutelage of the faithful high priest Jehoiada, inherited a kingdom where the temple had suffered significant neglect and desecration during the wicked reign of his grandmother, Queen Athaliah. Initially, Joash decreed that the priests should collect money for the repairs, but this system proved ineffective or lacked transparency, as indicated by the need for a revised approach (compare [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-5 - Joash's Initial Decree for Temple Repairs") with [2 Kings 12:7-8](/2_kings/12-7 "2 Kings 12:7-8 - Priests' Failure to Repair the Temple")). Consequently, a new, more public and accountable method was instituted: a chest with a hole in its lid was placed at the temple entrance for donations ([2 Kings 12:9](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9 - The New Collection System")). Verse 10 describes the crucial next step in this new system, detailing the formal and transparent process of collecting and accounting for the accumulated funds, which directly precedes the actual disbursement of money for the repair work ([2 Kings 12:11-12](/2_kings/12-11 "2 Kings 12:11-12 - Disbursement of Funds for Temple Repairs")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Judah in the 9th century BCE, a period when the Jerusalem Temple served as the spiritual and national epicenter for the Israelite people. Its maintenance was not merely an architectural concern but a theological imperative, symbolizing the nation's covenant relationship with God. The disrepair of the temple under Athaliah's reign reflected the spiritual apostasy that had plagued Judah. The involvement of both the "king's scribe" and the "high priest" in the counting process is culturally significant. The king's scribe (Hebrew: *sōp̄ēr*) was a high-ranking royal official, often functioning as a secretary, administrator, or even a treasurer, representing the crown's authority and interest in public funds. The high priest, Jehoiada, was the supreme religious authority and the guardian of the temple's sanctity. Their joint oversight provided an unparalleled level of accountability and transparency, crucial in a society where public trust, especially concerning sacred donations, was paramount. This meticulous process stands in stark contrast to potential abuses or negligence that might have occurred under less stringent systems, reflecting a commitment to proper governance and reverence for sacred resources.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Restoration and Renewal**, as Joash's reign marks a significant period of spiritual and physical revitalization for Judah after years of decline. The meticulous handling of the temple funds was essential for the successful execution of the repair project, symbolizing a renewed commitment to proper worship and the re-establishment of God's rightful place in the nation. Closely related is the theme of **Accountability and Transparency in Leadership**. The joint involvement of the highest royal and religious officials in counting the money underscores a commitment to strict financial integrity, preventing mismanagement and inspiring public trust. This emphasis on clear, verifiable processes for handling sacred funds models **Diligent Stewardship**, highlighting the importance of careful and respectful management of all resources dedicated to God's work. The "much money" found in the chest also subtly points to the theme of **Divine Provision and Popular Piety**, indicating that God blessed the efforts and moved the hearts of the people to give generously towards the restoration of His dwelling place, echoing principles of generosity seen in earlier accounts like the tabernacle construction in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Contributions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Hebrew, _sāp̄ar_):** This verb means "to count," "to number," or "to recount." In the KJV, "told" is an archaic usage meaning "counted." Its use here emphasizes the precise, meticulous, and formal act of auditing the money. It was not a casual estimation but a careful, itemized enumeration, signifying the seriousness with which these sacred funds were handled. This word highlights the diligence and accuracy required in financial stewardship.
* **chest (Hebrew, _ʾărôn_):** While this word can refer to the Ark of the Covenant, in this context, it specifically denotes the collection chest or box that Jehoiada the priest had placed at the temple gate. This chest was designed with a hole in its lid to receive donations, making the collection process public and anonymous for the givers. The mention of "the chest" here distinguishes it as the designated receptacle for the temple repair funds, central to the new, transparent collection system.
* **scribe (Hebrew, _sōp̄ēr_):** This term refers to a royal official, often a secretary, administrator, or treasurer. In ancient Near Eastern courts, scribes were highly educated individuals responsible for records, accounts, and official correspondence. The presence of the king's scribe alongside the high priest signifies that the financial oversight was not solely a religious matter but also a civil one, ensuring accountability to both the crown and the temple, and lending the process the highest possible authority and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], when they saw that [there was] much money in the chest":** This opening clause sets the scene, indicating the trigger for action. The phrase "[there was] much money" signifies the success of the new collection system and the generosity of the people. It implies that the chest was full or contained a substantial amount, prompting the officials to initiate the counting process. This abundance reflects God's blessing on the project and the people's renewed commitment.
* **"that the king's scribe and the high priest came up":** This specifies the key personnel involved in the next step. The "king's scribe" represents royal authority and secular oversight, while the "high priest" (Jehoiada) represents religious authority and sacred oversight. Their joint presence ensures a dual layer of accountability and transparency, preventing any single party from mismanaging the funds and building trust with the public. "Came up" likely refers to their ascent to the temple area where the chest was located.
* **"and they put up in bags":** This describes the practical action taken after the money was removed from the chest. "Putting up in bags" indicates the organization, sorting, and securing of the funds. This was a preparatory step for counting and transportation, ensuring that the money was handled systematically and safely, reflecting a high degree of care and order in the process.
* **"and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD":** This is the core action of the verse: the meticulous counting of the money. "Told" (counted) emphasizes precision. The phrase "that was found in the house of the LORD" highlights the sacred origin and purpose of these funds. It underscores that this money was specifically designated for God's work, reinforcing the need for the utmost integrity in its management and use for the temple's restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 12:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, as the text meticulously describes the process of handling the funds, from the observation of "much money" to the involvement of specific officials, the bagging, and the final counting. This precision underscores the importance of the event and the integrity of the new system. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, implicitly contrasting the efficient and transparent method of collection and accounting described here with the previous, less effective system mentioned earlier in the chapter. The involvement of *both* the king's scribe and the high priest creates a powerful **Symbolism** of unified authority and accountability, representing the harmonious cooperation between civil and religious leadership for a sacred purpose. This dual oversight also serves as a form of **Checks and Balances**, a practical mechanism to prevent corruption and ensure faithful stewardship. Finally, the emphasis on "much money" and the careful "telling" of it highlights the **Theme of Diligent Stewardship**, making the act of counting a symbolic representation of responsible management of God-given resources.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous process described in 2 Kings 12:10 offers profound theological insights into God's expectation for integrity and stewardship, particularly concerning resources dedicated to His work. It reveals that God is not indifferent to the practical administration of His kingdom; rather, He values transparency, accountability, and diligent management of funds and resources. The joint oversight by the king's scribe and the high priest illustrates a divine principle that leadership, whether secular or spiritual, must operate with the highest ethical standards, especially when entrusted with the contributions of the people for sacred purposes. This commitment to financial integrity fosters trust within the community and honors God, whose house was being restored. It teaches us that faithfulness in the "little things" – like counting money – is a reflection of a deeper commitment to God's will and purposes.
* [Nehemiah 13:13](/nehemiah/13-13 "Nehemiah 13:13 - Appointing Treasurers")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Required of Stewards")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient account of 2 Kings 12:10 resonates deeply with contemporary believers and organizations, offering timeless principles for integrity, stewardship, and accountability. In an era where financial transparency is often scrutinized, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that the handling of funds, especially within religious or charitable contexts, must be beyond reproach. For individuals, it calls us to consider our own stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us – not just money, but time, talents, and opportunities. Are we diligent, accountable, and transparent in how we manage these gifts? For churches and ministries, it underscores the critical importance of robust financial systems, clear reporting, and shared oversight to build and maintain trust within the congregation and the broader community. When leaders demonstrate such meticulous care, it not only honors God but also encourages generosity and participation in His work, fostering a healthy environment where spiritual endeavors can flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transparency demonstrated in 2 Kings 12:10 challenge my own approach to financial integrity, both personally and within my community?**
* **In what ways can I apply the principle of diligent stewardship to the resources (time, talents, treasure) God has entrusted to me?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of accountability in leadership, especially concerning sacred or communal funds?**

### FAQ
**Why was a new system for collecting money needed for the temple repairs?**

Answer: The initial system, where priests were directly responsible for collecting and managing the repair money, proved ineffective and possibly lacked sufficient transparency or accountability. [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-5 - Joash's Initial Decree for Temple Repairs") outlines King Joash's initial decree for the priests to undertake the repairs using collected funds. However, [2 Kings 12:7-8](/2_kings/12-7 "2 Kings 12:7-8 - Priests' Failure to Repair the Temple") indicates that the priests had not carried out the repairs, leading to a change in policy. The new system, detailed in [2 Kings 12:9](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9 - The New Collection System"), involved a public collection chest at the temple entrance, ensuring that all donations were gathered in a centralized, visible manner, which then led to the transparent counting process described in [2 Kings 12:10](/2_kings/12-10 "2 Kings 12:10 - Counting the Temple Money"). This shift aimed to restore trust, improve efficiency, and ensure proper stewardship of the sacred funds.

**What was the significance of both the king's scribe and the high priest being involved in counting the money?**

Answer: The joint involvement of the king's scribe and the high priest was profoundly significant, establishing an unparalleled level of accountability and transparency. The king's scribe represented the royal authority and civil oversight, ensuring that the funds were managed according to the king's decree and for the benefit of the kingdom. The high priest (Jehoiada) represented the religious authority and sacred oversight, ensuring that the funds dedicated to God's house were handled with reverence and integrity. This dual oversight created a system of checks and balances, preventing any single individual or group from mismanaging or misappropriating the funds. It built public trust, demonstrated the seriousness of the temple repair project, and underscored that the work of God's house required the highest standards of ethical and financial conduct from both secular and spiritual leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 12:10 describes the meticulous care taken in restoring a physical temple, it prophetically points to the ultimate and perfect restoration found in Jesus Christ. The diligence and integrity shown by the king's scribe and high priest in handling the temple funds foreshadow the perfect stewardship of the Son of God, who came not merely to repair a physical structure but to rebuild and redeem humanity. Jesus himself is the ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), referring to His own body. His cleansing of the temple in [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") demonstrates His zeal for the purity and proper function of God's house, far exceeding the concerns of Joash's administrators. Moreover, the care for resources in 2 Kings 12:10 finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who perfectly managed the Father's will and resources, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He purchased His church. We, as believers, are now the spiritual temple of God, individually ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and corporately ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")), called to live with the same integrity and diligent stewardship that characterized the care for the Old Testament temple, reflecting the perfect stewardship of our Lord.

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 Samuel 8:17

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Seraiah [was] the scribe;

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Kings 19:2

And he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

2 Kings 22:3

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [that] the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

2 Kings 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

2 Kings 5:23

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him.

2 Samuel 20:25

And Sheva [was] scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar [were] the priests: