TRV
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Commentary on 2 Kings 12 verses 4–16
We have here an account of the repairing of the temple in the reign of Joash.
I. It seems, the temple had gone out of repair. Though Solomon built it very strong, of the best materials and in the best manner, yet in time it went to decay, and there were breaches found in it (Kg2 12:5), in the roofs, or walls, or floors, the ceiling, or wainscoting, or windows, or the partitions of the courts. Even temples themselves are the worse for the wearing; but the heavenly temple will never wax old. Yet it was not only the teeth of time that made these breaches, the sons of Athaliah had broken up the house of God (Ch2 24:7), and, out of enmity to the service of the temple, had damaged the buildings of it, and the priests had not taken care to repair the breaches in time, so that they went worse and worse. Unworthy were those husbandmen to have this valuable vineyard let out to them upon such easy terms who could not afford to keep the winepress in due and tenantable repair, Mat 21:33. Justly did their great Lord sue them for this permissive waste, and by his judgments recover locum vastatum - for dilapidations (as the law speaks), when this neglected temple was laid even with the ground.
II. The king himself was (as it should seem) the first and forwardest man that took care for the repair of it. We do not find that the priests complained of it or that Jehoiada himself was active in it, but the king was zealous in the matter, 1. Because he was king, and God expects and requires from those who have power that they use it for the maintenance and support of religion, the redress of grievances, and reparation of decays, for the exciting and engaging of ministers to do their part and people theirs. 2. Because the temple had been both his nursery and his sanctuary when he was a child, in a grateful remembrance of which he now appeared zealous for the honour of it. Those who have experienced the comfort and benefit of religious assemblies will make the reproach of them their burden (Zep 3:18), the support of them their care, and the prosperity of them their chief joy.
III. The priests were ordered to collect money for these repairs, and to take care that the work was done. The king had the affairs of his kingdom to mind, and could not himself inspect this affair, but he employed the priests to manage it, the fittest persons, and most likely, one would think, to be hearty in it. 1. He gave them orders for the levying of the money of the dedicated things. They must not stay till it was paid in, but they must call for it where they knew it was due, in their respective districts, as redemption-money (by virtue of the law, Lev 27:2, Lev 27:3), or as a free-will offering, Kg2 12:4. This they were to gather every man of his acquaintance, and it was supposed that there was no man but had acquaintance with some or other of the priests. Note, We should take the opportunity that God gives us of exciting those we have a particular acquaintance with to that which is good. 2. He gave them orders for laying out the money they had levied in repairing the breaches of the house, Kg2 12:5.
IV. This method did not answer the intention, Kg2 12:6. Little money was raised. Either the priests were careless, and did not call on the people to pay in their dues, or the people had so little confidence in the priests' management that they were backward to pay money into their hands; if they were distrusted without cause, it was the people's shame; if with, it was more theirs. But what money was raised was not applied to the proper use: The breaches of the house were not repaired; the priests thought it might serve as well as it had done, and therefore put off repairing from time to time. Church work is usually slow work, but it is a pity that churchmen, of all men, should be slow at it. Perhaps what little money they raised they thought it necessary to use for the maintenance of the priests, which must needs fall much short when ten tribes had wholly revolted and the other two were wretchedly corrupted.
V. Another method was therefore taken. The king had his heart much set upon having the breaches of the house repaired, Kg2 12:7. His apostasy, at last, gives us cause to question whether he had as good an affection for the service of the temple as he had for the structure. Many have been zealous for building and beautifying churches, and for other forms of godliness, who yet have been strangers to the power of it. However, we commend his zeal, and blame him not for reproving even his tutor Jehoiada himself when he saw him remiss; and so convincing was his reproof that the priests owned themselves unworthy to be any longer employed, and consented to the taking of some other measures, and the giving up of the money they had received into other hands, Kg2 12:8. It was honestly done, when they found they had not spirit to do it themselves, not to hinder other people from doing it. Another course was taken,
1.For raising money, Kg2 12:9, Kg2 12:10. The money was not paid into private hands, but put into a public chest, and then people brought it in readily and in great abundance, not only their dues, but their free-will offerings for so good a work. The high priest and the secretary of state counted the money out of the chest, and laid it by in specie for the use to which it was appropriated. When public distributions are made faithfully public contributions will be made cheerfully. The money that was given, (1.) Was dropped into the chest through a hole in the lid, past recall, to intimate that what has been once resigned to God must never be resumed. Every man, as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give. (2.) The chest was put on the right hand as they went in, which, some think, is alluded to in that rule of charity which our Saviour gives, Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. But, while they were getting all they could for the repair of the temple, they did not break in upon that which was the stated maintenance of the priests, Kg2 12:16. The trespass-money and the sin-money (which were given to them by that law, Lev 5:15, Lev 5:16) were reserved to them. Let not the servants of the temple be starved under colour of repairing the breaches of it.
2.For laying out the money that was raised.
(1.)They did not put it into the hands of the priests, who were not versed in affairs of this nature, having other work to mind, but into the hands of those that did the work, or at least had the oversight of it, Kg2 12:11. Those were fittest to be entrusted with this business whose employment lay that way. Tractant fabrilia fabri - Every artist has his trade assigned; but let not those who are called to war the holy warfare entangle themselves in the affairs of this life. Those that were thus entrusted did the business, [1.] Carefully, purchasing materials and paying workmen, Kg2 12:12. Business is done with expedition when those are employed in it that understand it and know which way to go about it. [2.] Faithfully; such a reputation they got for honesty that there was no occasion to examine their bills or audit their accounts. Let all that are entrusted with public money, or public work, learn hence to deal faithfully, as those that know God will reckon with them, whether men do or no. Those that think it is no sin to cheat the government, cheat the country, or cheat the church, will be of another mind when God shall set their sins in order before them.
(2.)They did not lay it out in ornaments for the temple, in vessels of gold or silver, but in necessary repairs first (Kg2 12:13), whence we may learn, in all our expenses to give that the preference which is most needful, and, in dealing for the public, to deal as we would for ourselves. After the repairs were finished we find the overplus turned into plate for the service of the temple, Ch2 24:14.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 12:13 provides a crucial detail regarding the meticulous financial management of the Temple repair project initiated by King Joash. It explicitly states that the substantial funds collected from the people were not diverted to the creation of new ceremonial vessels—such as silver bowls, snuffers, basins, or trumpets—but were strictly reserved for the essential structural restoration and maintenance of the dilapidated House of the LORD. This verse underscores the integrity and focused prioritization of the Temple administrators and King Joash in ensuring that resources were used precisely for their intended purpose: the physical repair of God's dwelling place.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Negation and Enumeration to convey its message with precision and emphasis. The repeated use of negation ("not made") emphatically highlights what was excluded from the expenditure, thereby drawing sharp attention to the strict prioritization of the Temple repair. This explicit exclusion clarifies the precise boundaries of the financial allocation. Coupled with this is Enumeration, as the verse provides a detailed list of specific liturgical items (bowls, snuffers, basons, trumpets, vessels of gold and silver) that were not purchased. This comprehensive listing underscores the thoroughness of the financial oversight and the unwavering focus on the structural necessities. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast between the urgent need for structural repair (what was done with the money, as described in preceding verses) and the desire for ceremonial embellishment (what was not done). This contrast emphasizes the wisdom of prioritizing foundational needs over aesthetic or ritualistic enhancements when resources are limited and a pressing need exists, showcasing responsible stewardship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful financial management described in 2 Kings 12:13 offers profound theological insights into stewardship and integrity. It illustrates that resources dedicated to God's work must be handled with the utmost accountability and used precisely for their intended purpose. This principle extends beyond mere financial transactions to encompass the stewardship of all gifts—time, talent, and treasure—that God entrusts to His people. The prioritization of structural repair over ceremonial adornment also speaks to the importance of foundational integrity in faith and practice; true worship requires a sound spiritual "house" before outward displays. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that faithfulness in small matters, including fiscal responsibility, reflects a deeper reverence for God and His holy purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous financial integrity demonstrated in 2 Kings 12:13 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers and organizations. It challenges us to examine our own stewardship, whether of personal finances, church budgets, or communal resources. Are funds and efforts truly directed towards their stated and most critical purposes? The principle of prioritizing "structural integrity" over "adornment" encourages us to discern what is truly essential in our spiritual and practical lives. For a church, this might mean investing in discipleship and outreach programs rather than extravagant facilities if core needs are unmet. For an individual, it could mean prioritizing basic needs and responsible saving over luxurious expenditures. This passage calls us to cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability, and wise discernment in all matters of resource management, building trust and honoring the sacred trust placed in us by God and by others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were new vessels not made, especially for the Temple?
Answer: The primary reason new vessels were not made was the urgent and critical need for structural repair of the Temple. The building itself was in disrepair, likely damaged and neglected during the reign of Athaliah, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 24:7. King Joash and the high priest Jehoiada wisely prioritized the foundational integrity and safety of the House of the LORD. While ceremonial vessels were important for worship, they were secondary to ensuring the physical functionality and sacredness of the space. This decision reflects sound financial management and a clear understanding of immediate priorities when resources are limited.
Does this verse imply that ornate vessels are unimportant for worship?
Answer: Not necessarily unimportant, but it emphasizes a hierarchy of needs and a principle of wise stewardship. The Mosaic Law prescribed specific, often elaborate, items for the Tabernacle and later the Temple (e.g., the golden lampstand, the Ark of the Covenant, and various vessels detailed in Exodus 25:9 and following chapters). These items were indeed important for the prescribed worship and symbolic of God's presence and holiness. However, in the specific context of Joash's reign, the immediate and pressing need was the physical restoration of the Temple structure. The verse teaches about discerning priorities in stewardship, recognizing that foundational needs must be met before investing in embellishments, even those for sacred purposes. It's a lesson in practical wisdom and responsible resource allocation in times of necessity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous care for the physical Temple in 2 Kings 12:13, ensuring funds were used for its essential repair rather than mere adornment, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate "Temple" and its restoration in Christ. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body, as clarified in John 2:21. Just as Joash's efforts focused on the structural integrity of the physical edifice, Christ's mission was to address the foundational "disrepair" of humanity's relationship with God, caused by sin. He did not come to merely add "new vessels" of outward religious rituals or superficial piety, but to provide the ultimate sacrifice that would truly repair and reconcile, making us new creations in Him, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims. His blood is the ultimate "money" or resource, not for silver or gold vessels, but for eternal redemption, cleansing our consciences from dead works to serve the living God, as powerfully articulated in Hebrews 9:11-14. Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, becomes the new spiritual temple, built on Christ as the cornerstone, as described in Ephesians 2:19-22. Our resources and efforts, therefore, are to be dedicated to building up this spiritual house, focusing on foundational truths, genuine spiritual health, and the proclamation of the Gospel, rather than merely outward displays or transient embellishments. The integrity of the Temple's finances under Joash points to the perfect and complete integrity of God's redemptive plan, fully realized in Christ.