2 Kings 12:13

KJV

Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit there were not made {H6213} for the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} bowls {H5592} of silver {H3701}, snuffers {H4212}, basons {H4219}, trumpets {H2689}, any vessels {H3627} of gold {H2091}, or vessels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, of the money {H3701} that was brought {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But none of the money brought into the house of ADONAI was used to make silver cups, snuffers, bowls, trumpets or other articles of gold or silver for the house of ADONAI;

Berean Standard Bible

However, the money brought into the house of the LORD was not used for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets, or any articles of gold or silver for the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But there were not made for the house of Jehovah cups of silver, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of Jehovah;

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Joash's reign (2 Kings 12), which began remarkably at the age of seven following the tyrannical rule of Athaliah. Under the faithful guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, Joash embarked on a significant and necessary project to repair the neglected Temple of the LORD. The preceding verses, specifically [2 Kings 12:4-12](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-12 - Joash's Temple Repair Initiative"), detail Joash's decree for the priests to collect money from the people for this restoration. The funds were then meticulously managed, handed over to the supervisors of the work, who in turn paid the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, and purchased the necessary timber and hewn stone for the repairs. Verse 13 serves as an important clarification, emphasizing how the collected money was *not* used, thereby highlighting the strict adherence to the repair project's primary and singular purpose, preventing any diversion of funds for non-essential items, even if they were for worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem had fallen into significant disrepair, likely due to neglect during the reigns of apostate kings and the direct desecration under Queen Athaliah, who had used sacred Temple articles for Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). Therefore, the restoration initiated by Joash was not merely a cosmetic upgrade but a vital act of national and religious renewal. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were central to national identity and religious practice, and their upkeep was a king's sacred duty. The items listed in the verse—"bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver"—were common liturgical instruments and containers used in Temple worship, often associated with its grandeur and the performance of sacrifices and rituals. The deliberate decision not to create new ones at this time underscores a pragmatic and responsible approach to stewardship, prioritizing the structural integrity of the sacred space over its ceremonial adornment, given the urgent state of disrepair.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in 2 Kings and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Financial Integrity and Stewardship**, demonstrating a clear commitment to honest and transparent handling of sacred funds. The money was dedicated to a specific purpose, and the king and his administrators ensured it was used accordingly, setting an example for responsible management of resources, a theme echoed in other passages concerning Temple finances like those found in [Nehemiah 13:10-14](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10-14 - Nehemiah's Reforms Regarding Temple Support"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Prioritization of Needs**, illustrating a wise discernment in allocating resources. At this juncture, the structural soundness of the Temple was paramount, signaling that basic, foundational needs must be met before luxuries or non-essentials are considered. This practical wisdom is a recurring motif in biblical wisdom literature. Lastly, the passage subtly reinforces the **Sanctity and Importance of the Temple** as God's dwelling place, underscoring that its physical restoration was a high priority for the nation and its king, reflecting a desire to honor God by maintaining His house.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"bowls" (Hebrew, _saph_):** This term, often translated as "basins" or "bowls," refers to vessels used for various purposes in the Temple, including collecting blood from sacrifices or holding offerings. The explicit mention of these, alongside other items, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the decision not to create *any* new ceremonial objects, regardless of their function.
* **"snuffers" (Hebrew, מְזַמְּרוֹת, _mezammerot_):** These were practical tools used to trim the wicks of the menorah in the Holy Place. Their inclusion in the list of items *not* made highlights the meticulousness of the financial management; even small, functional liturgical items were excluded if they were not directly related to the structural repair, reinforcing the strict adherence to the project's scope.
* **"money" (Hebrew, כֶּסֶף, _kesef_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse, underscores the source and specific nature of the funds. It was "money brought into the house of the LORD," signifying consecrated funds, distinct from the king's personal treasury. The repetition emphasizes the strict accountability for these specific, dedicated resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately sets a negative tone, indicating a deliberate decision or a specific exclusion. The administrators consciously chose *not* to use the funds for certain purposes, despite the items being for the "house of the LORD." This highlights a disciplined approach to the project's scope.
* **"bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver":** This detailed enumeration specifies the types of items that were *not* produced. These were all liturgical or ceremonial objects, typically associated with the grandeur and functionality of Temple worship. The emphasis on both gold and silver vessels underscores that no new ornate or valuable items were commissioned, regardless of material.
* **"of the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD":** This concluding clause reiterates the source of the funds, reinforcing the principle of dedicated resources. The money was specifically collected for the Temple repair, and its use was strictly confined to that purpose, demonstrating integrity and a clear understanding of stewardship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Negation** and **Enumeration** to convey its message. The repeated use of negation ("not made") emphatically highlights what was *excluded* from the expenditure, thereby drawing 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 the 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.

### 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.

* [Nehemiah 13:10-14](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10-14 - Nehemiah's Reforms Regarding Temple Support") - Nehemiah's reforms highlight the importance of proper financial support and management for the Temple, condemning misuse of dedicated funds.
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God of Tithes and Offerings") - This passage directly addresses the principle of bringing dedicated offerings to God and the consequences of withholding or misusing them, emphasizing divine expectation for stewardship.
* [1 Chronicles 29:10-14](/1_chronicles/29-10 "1 Chronicles 29:10-14 - David's Prayer and Offering") - David's prayer in response to the people's generous giving for the Temple acknowledges that all wealth belongs to God, reinforcing the idea that our giving is merely returning what is already His, to be used for His glory.

### 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
* **How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of financial stewardship in personal and communal contexts?**
* **In what areas of our lives (personal, church, community) might we be tempted to prioritize "adornment" over "structural integrity"?**
* **What steps can we take to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the handling of resources dedicated to God's work?**

### 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 ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). King Joash and the high priest Jehoiada wisely prioritized the foundational integrity of the House of the LORD. While ceremonial vessels were important for worship, they were secondary to ensuring the physical safety and functionality of the sacred 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. 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 described in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle") 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.

### 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](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus' Body as the Temple")). 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 ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). 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 ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, becomes the new spiritual temple, built on Christ as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). 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.

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 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.

1 Kings 7:48

¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

1 Kings 7:50

And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.

Numbers 7:13

And his offering [was] one silver charger, the weight thereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them [were] full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Numbers 7:14

One spoon of ten [shekels] of gold, full of incense:

Numbers 10:2

Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

Ezra 1:9

And this [is] the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,