2 Kings 12:14

KJV

But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they gave {H5414} that to the workmen {H4399}{H6213}, and repaired {H2388} therewith the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they gave the money to those doing the

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, it was paid to those doing the work, and with it they repaired the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

for they gave that to them that did the work, and repaired therewith the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 12:14 offers a precise account of the allocation of funds collected for the restoration of the Jerusalem Temple during the reign of King Joash. This verse highlights the practical and responsible stewardship exercised by the Temple administrators and the king, ensuring that the contributions were exclusively directed towards essential structural repairs of the dilapidated House of the LORD, rather than for the acquisition of new, ornate liturgical vessels. It underscores a commitment to foundational integrity over superficial grandeur in the service of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of [2 Kings chapter 12](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Joash Repairs the Temple"), which details King Joash's (also known as Jehoash) determined efforts to repair the Temple. Joash ascended to the throne at the tender age of seven, having been hidden and protected by the high priest Jehoiada from the murderous rampage of his grandmother Athaliah, as recounted in [2 Kings 11:4](/2_kings/11-4 "2 Kings 11:4 - Jehoiada's Plan"). Upon reaching adulthood, Joash recognized the severe state of disrepair into which the Temple had fallen, largely due to neglect and desecration during Athaliah's idolatrous reign ([2 Kings 11:17-18](/2_kings/11-17 "2 Kings 11:17-18 - Athaliah's Idolatry and Its Aftermath")). He initiated a new, more effective system for collecting funds directly from the people for its restoration, a process meticulously described in [2 Kings 12:9-12](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9-12 - The Temple Repair Fund"). Verse 14 serves as a crucial clarification, emphasizing that the collected money was strictly designated for the actual building work—the purchase of materials and payment of laborers—and not for the creation of new, valuable Temple furnishings, a point explicitly stated in the preceding verse, [2 Kings 12:13](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - No New Vessels").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a building but the spiritual heart of Israel, representing God's dwelling place among His people. Its disrepair under Athaliah's reign was a stark symbol of the nation's spiritual decline and the encroachment of Baal worship. King Joash's initiative to repair the Temple was, therefore, not just a physical renovation but a profound act of spiritual renewal and a reassertion of Yahweh's centrality in national life. Culturally, the king held significant responsibility for the welfare of the Temple, often acting as its primary patron and protector. The collection method, involving a chest placed at the Temple gate, was a transparent and accessible way for the populace to contribute, fostering a sense of communal ownership in the restoration project. This period also reflects the ongoing tension between proper worship of Yahweh and the pervasive influence of idolatry, making the Temple's restoration a vital step in re-establishing covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader historical books. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Responsible Stewardship**, particularly concerning sacred resources. The careful and specific use of the collected money, ensuring it went directly to the most pressing structural needs, exemplifies sound financial management and integrity in handling contributions dedicated to God's house. This contrasts sharply with earlier periods of Temple mismanagement or neglect. Secondly, it highlights the **Prioritization of Foundational Needs** over superficial grandeur. The explicit decision to use funds for timber and hewn stones rather than ornate silver or gold vessels ([2 Kings 12:13](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - Prioritizing Structural Needs")) demonstrates a pragmatic wisdom—a recognition that the integrity of the structure was paramount for the Temple to function as a sacred space. This practical approach to ministry, focusing on what is essential for the building's stability and purpose, is a timeless lesson. Finally, the narrative showcases the theme of **Divine Preservation and Restoration**, as God works through faithful leaders like Joash and Jehoiada to preserve the Davidic line and restore the purity of worship, even after periods of apostasy and destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Workmen (Hebrew: עֹשֵׂי, _‘ōśê_):** This term literally means "doers" or "makers," referring to those who performed the actual labor. In this context, it encompasses various skilled tradesmen such as carpenters, masons, and stonecutters, as mentioned in [2 Kings 12:11-12](/2_kings/12-11 "2 Kings 12:11-12 - The Craftsmen at Work"). The use of this general term emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of the restoration work and the direct application of funds to the laborers who executed the repairs. It highlights the human effort involved in maintaining the sacred space.
* **Repaired (Hebrew: חִזְּקוּ, _ḥizzəqū_):** Derived from the root חזק (_ḥāzaq_), meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous," this verb implies not just mending but strengthening, reinforcing, and restoring to a robust condition. It speaks to a comprehensive and durable restoration, ensuring the Temple's structural integrity. This word choice conveys the thoroughness of the work undertaken, aiming for a lasting and secure edifice, rather than a mere temporary patch-up.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew: בֵּית יְהוָה, _bêṯ Yahweh_):** This is the standard biblical designation for the Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase emphasizes that the building was dedicated to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and served as the central place of His worship. The act of repairing the "House of the LORD" was, therefore, an act of reverence and devotion to God Himself, signifying a renewed commitment to the covenant and the proper worship of the one true God, especially after a period of neglect and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they gave that to the workmen":** This clause directly follows the statement in [2 Kings 12:13](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - No New Vessels") that the collected money was *not* used for silver basins, snuffers, bowls, or other gold and silver vessels. Instead, it explicitly states the positive use of the funds. "They" refers to the high priest Jehoiada and the priests who managed the collection and disbursement of the money, acting under the king's directive. "That" refers to the money collected from the people. The immediate allocation to the "workmen" underscores the direct and efficient channel through which the funds were utilized, bypassing any potential for diversion or misuse.
* **"and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.":** This second clause specifies the ultimate purpose and outcome of the financial allocation. The money given to the workmen was directly applied to the physical restoration of the Temple. The phrase "repaired therewith" (literally, "they strengthened with it") signifies that the funds were instrumental in the comprehensive structural renovation. This highlights the practical and purposeful nature of the entire endeavor, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in the stewardship of sacred contributions, ensuring the sacred space was fit for its divine purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse exhibits **Narrative Economy** by concisely stating the direct application of the funds, building on the previous verse's negative statement ([2 Kings 12:13](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - No New Vessels")). This brevity emphasizes the clear and unambiguous purpose of the money. There is also an element of **Praxis** or practical theology, as the text describes a concrete action (giving money to workmen for repair) that embodies a theological principle (responsible stewardship of sacred resources). The repeated emphasis on the "house of the LORD" throughout the chapter, culminating in this verse, functions as a form of **Repetition** that underscores the central importance of the Temple as the physical manifestation of God's presence and the focus of Israelite worship, making its restoration a paramount concern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful and direct application of funds in 2 Kings 12:14 resonates deeply with biblical principles of stewardship, integrity, and the prioritization of God's house. It teaches that resources consecrated to God's work must be handled with utmost transparency and directed towards their intended, often foundational, purposes. This pragmatic approach to Temple maintenance, focusing on structural integrity over ornamental additions, reflects a wisdom that values substance over superficiality. It implies that true devotion is demonstrated not just in grand gestures, but in the diligent and responsible care for the practical necessities that enable worship and community. This commitment to the physical state of the Temple mirrors the spiritual commitment required of God's people to maintain the integrity of their faith and the purity of their worship.

* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")
* [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Prioritizing God's House")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Orderly Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 2 Kings 12:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It calls us to consider our priorities in ministry and personal stewardship. Just as the physical Temple required solid timber and stones for its stability, our spiritual lives and church communities need strong foundations of sound doctrine, genuine discipleship, and authentic fellowship. This means prioritizing the spiritual "repair" and strengthening of individuals and communities through teaching, prayer, and service, rather than being distracted by less critical, though perhaps outwardly appealing, endeavors. The diligent and transparent use of resources for the Temple's repair also serves as a powerful model for financial integrity in all aspects of ministry, emphasizing accountability and purposeful allocation of funds dedicated to God's work. We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God entrusts to us—our time, talents, and treasures—ensuring they are used effectively to build up His kingdom and facilitate His worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I prioritizing superficial elements over foundational needs?**
* **How can I practice greater transparency and integrity in my personal and communal stewardship of resources?**
* **What "repairs" or strengthening are most needed in my spiritual life or in my church community today?**

### FAQ

**Why was the money not used for gold and silver vessels?**

Answer: The text explicitly states in [2 Kings 12:13](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - No New Vessels") that the money collected for the Temple repairs was *not* used for silver basins, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels of gold or silver. This decision was a pragmatic and responsible one, indicating a clear prioritization of needs. The Temple was in a state of structural disrepair, requiring essential building materials like timber and hewn stones, and the labor of craftsmen. While ornate vessels were important for the Temple's liturgical functions and splendor (as seen in [1 Kings 7:48-50](/1_kings/7-48 "1 Kings 7:48-50 - Solomon's Temple Furnishings")), the immediate and pressing need was to make the physical structure sound and functional. The administrators, under King Joash's direction, wisely determined that foundational integrity was paramount before any consideration of luxurious additions. This reflects a principle of good stewardship: addressing the most critical needs first.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 12:14 describes the physical restoration of an Old Testament sanctuary, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and spiritual rebuilding accomplished in Jesus Christ. The Temple in Jerusalem was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a place where atonement was made and worship offered. However, this physical structure was ultimately temporary and prone to decay, neglect, and even destruction. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, declared Himself to be the true and ultimate Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). He was speaking of the temple of His body, which, through His death and resurrection, would become the new and perfect dwelling place of God, accessible to all who believe ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are now incorporated into this new spiritual Temple, becoming "living stones" built into "a spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The physical repairs in Joash's time ensured a place for worship; Christ's work, however, eternally "repairs" and restores humanity, making us fit to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")) and enabling true worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, the meticulous care for the physical Temple in 2 Kings 12:14 points to the infinitely greater and eternal restoration of humanity and the establishment of God's presence among His people through the person and work of Jesus 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.